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A GOOD AGENT IS HARD TO FIND |
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As in any other profession, some Realtors do the job better than others.
The National Association of Realtors offers the startling statistic that 8%
of all Realtors do 92% of all real estate business, a significant
change from the old “80/20” rule. Apparently, most real estate
companies are still hiring many part-time, incompetent or unmotivated
Sales Associates. And with continuing high recidivism rate, your
chances of getting a “new” licensee and becoming someone’s
“on-the-job-training" could be as high as 80%.
So what should you look for? It is important that you hire someone who has
both the business skills and personal commitment to lead you through the
entire selling process. The Agent Comparison Chart below tells you what
services and practices to consider when interviewing Realtors. In
additional to technical skills, your chosen agent should be someone
with whom you feel personally comfortable – someone you believe you can
trust with your family’s welfare.
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IS A LISTING AGENT SUPPOSED TO DO FOR YOU? |
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The job of a Realtor hired by a
home seller is threefold:
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To present the property to the public in such a way
as to attract an appropriate buyer who is ready, willing and
able to make the purchase.
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To successfully negotiate acceptable price
and terms and implement full execution of a purchase and sale
Agreement between buyer and seller.
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To implement and/or coordinate all the
conditions of the purchase and sale Agreement including financing,
appraisals, inspections, title work, surveys, repairs and closing
arrangements.
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ASK QUESTIONS AND DON'T BE
"SOLD" BY A FAST-TALKER |
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Remember, YOU are the one doing the hiring, so conduct the
"job interview" with agents in the same manner you would when
interviewing anyone you are considering hiring for any job. Listen
carefully and if something sounds too good to be true - as usual - it
probably is. The price of your home is determined by current market
conditions and statistical information. All agents access the same MLS and
public records. An agent who claims they can magically get much more for
your home than other agents you have interviewed is, simply, lying
to you. And unfortunately, as unethical and contemptible as that is, it
happens regularly. Some agents will tell you whatever they think you
need to hear to sign an agreement.
When considering which agent to hire, the most important question a seller
can ask an agent is: “What are you going to do for me – what is
your job?” Anyone who cannot clearly describe his or her job,
probably does not what that job is and cannot do it.
A competent Realtor will be organized and prepared and will provide a
written marketing plan and a service guarantee. The initial meeting
with an agent really is a “job interview” and the agent will be at his
or her best. Are they dressed professionally or do they look like they are
on vacation, the golf course or going to a party. An agent who has
experienced consistent success will have high self esteem and will look
like it. And if professionalism isn’t present then, it will not
magically appear after the listing agreement is signed. On the
contrary, you may never see them again, including at the closing. Anyone
who doesn't attend the closing has decided an hour of their time is more
important than making sure the job is done - and done right. And if you
have complaints about their service, they won't have to face you.
Choose wisely and you will have relatively few problems throughout the
process and will net the maximum possible financial proceeds.
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