Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Selling a home can be very stressful. Finding the right real estate agent for you is essential. Following are some tips for enlisting a good agent:
- Hire an agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and the sales activity in your area.
- Decide on your priorities (quick sale, high offer, etc. and discuss with the agent).
- Ask the agent for references and a list of homes he or she has sold in the last year.
- Walk around your house. Ask the agent for his or her suggestions for improving its chances of selling.
- What are the agent's fees and commissions?
- Discuss whether you or the buyer will pay the closing fees (or split the cost).
- How often will the agent show your house?
- How often will he or she host open houses?
- How will the agent advertise the sale of your house?
- Does the agent have a website or national listing service?
- Will he or she provide and stock a brochure box attached to the "For Sale" sign?
- How long will your contract be active?
- If you are unhappy with the agent, how long after the contract expires can you hire another agent?
- Will the agent offer a commission fee reduction if a friend or family member of yours offers to buy your house?
- Increase_Your_Home.docx
- Checklist.docx
- Your_Home.docx