Choosing a REALTOR® to List Your Home for Sale: Essential Factors to Consider

When deciding to sell their home, most homeowners choose to use a real estate agent. You certainly don’t have to, but there are good reasons why most people still do:

• Pricing is an art,
• Negotiating is hard,
• Marketing a listing is more than just putting it on the MLS, and
• Handling showings and paperwork can be a pain.

An agent takes away the burden of all these things and works to get your home sold for the best price in the fastest time. After all – you’ve got a life to live!

You might have a dedicated REALTOR® lined up already — a referral from a past home purchase or sale, or maybe a friend of the family. But if you plan on interviewing a few agents before choosing one to hire, you should be prepared with a list of questions to ensure you get the right fit. After all, there’s much more to consider than just commission rates and sale price. Each REALTOR® will have their own approach to the job, so make sure you pick the one that fits your vision for your home selling journey.

For this blog post have compiled a list of questions that you might want to have on hand for that first meeting.

1. What is your experience selling homes in my area?
   Experience matters. You want a REALTOR® who has experience selling homes in your neighbourhood or area. They will have a better understanding of the local market and be better equipped to advise you on pricing strategies. Using an out-of-town REALTOR® may not be the best decision for your bottom line, even if they’re your mom’s best friend’s cousin! They may not know the area, may not correctly price your home, and they may not have access to your local real estate board. This last point is an especially important consideration since you want to ensure your home gets in front of as many eyes as possible — especially local REALTORS® with buyer clients of their own that could be looking for just what you’re selling.
2. What is your marketing strategy for my home?
   Ask the REALTOR® about their marketing plan for your home. What platforms will they use? How will they showcase your property’s unique features? What is their approach to attracting potential buyers? Will they use a professional photographer when listing your home? Will they do a video tour, include floor plans, and use feature sheets for showings? While print advertising is an old standard in real estate, in this digital age make sure your agent will market you online as well — including popular social media platforms. They don’t need to be a social media guru of course, but the better exposure you have online the more eyes you will have on your home!
3. Can you provide me with references from past clients?
   A good REALTOR® will have happy clients who are willing to speak about their experience working with them. Ask for references and follow up with them to see what they have to say about the agent’s communication, marketing, and negotiation skills.
4. How will you keep me informed throughout the selling process?
   Communication is essential when selling your home. You want to know that your REALTOR® will keep you informed every step of the way. Ask them how often you can expect to hear from them and what type of communication they prefer (phone, email, in-person). Regular feedback from your showings is vital to make sure your staging and pricing are on point.
5. How long do homes in my area typically take to sell?
   Knowing how long homes in your area typically take to sell can help you set realistic expectations for the selling process. Ask the REALTOR® for their experience with homes in your area and what they believe the timeframe for selling your home will be. When meeting with your REALTOR® for a Comparative Market Analysis (a “CMA”) they should bring with them examples of what has sold in your neighbourhood in the recent past, as well as an analysis of how these houses compare to your home. This will factor into the sale price that your agent suggests.
6. How will you help me prepare my home for sale?
   Preparing your home for sale can be a daunting task. Ask the REALTOR® how they will help you get your home ready for showings, including suggestions for cleaning, staging, repairs, or renovations that may be necessary. Remember, everything you remove from the house, clean or repair, puts money in your pocket. You’re getting paid to do it!

Choosing the right REALTOR® to sell your home is an important decision that can greatly impact the success of your sale and your return on investment (ROI). Don’t be afraid to ask for references and follow up with past clients to ensure you’re making the right decision. By doing your research and choosing a REALTOR® who meets your needs, you’ll be well on your way to a successful home sale.

Want more information on how to maximize your ROI? Check out our past blog post: Best Home Renos to give you the highest Return on Investment

Don’t have a REALTOR® lined up yet? Reach out to CENTURY 21 United Realty at 705-743-4444. We always have an agent on duty to answer your questions about buying, selling or investing.