Choosing A Realtor

Your choice of a highly competent and reputable listing agent can play a large part in the successful marketing of your home. Here are a few important issues to keep in mind when choosing a Realtor to represent.

1. Selling a home is a complex job that requires a professional: Someone who conducts himself or herself in a manner that combines expertise with courtesy, and who is punctual, friendly and serious. All these traits are important when dealing with cooperating agents and prospective buyers. Hiring professionals is a must.
2. Level of Business: Any give Realtor will have a number listings and generate sales between 0 to 50 or more a year. Listing your home with a Realtor who has a very low number of active clients may give you the impression that you will receive a lot of attention, however keep in mind to sell your home for the optimum price you need an agent who has the keen negotiating skills, a strong network of buyers and sellers, a committed, realistic and effective advertising budget and an agent who sells enough homes each year to be up to speed on current market conditions.
3. Agency affiliation: All companies are not created equal! Question your prospective realtor about the company they chose to work with. How successful are they? What services do they offer? What is the depth of their administrative and management support?
4. Ethics and Reputation: Chances are your home will be sold though the Victoria M.L.S. System. This means that the cooperation of all Realtors in the area is imperative and your agent’s reputation will be paramount. Talk to your prospective agent regarding ethics, Realtor cooperation, and involvement with the Real Estate Board and its members.
5. Seven days a week? Realtors are people too. They take holidays, days off, and time away from their business, and if they don’t they should! Unfortunately, the Real Estate market doesn’t wait for anyone. Showings, tours, open houses and appointments are only a small part of the business that occur all the time, at “anytime”. Ask prospective agents who will handle their business when they can’t. Is this person knowledgeable about your home and your needs as a client?
6. Price: Remember the auction doesn’t start until the offers start to arrive. Too many people let agents bid for their listing and in the end, choose a Realtor who suggests the highest price. The price is set by the market, the Buyer and the Seller, not the Realtor. The Realtor should have ample information to help you make an informed decision on pricing. It is not a bidding war! Does this happen often? Fact: Approximately 40% of all listed properties have to reduce their price before they sell and take almost 60% longer to sell than those priced correctly from the start.