We’ve been thinking of hiring a REALTOR to list our property. What should we look for in a qualified, competent agent?
Do you remember the old riddle,
“What do you call the person who graduated dead last in his/her medical school class?”
Answer: DOCTOR!
Well, the same is true for real estate agents. Just because someone passed a state licensing examination doesn’t mean they are qualified to handle your needs. All agents are not the same. Here are a few things you should look for in a qualified agent.
- 1. Determine if he/she specializes either in your area or type of home.
- 2. Ask them specifically how they helped clients overcome specific problems they encountered in a past transaction.
- 3. Ask them specifically what they will do for you if they represent you. They should have a step-by-step plan of action.
- 4. Ask them how long they’ve practiced real estate, and how many transactions they have under their belt.
- 5. Ask them about their marketing skills. See, most agents are trained to handle transactions and understand the law, but few are trained in effective marketing. A poor marketer will cost you thousands of dollars in wasted time and energy.
- 6. Finally, ask them for a reference list of past clients they’ve helped. Call those references and ask questions about how they handled the transaction.
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