When you establish a relationship with a real estate professional, you expect a perfect partner.
Selling your home is like a short-term romance. It requires faith in the person you choose. It depends on your real estate agent for meaningful communication and timely feedback. You want to sell your home, so you have to trust them because they are your connection to achieve your goal.
The real estate agent you choose is critical to your success in selling your home. Follow this guide to assist you in the selection process.
If you have no idea how to find the right real estate professional, start with a list.
• Ask for references from friends, family, and co-workers.
• Check the “For Sale” signs in your neighborhood.
• Check the records of members of your church, social club, PTA or other organizations.
Once you have a list of real estate agents, look for their business websites. Some companies use Facebook to facilitate customer interaction, so look for it as well. Check out an agent’s listings and sales, open days, and marketing efforts. Look for a list of credentials, real estate specialties, and customer reviews.
Make a list of open doors from online research or open door signs in the neighborhoods where you would like to live. Just introduce yourself to all the other guests and sign in. The person hosting the open house is usually the seller’s agent, so as you walk through the house, take a look at it as well.
• Do they look and sound professional?
• How does he or she respond to home inquiries?
• What do your instincts for working closely with this person tell you?
You can learn a lot through covert observation, but also ask some questions. If you are impressed, ask for a business card.
Treat an interview with a real estate agent as if you were the employer looking for the best candidate for the job. This is basically what you will do. Make sure the agent understands that this is an informational meeting only. Come prepared to ask questions you haven’t been able to answer when browsing a website or visiting an open house.
• How long have you been selling real estate?
• What houses have you sold in the area?
• Can I contact your previous customers?
• What services does it offer?
• What is your marketing plan?
Ask about credentials, licenses, and designations, but don’t waste your interview time discussing them. You should focus on marketing, negotiation, and closing experience. In the end, these are the most important factors in selling your home.
You can typically verify the status of a real estate agent’s license through a state’s online licensing portal. Real estate agent and broker appointments are related to education and ethics.
• Real estate seller: has passed a license exam, is qualified to sell real estate;
• Real Estate Agent: Member of the National Association of Realtors and committed to education and ethical standards;
• Broker or Associated Real Estate Broker: Obtained agent designation and agent license through education and testing.
The National Association of Realtors offers education and training for other designations and certifications. You can find criteria for accredited buyer representative, certified residential specialist and other designations at NAR.com.
Making a perfect partner with a real estate professional takes time and patience, but it’s worth it. When you choose the right person, you can make a big difference by selling your home quickly, professionally and for the price you want.
• Mahoning County: 487 houses on the market; 697 houses sold; 232.33 average homes sold each month; There are 2.10 months of inventory left; and 143.12 percent chance of selling your home in 90 days.
• Columbiana County: 205 homes on the market; 244 houses sold; 81.33 average homes sold each month; There are 2.52 months of inventory left; and 119.02 percent chance of selling your home in 90 days.
• Trumbull County: 341 houses on the market; 583 houses sold; 194.33 average number of homes sold each month; There are 1.75 months of inventory left; and 170.97 percent chance of selling your home in 90 days.
Dennis Gonatas is the 2022 president of the Youngstown Columbiana Real Estate Association.
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