Is your Agent the Cheapest or the Most Valuable?

One of the most significant things to consider when choosing the right agent is whether they are the cheapest or most valuable. Most agents are often compared on their commission with little observation given by the home owner about the agents ability to pull in the top dollar for their home. Here is a little assistance with what to look for when choosing the right agent for you?

• Has the agent got any results in your local area? If so, how do these results compare to other similar homes which have been sold in the same area? Many people assume that the ability of one agent is comparable to the other. This is not always the case. Your agent must be able to negotiate. If the agent that you are speaking to cannot negotiate on their own value, how do you think that they will be able to negotiate on the value of your home?

• Is the agent that you are speaking with pushing you for a quick sale or the best sale (i.e. are they telling you that they can sell your home in 1 day or 1 week) or are they asking you what timeframe you need to sell the home in and advising you on the best strategy to achieve the best result in that timeframe? Not all owners circumstances are the same so do you need a quick sale or the best sale?

• Have you done your own research and how does the agents advice compare to your own research? Many home owners pick the agent that promises them the highest price. This is one of the worst possible things to do when selling. Optimism from the agent is a good thing however overpromising an unachievable price for your home will result in frustration and will often lead to you needing to readjust your price once or maybe on several occasions. This will then give prospective buyers an impression that either there is something wrong with the home or that you are desperate to sell your home. Either way it will result in you being frustrated or not achieving the full potential value for your home.

Lastly is your agents strategy to place the property on the market and HOPE FOR THE BEST? Many agents do not articulate to the seller what they will do in order to attract interest towards the home. Hoping for the best is certainly not a strategy and you need to ask yourself whether your agent will be able to deliver a result beyond your expectations.