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Home prices increased more than 18 percent last year, causing many homeowners to think about selling. Some people worry we are in a market bubble that’s about to crash.
Are you thinking about cashing in on your gains by selling your house? Here’s how you can benefit from hiring a realtor to take care of the sale.
1. Check References
Research realtors online and look closely at ratings and comments. Ask your friends and family if they know a realtor that they would be willing to recommend. They may have insights to share about real estate agents they know.
One great way to meet realtors is to visit several open houses. An open house is an opportunity to observe their sales techniques in action. You’ll have a better idea if you want them to sell your home.
2. Pricing Your Home
One of the trickiest tasks is determining your property value. An experienced realtor may suggest you use expired listings in your area to determine the best price for your home. Be reasonable and listen to their suggestions and ideas.
You want an agent that’s willing to tell you the truth. To get the listing, some agents offer to sell your home for a higher price than it’s worth. If they give you false expectations, you’ll be disappointed in the end.
Ask them the average asking price and average selling price for the homes they’ve recently sold in your area. Divide the sales price by the asking price to see how accurate their estimates are. A result over 100 means they consistently get prices higher than asking.
3. Local Market Knowledge
A professional realtor has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the local real estate market. An agent who knows your local community understands what makes it unique. They’ll help prospective buyers see the value of your location.
4. Discuss Your Expectations
When you hire a realtor, you want to know their communication styles. Talk about the amount of notice you require to show your home, so you’re not forced to scramble at the last minute. If you call or text them, you want them to respond in an appropriate amount of time.
Things can move quickly in real estate, so you want an agent that is in touch with you daily. If you work together, you’ll be moving out of your home before you know it.
5. Talk to More Than Two Agents
Ideally, you should interview three or more real estate agents before choosing. Have a list of questions to ask each person and listen carefully to their answers. Ask any follow-up questions that come to you during the interview.
A good agent will be patient because they want you to make an informed decision. If they’re unwilling to explain things or seem impatient, they may not be the right fit for you. Choose an agent you feel comfortable working with, and you’ll be happier with the outcome.
Hiring a Realtor With Confidence
You can do many things to make hiring a realtor a more straightforward process. You’ll find the best person to sell your home when you do your research.
Did this article help you understand the ins and outs of choosing the right realtor? If so, use the search feature to find more information.
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