Interview potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire.
Realize too that real estate agent will likely be interviewing you, too. Be wary of agents who don't ask you questions
and probe for your motivation. You wouldn't work with just any agent off the street, and good agents are just as
selective about their clients, too.
1. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?
As a seller, you will need to know:
Specifically, how will you sell my home?
Where and how often do you advertise?
Will you show me a sample flyer?
How do you market online?
2. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?
A good agent won't hesitate to answer this question and will be ready to fire off why she is best suited for the job.
Everyone has their own standards, but most consumers say they are looking for agents who say they are:
Honest and trustworthy
Assertive
Excellent negotiators
Available by phone or e-mail
Good communicators
Friendly
Analytical
Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances
3. May I Review Documents Beforehand That I Will Be Asked to Sign?
A sign of a good real estate agent is a professional who makes forms available to you for preview before you are
required to sign them. If at all possible, ask for these documents upfront.
As a seller, ask to see:
Agency Disclosure
Listing Agreement
Seller Disclosures
4. Is the commission negotiable?
The commission paid by a home seller often is 6%, split between the buyer's agent and the seller's. But the
commission isn't set in stone. Sellers have a particular edge to negotiate commissions on high-end houses or
attractive homes that are sure to sell quickly.
Caution if an agent whacks a commission for no apparent reason: "If an agent is so willing to cut commission...how
willing is he going to be to cut your [asking] price?"
Also make sure that the agent that is listing your home for sale is giving a fair split of the commission to the buyer's
agent. Usually at 2.5%, less could hurt your home sale.
5. Is the chemistry good?
Ask yourself if you like and respect the agent. Personal chemistry is actually quite important. It's a personal
transaction, and a lot of stress is involved. Try to ensure that by the end of the deal, you're not going to be losing
hair at the very sound of the agent's voice. If the agent has a bad reputation among peers, other agents may want to
avoid dealing with him or her, which will cost you in ways you'll never see.
6. Why are you saying my home is worth $400K when I think its worth $325K?
We do an analysis so we know what similar homes are selling for in your area its called a CMA.
TIP: Ask to see the comparisons (called "comps"). High volume agents may be motivated to list your house too high
because they don't need the quick commission. An new agent may list a home too low just to sell it quickly and get
paid. Bottom line is that it's your house and you need to do homework to ensure you're asking the right price. Do not
simply take their word for it.
Or they might be "Buying a Listing" its when a Realtor comes in and says I can get you $400k when in realty they
know it will only go for $350k. So you sign with them because you think you'll get more for your home... Then in a
couple weeks to a month they'll come back to you and say i think we need to lower the price... This hurts only you, as
the seller. If you price your home right to begin with you'll get more for your home then listing to high and constantly
reducing your price.
Take it from a buyers perspective... If you see house A (your house) and house B (competition) and both are very
similar, but your house is $50k more, then you are effectively helping House B sell their home. Then House A (your
house sits on the market) More market time means buyers want to get your home for less!
7. Is your company placing pictures on your website and other listing services?
I've seen listings with only 1 picture online, in todays market you need to have a great web presence. Almost all
buyers now start their search online, and the better your home looks from the competition then the more likely you'll
get more showings, and then more offers!
8. Will you be at the closing or will you send a lackey?
If they answer it depends on scheduling.
TIP: No. You are about to pay this agent some serious money. They should be at the closing to make sure it goes
smoothly. If they cannot squeeze you in, forget it.
9. How accessible are you?
This is important. Do they do real estate as a side job, or full time. Will they be available to show your home to a
perspective buyer or do they have to wait until the weekend or after work to do it.
10. Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales
associate or administrative assistant?
A knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable, but make sure you connect with your agent regularly. Also realize that
the assistant might not be as knowledgeable.
11. How long is the listing contract ... Can I list the house with you for 60 to 90 days?
Remember this is a contract you're stuck with this agent for how ever long you put in the contract.
I personally make sure there is a clause in the contract, so you can fire me in 1 day, and I can also fire you. Its a
business relationship, if its not working out then I don't want you to be stuck with me, and badmouthing me to all the
people you know. Not that i think it would happen, but I think if a agent knows they are doing a good job then they
have no worries about getting fired:)
Now don't forget to give me a shot!
call anytime 443-553-9923
Realize too that real estate agent will likely be interviewing you, too. Be wary of agents who don't ask you questions
and probe for your motivation. You wouldn't work with just any agent off the street, and good agents are just as
selective about their clients, too.
1. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?
As a seller, you will need to know:
Specifically, how will you sell my home?
Where and how often do you advertise?
Will you show me a sample flyer?
How do you market online?
2. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?
A good agent won't hesitate to answer this question and will be ready to fire off why she is best suited for the job.
Everyone has their own standards, but most consumers say they are looking for agents who say they are:
Honest and trustworthy
Assertive
Excellent negotiators
Available by phone or e-mail
Good communicators
Friendly
Analytical
Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances
3. May I Review Documents Beforehand That I Will Be Asked to Sign?
A sign of a good real estate agent is a professional who makes forms available to you for preview before you are
required to sign them. If at all possible, ask for these documents upfront.
As a seller, ask to see:
Agency Disclosure
Listing Agreement
Seller Disclosures
4. Is the commission negotiable?
The commission paid by a home seller often is 6%, split between the buyer's agent and the seller's. But the
commission isn't set in stone. Sellers have a particular edge to negotiate commissions on high-end houses or
attractive homes that are sure to sell quickly.
Caution if an agent whacks a commission for no apparent reason: "If an agent is so willing to cut commission...how
willing is he going to be to cut your [asking] price?"
Also make sure that the agent that is listing your home for sale is giving a fair split of the commission to the buyer's
agent. Usually at 2.5%, less could hurt your home sale.
5. Is the chemistry good?
Ask yourself if you like and respect the agent. Personal chemistry is actually quite important. It's a personal
transaction, and a lot of stress is involved. Try to ensure that by the end of the deal, you're not going to be losing
hair at the very sound of the agent's voice. If the agent has a bad reputation among peers, other agents may want to
avoid dealing with him or her, which will cost you in ways you'll never see.
6. Why are you saying my home is worth $400K when I think its worth $325K?
We do an analysis so we know what similar homes are selling for in your area its called a CMA.
TIP: Ask to see the comparisons (called "comps"). High volume agents may be motivated to list your house too high
because they don't need the quick commission. An new agent may list a home too low just to sell it quickly and get
paid. Bottom line is that it's your house and you need to do homework to ensure you're asking the right price. Do not
simply take their word for it.
Or they might be "Buying a Listing" its when a Realtor comes in and says I can get you $400k when in realty they
know it will only go for $350k. So you sign with them because you think you'll get more for your home... Then in a
couple weeks to a month they'll come back to you and say i think we need to lower the price... This hurts only you, as
the seller. If you price your home right to begin with you'll get more for your home then listing to high and constantly
reducing your price.
Take it from a buyers perspective... If you see house A (your house) and house B (competition) and both are very
similar, but your house is $50k more, then you are effectively helping House B sell their home. Then House A (your
house sits on the market) More market time means buyers want to get your home for less!
7. Is your company placing pictures on your website and other listing services?
I've seen listings with only 1 picture online, in todays market you need to have a great web presence. Almost all
buyers now start their search online, and the better your home looks from the competition then the more likely you'll
get more showings, and then more offers!
8. Will you be at the closing or will you send a lackey?
If they answer it depends on scheduling.
TIP: No. You are about to pay this agent some serious money. They should be at the closing to make sure it goes
smoothly. If they cannot squeeze you in, forget it.
9. How accessible are you?
This is important. Do they do real estate as a side job, or full time. Will they be available to show your home to a
perspective buyer or do they have to wait until the weekend or after work to do it.
10. Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales
associate or administrative assistant?
A knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable, but make sure you connect with your agent regularly. Also realize that
the assistant might not be as knowledgeable.
11. How long is the listing contract ... Can I list the house with you for 60 to 90 days?
Remember this is a contract you're stuck with this agent for how ever long you put in the contract.
I personally make sure there is a clause in the contract, so you can fire me in 1 day, and I can also fire you. Its a
business relationship, if its not working out then I don't want you to be stuck with me, and badmouthing me to all the
people you know. Not that i think it would happen, but I think if a agent knows they are doing a good job then they
have no worries about getting fired:)
Now don't forget to give me a shot!
call anytime 443-553-9923
| Integrity Real Estate 2825 North East Rd 410-658-3100 ext 76 |
| Mary Brown REALTOR |
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| Questions to ask your potential REALTOR... |
| 443-553-9923 |
Now Serving Cecil & Harford County MD
