To begin your search for the right person to represent you in a
home sale, ask a friend or work mates for a recommendation,
preferably someone who has used the real estate agent's services.
You want an agent who is familiar with home sales in your price
range and in your target are. It is essential that you feel
comfortable with the agent during an interview since comfort
level and good communication are very important.
You want an agent who is familiar with home sales in your price
range and in your target are. It is essential that you feel
comfortable with the agent during an interview since comfort
level and good communication are very important.
During your interview, don't hesitate to ask the agent about the
number of homes the agent has listed and actually sold. The
length of time the agent has been in business is not necessarily
the best yardstick.
Make sure to ask about their commission fees as well. These fees
will vary depending on your location and mostly likely be fixed,
however, always ask if they are negotiable.
Remember, the agent you choose is going to be one of your main
sources of information. A good agent will advise you and guide
you in many ways. Look for a representative who is pursuing
sales, returning telephone calls, aggressively working in your
best interest and whose only job is real estate.
Interview Checklist
How often will you promise to call or write me with activity on
the home?
I would like to have a list of your satisfied clients (of
comparable properties) as references?
Describe your history of real estate sales?
Most agents sell just 30 percent to 60 percent of their listings
before the listings expire. Choose an agent who sells 85 percent
if possible.
What percentage of the asking price, on average, have you
received for the homes you've sold during the last year?
What is the average number of days your listed homes stayed on
the market?
Why should I pick you over all other agents?
About the author:
Peter Roderick is a mortgage specialist and Director of Refund
Home Loans Beechmont. For more information, articles, news,
tools and valuable resources on home or investment loan,
refinancing, debt solutions, visit this site:
http://www.refundhomeloans.com.au or email
peterroderick@refundhomeloans.com.au to register for our free
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