CHOOSING A LISTING AGENT? HERE’S HOW
December 18th, 2009 categories: Market Trends, Selling
Given today’s market conditions it is crucial that you make a wise decision in choosing your listing agent. The market is improving–no doubt about that. And there is still a whole whale of a lot of inventory to be sold off. Here in Chicago the glut of new construction condos is slowing to a trickle which will help the resale market–and there is still a gracious plenty of homes for sale. Here are a few criteria that need your consideration before you sign a contract to list your home.
- Asking a friend or a co-worker for a reference is a good idea–ask about the level of service–were they kept aware of new properties coming on in their price range and search area, was the agent really well informed about the area or the building, did they feel absolute trust in their agent–all great questions.
- Be sure of the agent’s marketing plan. It’s acceptable behaviour to ask for a marketing plan in writing. Be aware that newspaper ads are not nearly as important as they used to be. An internet presence is much more effective these days and I am pleased to say that Baird & Warner, my company, has an absolutely stunning, fantabulous internet presence.
- Don’t let an agent “buy” your listing by giving you an unrealistic high price for your home. Be sure the agent gives you a detailed analysis of past sales of similar properties–the current for sales aren’t nearly as important. Closed sales tell you what price people will pay for a property similar to yours. Watching market times is a help also.
- Be sure that your agent is absolutely honest and trustworthy. Your home is one of your most valuable assets and you want to entrust the sale of this asset to someone who is totally, brutally (sometimes) honest with you.
- Be sure that your agent answers your calls quickly and answers your questions fully. Expect your agent to deal with you in person, not through an assistant, most of the time. You should ask for frequent market updates–what has closed, what has gone pending and what is new on the market.
- Ask your agent to call you with feedback after showings–it is a little more work for the agent, but feedback gives you an idea of what potential buyers are seeing and feeling.
If you are thinking of selling a piece of Chicago real estate, please call me. My direct dial is 312-981-2360, my cell phone is 312-607-1306. E-mail is fine too!
Here are some other posts that might interest you:
In God We Trust, and Our Realtor. . .
Paint–the Easiest Cheapest Refresher
This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Market Trends, Selling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Clever tips and guidelines! I’ll keep all these in mind. Something to be shared too. Good luck on all your real estate ventures. Happy Holidays too!