Although there may be advantages if a Realtor works for a big national company, the most important factor is that the Realtor is ethical, has a track record of success and genuinely has the skills, tools and expertise to sell your home.
Working for a big national company used to help with national or international exposure, but because of the multiple listing service and seamless web access, all Realtors have the same information when it comes to assisting you in selling your home. The multiple listing service (MLS) offers all Realtors computer access to listings, as long as the Realtor subscribes to this service. Because of this, it does not matter if the Realtor works for a big national company or not.
The Realtor you choose to help sell your home should be knowledgeable in all areas of real estate, including the contract, being a good communicator and excellent negotiator.
The Realtor should also have a pulse on the neighborhood in which you live and should be able to give you a list of comparable listed properties (your competition) and sales so that you know where to price your home. The price you choose should be based on your specific area or neighborhood and will help determine how quickly you will sell your home.
Are there similar homes to yours for sale, or is your home unique? Your Realtor can assist in determining the exact value your property, if you have doubts get a second or third opinion but never go with the “highest estimate”, it’s often a ploy to just get the listing ~ the numbers are clear and you’ll easily be able to determine the value… in this market, nothing is more critical than the price!
The Realtor you choose to help sell your home should also be able to give you tips on what will help make your home more attractive to buyers, thus placing your home in a bracket that is more likely to sell. Does your home need painting? Does the landscaping need work? Do any of your rooms need updating? Do any of your appliances need replacing?
Your home will more than likely have to pass an inspection, so it is in your best behalf to have a home that will not raise red flags. If anything such as a roof, plumbing or electrical work may not pass an inspection, it would be best to have those repaired or replaced before placing your home on the market.
The Realtor you choose to sell your home should be someone you feel comfortable with, someone you trust and someone whose track record you can verify. The Realtor should have a detailed marketing plan in writing, and show a willingness to do whatever it takes to sell your home. To sell your home, it needs exposure. How does the Realtor plan to get the real estate community to participate in showing your home to other buyers?
A big national company cannot guarantee your home will sell ~ follow your instincts.
Author Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of www.GayRealEstate.com offering Free Instant Access to Gay, Lesbian and Gay Friendly Realtors Coast to Coast ~ GayRealEstate.com has independent agents and real estate agents from the nation’s largest companies, visit the site today to choose your perfect agent.
