Choosing an agent when listing your home

One of the most important things you can do when you are selling your home is to find the right real estate agent. An experienced agent can sell your home quickly, instead of letting it sit on the market for months.

A real estate agent can help you price your home to sell. The price must be competitive for the area where you live and it must be comparable to other homes that are similar in size and style. A real estate agent can get all of that information for you and give you a price that is reasonable. They have access to information that you will be unable to get, and they can save you time doing research. Not only will they know what other homes are listed at in your neighborhood, but they can find out what the selling price was on homes that have recently sold.

An agent can also tell you inexpensive ways to improve your home to increase your asking price. This is essential if you have an older home that is outdated.  Any agent worth hiring should properly stage the home when needed to create a proper flow and cohesive, inviting atmosphere, both inside and out.

Before you set your price, discuss your options with an experienced agent. They can show you how to negotiate once you get an offer. The asking price is often not the selling price, and you want to make sure you get the price you need. A real estate agent can be a valuable resource when you are selling your home, and can make the entire process go smoothly and quickly.

Defining an Agents Duties:

A real estate agent has a specific responsibility to his or her client that is called a fiduciary duty, which simply means that the agent has to act in the best interests of his/her client. Not only does a real estate agent have to sell your house, he or she also has to be responsible for it.

A real estate agent’s fiduciary duties include being loyal – doing everything possible to gain an advantage; being obedient – promptly obeying all lawful instructions from the seller or buyer that conform to the purpose of the agency relationship; practice disclosure – reveal any material defects in the property, but not information such as poor school systems, dropping property values or traffic problems; exercise confidentiality – use discretion when revealing or concealing financial details; use reasonable care and diligence – prepare him or herself through education to competently represent the seller; and being accountable – for any documents or money entrusted to him or her.

A good agent will keep up with market activity and help his or her clients with contracts, inspections, negotiations, and the closing process.

If you are thinking of listing your home, please contact me. We would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.