How do you know which agent to choose when deciding to sell your home in South Florida? What questions do you ask? Here’s some information to help you with that decision.
- Experience: Don’t be afraid to ask any prospective realtors about their credentials. Find out how long the agent you talk with has been selling real estate. A seasoned realtor should have sold real estate for at least four years. Make sure your agent’s license is current because in all 50 states you need a license to sell real estate. Is the agent full time or part time agent? A part time agent can do an awesome job; but the realtor just have less time to do it in. A full time agent has more time to find out what’s available and what’s going on in the housing market. He or she usually also has more experience and contacts.
- References: Find out how many homes the realtor has sold in the last year. What were the prices the houses sold for on average? Ask for references to check to see how the people you call experiences with the realtor were. In this you want an agent who has a good reputation and has sold homes in your area with a good track record for selling South Florida homes.
- Marketing Plan: Ask what type of marketing plan the realtor plans using to sell your home. Ask to see any sample marketing material suggestions or plans. Find out what offline marketing will be done. Brochures, signs in the yard, an open house and advertising in the local papers are all good marketing options. Online suggestions can be virtual tours, photos of the house and grounds plus exposure on the Multiple Listings Service. Ask what other options there are too.
- Price: Ask the agent at what price your South Florida home should list. Find out what the comparative market analyzes is for your house alongside of other houses of comparative size. The agent should know what the values of comparable houses to yours are. Your house’s condition should be considered and any amenities which would raise the selling price too. When the agent runs a comparable against your home, ask why it’s comparable.
- Documents: Ask to see what documents you will have to sign if you choose this realtor. This should include the listing agreement and check if there is a cancellation clause in the listing agreement, Find out if you can cancel without penalty if you are dissatisfied. There should also be a sales contract. Read everything and ask questions about what you don’t understand. Reviewing everything through an attorney is always advisable.
It isn’t difficult to find a real estate agent in Southern Florida but finding an agent you’re happy with and can trust is worth the extra time and trouble.