Selecting a Realtor®
Your home is one of your largest assets. So when thinking of selling, your most important decision is the selection of the Realtor(s) you choose to represent you.
The job of your Realtor is to help you achieve your goal in selling your home, and to guide you through the entire process.
They will explain the steps involved in selling your home, and familiarize you with the various activities, documents and procedures that you will encounter throughout the transaction.
Tips For Selecting A Realtor
How do you know which Realtor is right for you? Your Real Estate Professional should be:
- A Realtor who is a full time agent, and is familiar with the local Real Estate market.
- A Realtor with experience - one with a proven track record of success.
- A Realtor who provides a thorough Market Analysis for your home.
- A Realtor who is familiar with the latest technology, and how to use it to showcase your home.
- A Realtor who provides consistent communication to you regarding showing feedback and overall market trends.
- A Realtor who is accessible when you need them.
- A Realtor who provides you with a written Marketing Plan for your home.
- And most importantly, a Realtor should be someone you are comfortable with, and someone you trust!
Developing a Marketing Strategy
In order to sell your home quickly and on with the best possible terms, it's necessary to prepare your home for the market. This process includes:
- Timing - Deciding when to put your home on the market.
- Pricing - Establishing a strategic price based on recent comparable sales, local market conditions and your motivation to sell.
- Staging - Advising you on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Marketing Your Property
- Installing a "FOR SALE" sign to be placed prominently on your property.
- Installing a lock box to make it easy for agents to show your home.
- Submitting your home to the Multiple Listing Service for immediate exposure to the real estate community.
- Featuring your property on a dedicated web site and other search engines such as REALTOR.com.
- Hosting a Brokers' Open House so that other area Sales Associates can tour the home.
- Developing a flyer/brochure highlighting the features and benefits of your home.
- Holding public open houses when appropriate.
- Advertising your property at our regular office meetings.
- Asking clients and colleagues if they know of possible buyers.
Managing the Transaction
Once an offer is received, you will want a strong and knowledgeable advocate on your side during the transaction!
Negotiating the Offer
Your Realtor will present and explain all offers to you. You will be able to accept, reject, or counter any offer presented. During the negotiation process, your Realtor will leverage their experience and skills to advocate your interests:
- Reviewing the contract and obligations before you sign.
- Explaining how contingencies and release clauses work.
- Protecting you from signing a "blank check" for unknown problems or repairs.
- Defining legal disclosure requirements.
- Orchestrate the offer process for "back-up" offers, if necessary.
Throughout the negotiation, your Realtor will provide you with a professional, objective point of view; but the final decision of accepting an offer is yours.
After the Offer is Accepted
Once an offer is accepted, your Realtor will manage all the details to make the process as stress-free and efficient as possible:
- Staying in contact with the Buyer's agent to ensure a smooth transaction.
- Following up on the progress of the Buyer's loan.
- Monitoring all key contract dates (i.e., for deposits, inspections, mortgage, etc.)
- Assisting you if a conflict with the Buyer arises.
Finalizing and Closing the Transaction
Your Realtor will make sure you are aware of the steps necessary to finalize the sale of your home, including changing utilities, the final clean out the house, timing of the Buyer walk-thru, etc.