Interviewing agents

Youll want to interview at least three real estate agents to
determine who will do the best job for you. What you are trying to
determine is who has a finger on the pulse of the real estate market,
and can offer his or her professional guidance to get your house sold
for a reasonable amount. Finding top agents in your hometown is helpful out-of-town agents may not have the in-depth market knowledge, or
the accessibility to motivated buyers.

Ask these questions before listing with an agent:

• How many homes have you sold in the past year?


• How many in the past six months?


• How did the selling price of those homes differ in relation to the list price?


• What do I need to do to the outside of my home to increase curb appeal?


• What do I need to do to the inside of my home to make it more attractive to potential buyers?


• What can I do to make my home sell quickly?


• How many homes like mine are currently for sale in this town? How much are they listed for?


• How will you determine the list price of my home?

Notice the list price question came last. Too often sellers interview
agents and list their home with the agent who comes up with the highest
price. In a slow market, a price that is the highest may very well mean
that your home will languish on the market, resulting in a much lower
sales price months down the road. Find the agent who will partner with
you to get your house sold in a reasonable amount of time for a
reasonable amount of money.