Selling Your Home & Choosing An Agent.

Are you considering making a move?

Selling your home is something that should not be taken lightly.  It’s not something I believe you should take on yourself..

Yes I hear you! Of course that’s what you would I am sure you are thinking! Well it’s a huge responsibility you take on and even Agents with little experience have fallen fowl of the law. There are so many pit falls and legal issues that anyone who decides to sell themselves takes a large risk which could change the rest of their lives for possibly the negative to save the money that the agent could earn or exceed for you.

Why are agents a good idea?  Honestly not everyone can be a successful real estate agent. You have to choose very carefully. You need to consider their experience, how long they have been in real estate. See how successful they have been. Have/do they win awards regularly? Ensure your questions are answered to your satisfaction.

If they have been in real estate have they moved companies regularly? This is a warning sign. I would suggest that anyone that moves regularly obviously cannot survive and moves to eliminate their debt to that company.

Look at what they have sold recently. How many homes they have sold in your area. Look at advertised prices and sale prices. If they are close then the agent is not buying business by over pricing homes to get business. These agents will make you feel good to start then pull the warm fuzzy feeling out from under your feet and leave you cold and disillusioned.

Look at their advertising packages and what is offered. Here you will have some options. The more quality exposure you get the better your home will sell and more likely that you will sell quickly and at a greater price. I recommend if you can then don’t skimp here. It is recommended you budget 1% of your home’s value for advertising. You need not spend it if done well but be prepared to invest in your future here.

The next question that comes up is the agent commission. Here we are all obviously passionate about. Quality comes at a price and a discount agent I assure you will give you discount returns.

Negotiation is an art and many don’t understand the basics here. I can set the scene and gain 5-10k on an offer because of how I do it. Many take the offers and just give it to you and just expect you to accept.

The same is true of commissions. If the agent sitting in front of you walks in and immediately undercuts the standard rate for your area to buy your business then what do you expect he is going to do when an offer is made?   Probably not much would you agree?

It’s most often for a good agent to be able to pay for themselves and achieve premium prices where the average of discount agent is only going to get the same … average price for you!

You have to be happy at the end of the day who you choose! Choose carefully, go to open inspections and auctions to see how prospective agents perform. Do they get your details? Do they present well and convey all you wish to know with clarity? Do they call you and follow up your visit after the weekend?

I wish you well and if you have questions please email me at brendon.mcaliece@raywhite.com even if you are not in the Adelaide northern suburbs. You can also join me on face book if you wish!

Feel free to come visit my web site at   http://brendonmcaliece.raywhite.com/