- Find a Real Estate Professional
- Realtors®
- Mortgage Lenders
- Home Improvement Pros
- Other Real Estate Services
- Review an Agent, Lender or Pro
- Marketing on Zillow
- Real Estate Agent Advertising
- Join the Professional Directory
- Popular
- Real Estate Market Reports
- More
Replies (18)
- Shirley Pardon GRI,TRC,CLHM, "Miami Maven"
- Contributions:2
You have to find someone who is knowledgeable, you can tell that by their designations (letters after their names) this denotes that the agent has taken time and spent money on enhancing their knowledge with classes in all fields of real estate so that they can best serve their clients. There are thousands of agents in every area, you need one that you know can best assist you - so look for the letters after their name. You wouldn't go to a Doctor or Lawyer who didn't have credentials!
- FriendshipProperties
- Contributions:783
eeny-meeny-miny-moe catch an agent by the toe, if he hollers let him go .. out .. goes .. Y .. O .. U!
OR .. you can see what names pop up most often an ask to see their listing/sales history. You want someone who sells more properties, faster and closer to asking price.
OR .. you can see what names pop up most often an ask to see their listing/sales history. You want someone who sells more properties, faster and closer to asking price.
- John Crowe, "CroweHomes"
- Contributions:118
John,
The two things you need to focus on are skills and chemistry. Skills are important - you want a professional committed to the profession, not a part-timer looking for an easy commission; an expert negotiator - you are hiring this person as your advocate and counselor, he/she should know how hard to push and when to ease-off to get a deal done in your interests; you want an expert in the area you are looking to buy, who can point out the deals and steer clear of the money pits.
Chemistry is critical as well. If you are going to spend hours and days with an agent discussing your home, it's important you get along in an open, honest manner. Do not underestimate the gut feeling/instinct, but do manage it against skills. On this point, ask about options for getting out of a representation agreement should goals and temperments not line up. A great agent will part company if the relationship isn't positive.
Do some research - ask friends, family, colleagues who they used and why. When you get names, interview the agents - ask them why you should hire them and listen - if it's all about him/her, what he/she has accomplished, how educated he/she is, be careful. You want someone on your side, but if an agent made your interview cut you likely know enough about them. You should listen for the agent to speak to what he/she would do to meet your specific needs. Finally, ask for the names of 3-4 agents who most recently worked across the table from the agent. You will learn a great deal about style and approach to negotiations, if his/her client's interests were well-represented and much more.
Good luck with your search - for agent and, most importantly, home!
The two things you need to focus on are skills and chemistry. Skills are important - you want a professional committed to the profession, not a part-timer looking for an easy commission; an expert negotiator - you are hiring this person as your advocate and counselor, he/she should know how hard to push and when to ease-off to get a deal done in your interests; you want an expert in the area you are looking to buy, who can point out the deals and steer clear of the money pits.
Chemistry is critical as well. If you are going to spend hours and days with an agent discussing your home, it's important you get along in an open, honest manner. Do not underestimate the gut feeling/instinct, but do manage it against skills. On this point, ask about options for getting out of a representation agreement should goals and temperments not line up. A great agent will part company if the relationship isn't positive.
Do some research - ask friends, family, colleagues who they used and why. When you get names, interview the agents - ask them why you should hire them and listen - if it's all about him/her, what he/she has accomplished, how educated he/she is, be careful. You want someone on your side, but if an agent made your interview cut you likely know enough about them. You should listen for the agent to speak to what he/she would do to meet your specific needs. Finally, ask for the names of 3-4 agents who most recently worked across the table from the agent. You will learn a great deal about style and approach to negotiations, if his/her client's interests were well-represented and much more.
Good luck with your search - for agent and, most importantly, home!
- Tom Sicard, "TemeculaTom"
- Contributions:11
Phone interview 3 agents. Write down 3 simple questions that are important to you... they do not have to be sophisticated, ask them, then just listen. You will quickly be able to learn by not what they say, but how they say it. Some will know what they are talking about others will not, you will be able to tell which ones are exaggerating, and which ones you feel is most sincere or trust worthy. The most experienced is good, but not always the best. Bottom line is this is people business and you need someone you can discuss most important personal financial matters with candidly and trust! Good luck to you!
- Nancy Lee, "An OrderLee Home"
- Contributions:1195
The last time I interviewed to choose an agent, I contacted several and scheduled a time a few days later for them to come to my house. I waited to see who ran a cma and brought it with them. I asked them how them what they would do to market my house and looked for specific time lines, multiple marketing strategies, and specific milestones. I listened to hear if they were actually, thoughtfully answering my questions or just giving rote replies. I asked them what they expected me, as the seller, to do to support their marketing. The agent I selected communicated a lot about himself without being pushy, was a great listener and speaker, understood he was selling himself to me in the interview, did the cma research that allowed him to talk about my neighborhood and house interlligently, and had the marketing plan that postioned him to "close the sale" with me. Over the years, I worked with him to sell several houses and I never regretted my choice.
- NTETS, "Mr Caveat"
- Contributions:6436
i put together a parade of possible realtors, let them give me CMAs, immediately eliminate any that don't match my standards(outlined below), then eliminate the highest 2 and lowest 1 estimates. finally i interview them and if i am reasonably convinced that they are willing to work hard for me, i sign the deal... or i dont.
a good CMA
1) is bound. maybe its professionally done at kinkos, maybe its just a 3 hole punch and a 2 pocket peachie, either way it shows me that you didnt just print comps off in the car and hand them to me...
