Three Things To Avoid When Picking A Real Estate Agent
Many homeowners look for a real estate agent to efficiently sell their home. While there are many ways to judge a potential real estate agent, the following trains of thought could actually be mistakes. Here are some things to avoid when choosing a real estate agent.
Choosing an Agent Based on Commission
One mistake that sellers make is to choose their agent simply based on the amount of commission that the agent wants. However, by doing this, you're missing out on some other factors that could cost you money. For instance, if you choose an agent who has a quick turnaround time for properties, you can save on mortgage and taxes associated with sitting on the property for longer. You'll also be discounting the additional work that some agents do, such as staging the property and marketing with professional photos. Consider the agent's average selling time, as well as any marketing or staging perks, along with the commission percentage.
Choosing an Agent Based on Listing Price
If you have a listing price in mind and you find a few real estate agents who disagree with you, it can be tempting to go with the one agent who is willing to agree with your listing price. However, this may not be in your best interest; it may indicate that the agent doesn't have enough experience to make a good call about the price range. Make sure to pick an agent who will tell you the hard truth when needed in order to sell your property efficiently.
Choosing an Agent Without Getting References
Finally, you may be limiting your search by choosing an agent without vetting their references first. Some agents may have a great track record based on their affiliation with a big name real estate company, but it also matters how well you will be able to communicate with the agent and trust their judgement. Your agent should be able to provide you with some past clients who you can talk to about their experiences at the agency. Be sure to ask for references from recent sales, since an agent's style and enthusiasm may change as they advance in their career.
There are many great real estate agents on the market, although you will have to do a little bit of sleuthing to find someone who is both knowledgeable and personable. By avoiding the four courses of action listed above, you stand a better chance of finding an excellent real estate agent.
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