Not all real estate agents are created equal, so make sure to hire an agent who helps you buy your dream home for a great deal and/or get your home sold fast and for top dollar like me, Shelly Salas. With this guide, you can ask the right questions while you are looking to hire the perfect agent.
What You Need to Know When Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Hiring a real estate agent is not easy as the decision you make can potentially save or cost you thousands of dollars. The right agent will provide second-mile service to help you buy your dream home for a great deal and/or get your home sold fast and for top dollar. It’s important to hire an agent that will represent you best, so make sure to ask potential agents the right questions. In fact, some agents may be reluctant to answer these questions, but remember that knowing the truth can help determine if they are the right fit for you. Since not all agents are created equal, approach the hiring process with care. Think of yourself as the boss and select an agent who is the best fit for your needs because this is your biggest financial investment!
10 Things You need to Know before Hiring a Real Estate Agent
An agent can cost OR save you thousands of dollars!
When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, it’s important to do your research and find someone who is the right fit for you. Who will provide you the best service? These questions will help you decide. Then, evaluate each agent’s responses to these 10 questions carefully and objectively.
What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you?
The current real estate market is notably more challenging than it was ten years ago. Consequently, it is crucial to work with an agent who has developed effective marketing plans and programs to ensure that your property stands out from the crowd. What sets this agent apart from the rest? What unique advantages can they offer to get your home sold fast and for top dollar with the least amount of hassle?
What is your company’s track record and reputation in the market place?
It’s easy to become numb to the constant barrage of real estate agents touting their #1 status or the number of homes they’ve sold. However, if you’re a homeowner looking to get your home sold fast and for top dollar, you should take note of this information when hiring a real estate agent. After all, an agent’s success in real estate is measured by their ability to sell homes. If one agent is selling a significant number of homes compared to another who sells only a few, it’s worth considering why.
What are these agents doing differently? It’s not uncommon for agents to sell fewer than 10 homes a year, which can limit their ability to market your home effectively. With a lower volume, they may not have the resources to afford advertising or special programs to give your home a high profile. They may also lack the ability to hire an assistant, which could lead to a decline in service quality as they try to handle all aspects of the job themselves. Therefore, when interviewing agents, it’s essential to ask how many homes they’ve sold to determine if they can offer the level of service you require.
What are your marketing plans for my home?
When interviewing an agent, it’s important to know where they advertise and how much they spend compared to their competitors. Here are a few questions to consider asking:
- What is your advertising budget for homes you list?
- Which media outlets do you advertise in (newspaper, magazine, TV, etc.)?
- Can you provide insight into the effectiveness of one medium over the other?
What has your company sold in my area?
Agents should bring you a complete listing of both their own, and other comparable sales in your area.
Does your broker control your advertising or
do you?
If your agent is not in control of their own advertising, then your home will be competing for advertising space not only with this agent’s other listings, but also with the listings of every other agent in the brokerage.
On average, when your listings sell, how close is the selling price to the asking price?
This information is available from the Real Estate Board. Is this agent’s performance higher or lower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how high a price you will get for the sale of your home.
On average, how long does it take for your listings to sell?
This information is also available from the Real Estate Board. Does this agent tend to sell faster or slower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how long your home will be on the market before it sells.
How many buyers are you currently working
with?
Obviously, the more buyers your agent is working with, the better your chances are of selling your home quickly. It will also impact price because an agent with many buyers can set up an auction-like atmosphere where many buyers bid on your home at the same time. Ask them to describe the system they have for attracting buyers.
Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact?
Ask to see this list, and then proceed to spot check some of the names.
What happens if I’m not happy with the job you are doing to get my home sold? Can I cancel my listing contract?
When hiring an agent, be wary of those that lock you into a lengthy listing contract which they can get out of (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but you can’t. There are usually penalties and broker protection periods which safeguard the agent’s interests, but not yours. How confident is your agent in the service s/he will provide you? Will s/he allow you to cancel your contract without penalty if you’re not satisfied with the service provided?
Your Home WILL Sell— or I’ll buy it from you… Guaranteed!*
Don’t get stuck paying two mortgages! This program guarantees, upfront and in writing. If your home doesn’t sell, I, Shelly Salas will buy it from you at a price agreeable to you.
Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee*
If you Are Not Satisfied With Your Next Home Purchase I Will Buy it Back or Sell It For Free – Guaranteed!*
Move Up to Any One of My Listings and I’ll Buy Your Home for CASH!*
NO Gimmicks! For more information on my exclusive Guaranteed Sale Program, Call Shelly Salas Today and order a Free Report now!
Free Moving Truck Rental
One of the many benefits my clients get to enjoy is the use of our moving truck not only when they close a sale on home but in a lifetime for free!**
Why Shelly Salas is The Perfect Agent for You
Shelly Salas Can Help You With All Your Real Estate Needs
From selling houses fast for top dollar to helping you buy your dream home for a great deal, I know what it takes to make your real estate journey a success.
Additionally, at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty – The Salas Team, you’re not just another client. Each home-seller or homebuyer receives world-class personal customer service.
With my vast knowledge of the real estate market, I can help you buy or sell your home stress-free. My tips and guidance will get your home sold fast, for top dollar, and with the least amount of hassle. Don’t just take my word for it – my record of selling more homes than any other agent in Killeen speaks for itself. Call Shelly Salas Today at 254-223-SOLD or fill out the form located at the bottom of this page to get started!
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