It is a seller’s market and that means homeowners are tempted now more than ever to get their homes on the market.
With Real Estate inventory being so low right now, houses are getting contracts before the “For Sale” sign can even be put up!
However, you will need an experienced and professional Realtor on your side to guarantee you are getting top dollar for your home.
Here, we go over what to look for in a listing agent and the role they play in selling your home.
What is a listing agent and what do they do?
A listing agent is a Realtor you chose to help you sell your home. They list your property for sale, hence the title “listing agent”. Here is a bit of what they do for you:
- Take pictures of your property
- Put your listing on the market
- Schedule showings of your home
- Help you to review and negotiate the offers that come in
How do I pick the best listing agent for me?
Picking a good listing agent goes beyond the percentage of the home sale they will charge. You need to know that they have your best interest at heart and will go above and beyond to get you the best profit.
What makes an exceptionally good listing agent is:
- They take professional listing photos and might even stage your home or have a 3D walk-through preformed
- A CMA (Comparative market analysis) should be performed to accurately price your home
- Beyond listing your home on the standard real estate sites, they will use their own personal resources and advertising model to push your listing out to a wider audience
- They are available across all forms of communication and respond to your questions accurately and in a timely manner
- When offers start coming in, they will know which one is the best for you and handle the transaction process
Research Real Estate companies and agents with great reviews and local community ties. Another good idea is to ask friends and family that have sold their homes who they recommend.
What else should I be aware of?
It is important to know that what a listing agent does goes on in the background.
They are maintaining the listing, networking with other Realtors, scheduling showings, following up on offer negotiations, answering messages, and much more.
With this in mind, frequent updates may not be necessary. That is not to say you should not let your Realtor know if you prefer being updated daily.
Also, keep in mind your listing agent should be an expert in their field. If they are suggesting pricing your home lower than what you would like, there may be a reason for that.
Selling your home is a very personal and emotional process. That is why working with a listing agent is a smart move because it takes that out of the equation.
Read more tips here on selling your home!
