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To begin your search for the right person to represent you in a
home sale, ask a colleague or friend for a recommendation, preferably someone
who has used the real estate agent's services. You want an agent who is familiar
with home sales in your price range and in your neighborhood. It is essential
that you feel comfortable with the agent during an interview since comfort level
and good communication are very important. During your interview, don't hesitate
to ask the agent about the number of homes the agent has listed and actually
sold. The length of time the agent has been in business is not necessarily the
best yardstick.
Make sure to ask about their commission fees as well. These fees
will average 6 percent to 7 percent but may be negotiable. Remember, the agent
you choose is going to be one of your main sources of information. A good agent
will advise you and guide you in many ways. Look for a representative who is
pursuing sales, returning telephone calls, aggressively working in your best
interest and whose only job is real estate.
Interview
Checklist
- How
often will you promise to call or write me with activity on the home?
- I
would like to have a list of your satisfied clients (of comparable
properties) as references.
- Describe
your history of real estate sales. Most agents sell just 30 percent to 60
percent of their listings before the listings expire. Choose an agent who
sells 85 percent.
- What
percentage of the asking price, on average, have you received for the homes
you've sold during the last year?
- What
is the average number of days your listed homes stayed on the market?
- Why
should I pick you over all other agents?
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