2) contains docs on my house... at best contains color photos and basic stats pulled from public record, at worst contains a map and a little license...
3) has words. what is wrong with just printing MLS pages? not good enough.
4)analyzes the market... oh yes, what would this house have sold for 6 months ago, what positive changes are occurring now, what should i list for and HOW LONG IS THAT PRICE GOOD FOR?!?! how fast are homes selling, how many sales in the neighborhood?
5) a resume. not necessarilly a traditional resume, but a piece of paper that has some personal info about you, especially educational background, a picture would be nice.
6) spring for the damn color laserjet. while not a deal breaker, B/W print outs leave the seller un impressed... i am the kind of seller who likes to be impressed.
a good CMA
1) is bound. maybe its professionally done at kinkos, maybe its just a 3 hole punch and a 2 pocket peachie, either way it shows me that you didnt just print comps off in the car and hand them to me...
2) contains docs on my house... at best contains color photos and basic stats pulled from public record, at worst contains a map and a little license...
3) has words. what is wrong with just printing MLS pages? not good enough.
4)analyzes the market... oh yes, what would this house have sold for 6 months ago, what positive changes are occurring now, what should i list for and HOW LONG IS THAT PRICE GOOD FOR?!?! how fast are homes selling, how many sales in the neighborhood?
5) a resume. not necessarilly a traditional resume, but a piece of paper that has some personal info about you, especially educational background, a picture would be nice.
6) spring for the damn color laserjet. while not a deal breaker, B/W print outs leave the seller un impressed... i am the kind of seller who likes to be impressed.
- CulverCityRealtor
- Contributions:455
Experience is important, but perhaps not the kind you would think. Does the agent have knowledge of the market area that you wish to purchase in? Buying real estate, is more then just an emotional experience, this represents a major investment also.
Mutual trust and respect is very important and that you can only determine by meeting with the prospective Agent.
I would only work with an agent who is professional,has references, will arrange a pre-approval for you, agree to meet at their offices and work within the confines of a contract.
Mutual trust and respect is very important and that you can only determine by meeting with the prospective Agent.
I would only work with an agent who is professional,has references, will arrange a pre-approval for you, agree to meet at their offices and work within the confines of a contract.
- pandagrl
- Contributions:2
I would stick with agents who have more than 8 or so years of experience, and have had steady success over the past 3 years. That would be a sign of an agent who has a lot of referrals coming in, hence, an agent who does a good job from start to finish. If you go to an agent's website, they talk themselves up so much that they all seem like superstars. If you want to find the true top small percentage of really great agents, you need to do your homework. My parents just sold their home with the second agent they hired after a bad experience with the first agent. They found the agent through a free service online. Real Estate Whistle Blower organization helped them figure out how to fire their old agent and educated them about how to find an expert.
- Janice Bramwell, "JaniceBramwell"
- Contributions:3
John-
I am brand new to responding on Zillow- but as an agent I love your question! Look for an agent who is hard working, dedicated, trustworthy and knowledgeable. I believe interviewing in person is to your advantage. Are they on time, professional, prepared, a good communicator? What's their marketing plan? Do their answers communicate just what you think they want you to hear or are they truly honest and upfront with you?
I am brand new to responding on Zillow- but as an agent I love your question! Look for an agent who is hard working, dedicated, trustworthy and knowledgeable. I believe interviewing in person is to your advantage. Are they on time, professional, prepared, a good communicator? What's their marketing plan? Do their answers communicate just what you think they want you to hear or are they truly honest and upfront with you?
- real estate mike
- Contributions:2001
Do they have listings, what is their avg days on market, what percent of asking price did past listings sell for, what is the marketing plan for your home, communication schedule, do they know your area,etc. best of luck
- Joe Azzolino, "jazzolino"
- Contributions:40
You need a Realtor that is Most Familiar with your neighborhood and has had success selling there.
[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]
[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]
- Linda Strasberg, "L Strasberg"
- Contributions:2315
[content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]
- Linda Strasberg, "L Strasberg"
- Contributions:2315
As a buyers agent to a size able real estate transaction currently, I am amazed at the lack of understanding of what is required of the listing agent and the seller.
- Linda Strasberg, "L Strasberg"
- Contributions:2315
Who put those links on my post? Why would I ever suggest listing with anyone else but my firm The Best Company...The Best Trained Agents
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21456
What an old thread!
The links are automatically added by the input editor now; have been for almost 6 months.
The links are automatically added by the input editor now; have been for almost 6 months.
- Cameron Norfleet, "1 Cameron Norfleet"
- Contributions:2
I agree with Tom (above), you should interview multiple agents. This will give you a good idea as to who the true players are! Bottom line, It all boils down to their marketing plan! No one will buy your home if they don't know it's for sale! Your agent has to get the word out to ALL prospective buyers that "This House Is For Sale"! These days, about 90% of home buyers find their homes online, so you certainly want to deal with someone that has a robust online marketing campaign!
- Linda Strasberg, "L Strasberg"
- Contributions:2315
Need an Action Plan To Sell Your Home? I can help you find solutions for your situation. Together I'll make sure that you get the service expected and in the time frame required at an affordable price. Expect the best. I'll provide you with a proven process that will help you with every step of the home selling process.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25135
It's too early for a spam sandwich on an old thread for me.
How Do You Choose a Listing Agent?
-
- 0.0/5.0
- (no reviews)
Contributions:30Stating a discriminatory preference in an advertisement for housing is illegal. If you think this content is discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate and feel it should be removed from Zillow, please let us know by completing the information above.
We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.