Estate agents are real estate experts with the experience to help you sell your home quickly and for the highest possible price. An agent will know current market trends, local housing markets, and other potential buyers to make sure your property is presented in the best light possible.
To find an estate agent that’s a good fit for you and your property, first, ask friends and family for recommendations. Second, do some research online or in local publications. Third, meet with at least 3 agents before deciding on one to sign a contract with. Read on for more details about how to find an estate agent that’s right for you.
Ask for Recommendations
Start by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Especially if you live in a smaller town or city, you’re likely to find at least one person who’s used the services of an estate agent. You may also find estate agents advertising their services on local websites or in newsletters. If you don’t get any recommendations, you can still find the agents in your area by doing some online research.
Research Potential Agents Online
Next, do some online research to find agents in your area. You can start by looking at your local area directory listings, including Yell or Yelp. You can search for estate agents in your area to see if any have websites or blogs where they list their services.
You can also search estate agent company websites to see if any local or regional agents are listed, and which local neighborhoods they service. If you know how much you want to sell your house for, you can also check websites that list open house listings to see if any agents are currently showing your neighbourhood.
Meet with 3 Estate Agents
Once you’ve found a few candidates to interview, it’s important to meet with them in person. Meeting with agents face-to-face will give you a better idea of their personalities, sales techniques, and real estate knowledge. You can also ask the agents questions about their experience, marketing strategies, and general pricing for estate agency services. The best way to decide which agent to work with is to pick the one you feel most comfortable with.
Franchised Real Estate Agents
If you choose to work with a franchised estate agent, you can expect the company’s agents to follow a specific business model and use specific marketing strategies. It’s helpful to know that some franchised agents also offer their services on a flat fee basis, which can help to reduce the stress of selling your home. However, you should also be aware that franchised agents may not be able to sell your home for the most money.
Independent Real Estate Agents
If you decide to work with an independent estate agent, you can expect a little more flexibility in how the agent sells your home and what marketing strategies are used. Nonetheless, you should still try to find a real estate agent that is qualified and has experience in your local housing market to get you the best possible price for your home.
To find an independent real estate agent that’s a good fit for you and your property, you can look online, in local publications, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
Negotiate the Contract with the Agent You Select
When you sign a contract with an estate agent, it’s a good idea to negotiate. It’s very likely that the first offer the agent gives you will be on the low end of the range you’re hoping for. Once again, it’s important to remember that you hold all of the power in this situation.
If the agent has a lot of clients, they need to sell your house as quickly as possible. So, an agent is going to be more willing to lower their offer to get your listing. You should be careful not to be too greedy, but you should negotiate until you’re satisfied with the offer.
Conclusion
Estate agents can help you sell your home quickly and for a higher price if you make the right decision. Before hiring an agent, find recommendations, do research, and meet a few. It’s also helpful to negotiate with the agent you select. When you’re ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to hire an estate agent to get it sold quickly and for the highest possible price.
