Ready to sell your property? In a challenging real estate market as we find today it is more important than ever to interview several Realtors® before choosing the professional to represent perhaps your most valuable asset - your property. The minimal services you should look for when hiring a Listing Agent:

*Know Your Rights

Before meeting with or speaking with any Realtor® or real estate agent, know your rights as a seller. Do not reveal confidential information that may jeopardize your negotiating position. Keep in mind that as you interview potential Listing Agents -- any details you reveal about yourself may not be kept confidential if you choose to hire someone else to represent you.

*Real Estate Teams

One trend picking up pace around the country is the formation of teams. Some teams work very well and have mastered the art of transparent, synchronized client services. But some teams are formed by one senior experienced agent who has many junior assistants. Be sure to clearly understand how the Listing Agent works whether independently or on a team, and how the senior experienced agent will be involved in every step of property sale with you.

*Market Analysis

Did you ever have a real estate agent visit your property and within a few minutes tell you on the spot what price they think your property will sell? Granted some Listing Agents do extensive research prior to visiting; but many do not. Before considering any sale prices, ask to review a printed copy of the numbers and reports and statistics utilized. Ask for the median price of comparable properties, the average days on market for the past three or six months for comparable properties sold and for the current absorption reports for the past three months. Also inquire how often you will receive updated market statistics during the sale cycle. Ideally this type of information should be provided every 30-45 days to ensure your pricing strategy is in line with the current market. Also ask for a CMA - Comparative Market Analysis as well as property appreciation rates for similar properties in your neighborhood.

*Presentation & Staging

The Listing Agent should provide tips on how to best present the interior and exterior for potential buyers. Often there are minimal changes that can be done without expenses incurred. Experienced Listing Agents preview properties on a regular basis and can offer advice on moving furniture and removing clutter to ensure your property is seen in the best light possible.

*Professional Marketing

The Listing Agent should provide samples of marketing materials that will be used to promote your property for sale. Consider the quality of these materials and the attention to detail as they are a direct reflection of the professionalism, style and level of services you will receive. With over 80% of home buyers today browsing the internet as their first step in finding a new home, internet marketing and property photos are the first gate for potential buyers. Does the Listing Agent utilize a professional photographer? How many websites will include your property for sale? One or two websites would be considered insufficient marketing today.

*Maximum Exposure

Buyers will not buy property without seeing it. Time is of the essence as it is important to capture a buyer when they want to see your property. If they request an appointment and that appointment is denied; chance are they may find something else in the meantime. Request a formal proposal and marketing plan to clearly understand all of the services included and all of the marketing tools that will be utilized to maximize exposure. Inquire about how often you will be kept updated on all marketing activity and feedback from buyers who visit your property.

*Personal Promotion

Will the Listing Agent personally host open houses and show your property to buyers and their agents to help personally promote the unique features to prospective buyers and their agents? Your Listing Agent will have the most accurate information about the property and will know what features to highlight. Granted we cannot be in all places at all times, but ask how many other properties the Listing Agent currently has for sale and if any would be considered competition for yours.

*Negotiation Strategies

The Listing Agent should review with you in advance potential scenarios for offer negotiation and proven strategies for negotiating home inspection repair requests from buyers. Request examples of situations in which the Listing Agent successfully negotiated on behalf of their past clients. Do they reveal past client names and property addresses? They should not. But sometimes how a question is answered will shed light on the type of service you will receive during and after the sale.

*Transaction Management

The Listing Agent should provide hands-on assistance throughout the entire purchase and sale process to ensure your responsibilities are met on time as well as ensure the property and the buyers are ready for closing. There are many individuals involved in every step of the sale and your Listing Agent should be tracking progress every step of the way to ensure your closing occurs smoothly and on time.

There are many elements to consider before hiring anyone to represent you and your property for sale. Be sure to understand your rights as a home seller and interview several Listing Agents to select the one who will best meet your needs and turn a For Sale sign to SOLD!

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