The process of Selling a Home can be a stressful, emotionally draining experience if it is not handled with diligence and attention to detail. A Real Estate professional whom has a solid resume with plenty of references can ensure a smooth transition and a pleasant experience. Furthermore, statistics show that the average sale price of homes listed with Realtors is more than the average sale price of homes sold privately. Actually, the increased average sale price of homes listed with a Realtor more than compensates for the fee that they charge. (Utilizing a 6% fee. According to the National Association of Realtors).

When choosing a Real Estate agency and agent, it is important to interview more than one. Different companies have different policies and fees and different agents have different marketing strategies and different levels of experience and knowledge of the industry. The steps below may help to decide which company and agent will meet your needs and exceed your expectations:

When deciding who to interview it’s important to choose a company and an agent whom has a solid reputation in your community. Ask your friends and look around at which organization has a strong presence throughout your community. Also, check the newspapers for a week or so to identify which organizations are spending advertising dollars for their current clients.

When interviewing a Real Estate Professional, it’s important to ask for a resume and a marketing plan. If you were an employer interviewing a potential employee you wouldn’t expect anything less. The resume should be complete with information about the agency, testimonials and references for the agent, and a solid marketing plan born either by the agency, the agent, or a combination of both.

It’s also important to compare the fee that a Brokerage is charging, with what service and marketing they will provide. To compare apples to apples, take notes throughout your interviews. Just because a Realtor/Brokerage has a higher fee than a competitor, does not mean you shouldn’t choose their service. Remember, you often get what you pay for, and if a Realtor/Brokerage is charging a higher fee than most, make sure you find out why. You may find it’s worth it.

Lastly, it’s important to get price opinions from Real Estate professionals. This is not a certified appraisal; it is just an opinion of value. However, do not necessarily choose the agent that gives you the highest opinion and don’t choose an agent based on price opinions. Real Estate Professionals are supposed to be experts in marketing, communication, representation, and negotiation. They are not licensed appraisers. To state again, price opinions of all the Realtors you interview are important to consider, but should not be the only basis for choosing which Realtor you feel will best suit your needs.

Once you’ve decided on a reputable company and a trustworthy agent with solid experience and references, it’s time to list the property. This process will be handled by your agent, however if you have suggestions or concerns, make sure they are voiced. ‘Listing’ a home means filling out and signing a ‘Listing Contract’ and other documents that will help with marketing the home, designing advertisements, and inserting the home into the local Multi-Listing Service. After the home is listed, you can expect showings to begin. Some showings may be from the company or agent who represents you and others may be from other companies that are cooperating with your Brokerage. You should expect regular communication by your agent with marketing updates, showing feedback, and suggestions to make your home more salable if need be. Your Realtor may also be expected to hold a number of Open Houses, if that is what his/her marketing plan stated. Remember to keep your home clean and your lights on during all showings and Open Houses. If you and your agent work as a team and communicate regularly you can make the necessary adjustments to the marketing, the home, or the price, in order to procure a Sale. It is this ‘Process’ that a good Realtor can orchestrate and direct to ensure a smooth and successful transition for you and/or your loved ones.