Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Real Estate Agent...And More!

When you are selling your home, a Real Estate Agent can be very helpful. To choose a successful agent, research those who have success selling homes in your neighborhood. Often you’ll find the same two or three agents closing deals. The most successful agents have full-page ads in the local classified magazines listing houses grouped by neighborhoods or areas. Successful agents have many listings. Part-timers and unsuccessful agents may have few, if any, homes listed. To get the attention you deserve, it is best to choose a successful agent who is a full-time partner in selling your home.

WHERE TO FIND REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Probably the best source for a good full-time agent is through word-of-mouth. Friends and colleagues will tell you if and why they liked or didn’t like their real estate agent. You want a real estate agent who is professional, aggressive, and wins the monthly sales awards in their office. Large, well-funded real estate companies have minimum standards for business practices, ethics, and customer satisfaction. Even though you may find bad apples at larger firms, there may not be as many as you would in small, unaffiliated brokerage offices with no published standards or ethics practices. Ask the real estate agent to show you the state-required disclosure forms so you know all your rights ahead of time. Use online sites such as HomeGain.com or AgentConnect.com to help you locate a real estate agent based on background, experience, local sales, commission rates, and more. And although an agent can certainly be invaluable in the selling of your home, it is important to always do your research and practice care in all legal transactions.