If they are not knowledgeable, they
may be unaware of factors that could help it sell such
as a park, recreation center, AAA rated school,
shopping, restaurants or other unique features located
nearby.
2. Where is their office
located and where does the agent
live?
Their proximity can be very
important due to convenience of showing etc.
3. How many listings do they
(personally) currently have?
The number is not necessarily
critical, but their skill can be a major factor.
Review a few of their listings to get a feel for their
marketing style, descriptive text used, number of
photos posted, etc.
4. What will they do to
bring customers to your door?
When the agreement, fees and sales
commission percentage are being discussed, ask why & how
they feel that amount will bring customers to your door.
If for example they are offering a 4% commission, it
will likely result in fewer showings than properties listed
at a realistic 6%. Lower fees often equate to a longer marketing time.
5. Vacant Property?
If the property is going to be
vacant while listed, ask how they will keep the yard and
inside maintained so it will look its best when shown?
Some agents list the property but make no provisions for
property maintenance thereby losing many prospective
customers due to poor showings caused by unkempt yards,
dirty interiors, dead bugs etc.
6. Repairs - Cosmetics -
Yard Work?
If the property is currently
occupied and needs repairs, cosmetics, yard work, or
does not look its very best for showing the prospective
agent should honestly discuss what actions are necessary
prior to making an agreement and listing the property.
If the property is to be sold "as is" the agent should
first discuss options for these repairs and recommend
contractors at the best possible price. If the seller
is unable or unwilling to make the repairs, discuss a
realistic "offset" price reduction. Some agents
just want the listing and do not discuss
any of this before signing.
7. Media Advertising?
Where (newspapers, MLS, Homefinder
magazine, Pensacola News Journal, etc) and how often
will my home be listed? When may I expect to see it
listed and how long does it normally take etc.? When
the agent outlines this policy... have this information added to the
agreement.
8. Open House?
Will the agent be doing an Open
House? Some agencies do or do not do them
depending on the amount or type of listing etc.
9. Communication?
How often will the agent be giving
me updates on the marketing of my home. Some
agents do not provide regular updates and merely wait
until when a sales offer is submitted. A good agent
will provide regular updates and courtesy calls to the
seller. After a reasonable period on the market
(2-3 months perhaps) with little or no showings, they should
discuss strategies for making the property more
appealing. Reducing the price is not always
the best option!
10. Setting the Price?
Some realtors are all about the
number of listings they currently have. They may tell a
seller what they want to hear just to get the property
listed. The "right" price is paramount... it should
be carefully evaluated and explained in detail. A realistic market analysis is
helpful but occasionally there may be no "like
kind" properties in the area for comparison. If
the price is not set correctly and cannot be compared to
others in the area, it may result in a "no sale"!
Other agents and buyers will ask "where the price came
from"... it needs to be backed up by pertinent facts and
data from other
"recently sold" properties not just homes that may be
currently listed as "active".
