Have an agent in your corner.
The complexities of selling a home can be daunting. You don’t have the time or inclination to sell it yourself so what should you expect when hiring an agent to list & sell your home?
A specific plan
The agent representing you should put together a detailed plan for marketing your home for the best possible price. This plan has many facets, which will include many of the following: doing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to see what your home could sell for, listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other sites, developing sales flyers, “staging” your home to help it look its best, having professional photos taken for advertising, scheduling showings to other agents and brokers as well as scheduling an “open house.”
Your best interests
Your listing agent works for you, so he or she is obligated to negotiate the best price and terms for any offers you receive. They should be mindful of any information in the negotiation process that could help your cause. They should screen interested buyers to make sure they are good candidates for your house and are preapproved for a mortgage.
Feedback
Your agent should be candid with you about any aspects of your home that need attention, such as repairs that could be an impediment to selling. The agent also has a duty to disclose any material facts about the property to the buyers and their agent. They also should provide feedback from prospects who have viewed your home. Such critiques could be valuable for sharpening your home’s presentation.
Shepherding the contract and closing process
Once you have accepted an offer and have a sales contract, your agent should help you navigate the complex steps ahead such as option fees, escrow, dealing with appraisers and inspectors, finding contractors for repairs and much more. This is where an organized agent can spare you lots of anxiety as closing day approaches.
Fiduciary responsibility
Above all, your agent has a fiduciary responsibility to look out for your best interests. Develop an honest and open working relationship with one another. That’s why it helps to network with people you trust to get referrals to respected real estate sales professionals.
