Chattanooga/Hixson, Tennessee
You invested well...you took care of your home...you paid your mortgage...you now need to sell. What should you look for in the Realtor® you select to get the most for your hard work? How can you realize the most dollars from your equity?
Here are some things owners should consider when searching for a Realtor®:
1. They must be full-time in the business. Only a full-time agent can be available anytime a prospective buyer calls. Buyers can be fickle, meaning if they are asked to wait, they find another option. That might mean buying another house, not yours.
2. They must have experience. This is the person that will negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get the maximum price. Experience is extremely valuable when pricing your home, only a Realtor® with market knowledge can sort out the important information from superficial information. Your agent's experience is of vital IMPORTANCE to you!
3. They must have contacts within the business. Your Realtor® will be the one person that makes sure your home is exposed to the other professionals in your market. Your Realtor® will work to resolve all inspections, appraisals, title questions and problems to get you to the closing table. It really is who you know. No closing, no equity check.
4. They must be a REALTOR® - all real estate agents are not Realtors®. However, all Realtors® are trained and tested on the Code of Ethics as part of their membership in the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors® are voluntarily held to higher standards. Realtors® take public service seriously. Ask the questions and look for the "R".
5. They must belong to the MLS service in your area. This connection is vital for maximum buyer exposure. Agents who are not MLS members forfeit the #1 marketing tool in the real estate business today. Don't ever consider trying to sell real estate without MLS access by your Realtor®.
6. They must care about you. If you interview a Realtor® that doesn't listen to what you say, they may not share your priorities. Most agents do truly care about you, but you can tell when you find one who only cares about the commission. Trust your instincts. This is your advocate in the sale of your home, you must feel they are on your team.
7. They must be trustworthy. This means they shoot straight with you, even if it means giving you advice you don't want to hear. Selling your home is a stressful process and you want to know what is happening, you need your Realtors® counsel every step of the way. You need to know what the market is doing and how it is reacting to your home. If your Realtor's® story seems to keep changing, you probably selected the wrong agent.
8. They must represent you. Having representation means your Realtor® is working on your behalf and for your best interest. The listing agreement will establish your agency relationship with your agent. Make sure you understand how you will be represented in different options. Tennessee law allows different options, but how you will be represented must be in writing.
While this may appear to be a simplified list, these recommendations can lay a solid foundation for a successful home sale. Attention to these basics should mean you avoid the heartaches and headaches of dealing with the wrong agent.
In the Chattanooga area, my team at UpwardRealty.com would love to show you how selecting the right Realtor® can make your next move far less stressful.
The wrong agent, no matter how good the sales pitch, can become your worst nightmare.
We serve Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia.
Copyright 2007
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