When choosing a Realtor you want to consider the following:

Hire a Professional – Work with a Real Estate Agent who is a full-time professional. A professional Realtor has been in the business for years, and treats their career as a business. They know how to properly navigate the contracts and negotiate the best price and terms for you. They have the experience and the budget to properly market your property. You wouldn’t hire a part-time doctor to operate on you, so why would you hire a part-time agent to sell one of your biggest investments?
Social Proof – Use social media and review sites to your advantage. How many reviews does the real estate agent have on Zillow? Are they good reviews? Don’t be afraid to ask an agent for past client testimonials. A great agent will even offer referral contact information.

Selecting a Local Expert – Selecting a real estate agent who is well known in your neighborhood? You’ve seen their signs, received their postcards, but are they really good? Just because the agent is your neighbor or has a local presence doesn’t mean they are going to do the best job to market your home. What are their average days on market? If their listings tend to sit, you might wonder why or consider that the longer your home sits on the market with their sign in your yard that it’s free advertising for that Realtor. So, make sure they have a dynamic marketing plan and a solid track record, because being popular isn’t enough. The longer a home sits on the market the lower the offers (buyers start to think something is wrong with the house).

Choose a Realtor You Can Trust – Bottom line, you need to trust your real estate agent and be able to speak with them candidly. If you feel uncomfortable or feel they are not listening to your needs… move on

10 important questions to ask when interviewing a prospective Real Estate Agent.

1. Do you work as a full-time Realtor?
2. What is your list price to sales price ratio? (if selling)
3. What are your average days on market?
4. What kind of advertising do you do? May I see some samples?
5. How often will my home be advertised, and where?
6. Do you have a Marketing Plan? If so, can you walk me through it?
7. Do you have a system to follow-up with other agents so that we get valuable feedback after each showing?
8. How often will I be updated and in what way will I be kept informed?
9. Do you have a team to help you with the details, or are you a one man /woman wonder show & do it all yourself?
10. May I see a copy of your last listing as it appears to other Realtors on the MLS?
11. How many homes have you sold in the past 6 months? Year?

You are selling one of your largest assets and it should not be taken lightly, and so letting a friend or relative list your home because you want to be nice and do them a favor could cost you tens of thousands in the end. Do you really want them knowing your personal financial business? How easy will it be to fire them if things go south and they aren’t doing a great job for you? Hire a pro and make sure that who you hire knows how to market your home, and make it look amazing in the eyes of the buyers!

For more information feel free to contact us at 562-270-1775

and remember. . .
“WHO YOU WORK WITH ABSOLUTELY MATTERS!”

The Oriana Shea Group ~ Zillow Link