How To Find Good REALTORS®

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When your meet potential REALTORS® , the best way to find out if they are indeed suited for the job is by asking them the right questions.

Finding a REALTOR® who looks after your interests can be a produce a big difference in the final price of your home. Here are some questions which will help you find the ideal REALTOR®.

1. Do you work as a disclosed dual agent?
Disclosed dual agents represent both the home owner and the buyer. This can lead to a conflict of interest, and a price that is convenient for one party only. The best thing to do is hire a REALTOR® who will work exclusively for you, so that you don't waste your time with lowball offers.

2. Do you have references from your former clients?
Good REALTORS® will be able to offer you at least three references from people who were satisfied with their services. Don't just look over the list – call those names for a short chat.

3. Are you professionally qualified?
You should contact only full-time REALTORS® who are licensed real estate agents belonging to the National Association of REALTORS® . Among their obligations is subscribing to a strict code of ethics and improving their qualifications through ongoing education.

4. How much of your business consists in repeat or referral clients?
If his or her clients are mostly repeat customers, you are dealing with a good REALTOR®.

5. How long have your listed homes been on the market?
If the average time needed for selling is too long, the house is probably overpriced. It shouldn't take more than 4 months to sell a house. Make sure you avoid REALTORS® who might give their clients high listing prices just to lure them into the deal.

6. How different, on average, is the asking and the selling prices of the properties you list?
If the different isn't very high, the agent surely knows what he or she is doing with the listing price.

7. How many homes have you listed over the past half a year?
Good REALTORS® usually list one or two houses each month.

8. How many of these properties did you manage to sell?
REALTORS ® who are good at what they're doing sell the great majority of their listed homes, if not all.

9. Which are the areas of the city where you typically work?
You should try to work with REALTORS® who are specialized in your area. However, good REALTORS® will be able to find what you're interested in because they have good contacts and know well the prices in all regions.

10. How much will you charge me?
The majority of REALTORS® get paid only if they sell the home, and by a commission amounting to 4 to 6 percent of the selling price. The commission is usually paid by the seller. REALTORS® may charge administrative costs as well, so be sure to ask.

11. How will you calculate a listing price?
Most REALTORS® will advise you on a listing price using a market analysis of your neighborhood. It is crucial that you arrive at an accurate listing price, so that those buyers who can't afford your home won't bother you. It's also recommended that you let the buyers know that you will only accept offers from pre-approved purchasers.

12. Are you working with a team?
If the REALTOR® has a team, your home may sell faster, as they usually have more clients. However, only the REALTOR® you signed an agreement with should organize the shows, negotiate the deal and close the transaction.

13. How often will you contact me?
Hearing from your REALTOR® on a daily basis is not unreasonable. You should be contacted and given feedback every time the REALTORS® has potential buyers tour your home.

14. What is your sales strategy?
REALTORS® typically resort to different tactics to attract buyers from all areas. A good listing will contain a picture and an accurate description of your home. In order to make your home known to prospective buyers, your REALTOR® should employ everything from holding open houses for other REALTORS® to by-appointment tours.

15. How will the listing agreement function?
The starting and end dates of most contracts are negotiable. Give your REALTOR® a reasonable period of 3 to 6 months to sell your property. However, bear in mind that they cannot guarantee you anything, since real estate market trends are out of their control.

16. How do I maximize my selling price?
Your REALTOR® will be able to advise you when it comes to making your house more appealing to prospective buyers. Be open to making small adjustments like repainting a bright yellow hallway or making minor repairs. Don't forget that the quicker you are offered your asking price, the sooner you will finally be able to move into your new home.