Why Hire a Realtor? The Top Questions to Ask Right Now
Should you sell your home on your own or hire a realtor? Whether this is your first experience with home sales or you've owned and sold several properties, take a look at the top questions to ask before you choose someone else to sell your house.
Why Should You Hire an Agent?
If you're torn between a self-sales approach and hiring a professional, you need to learn more about the benefits an agent brings to the table. Who better to ask about the pros of a professional than the real estate agent themselves?
An agent can outline the sales process and explain how they can help you at each step. They can also highlight the industry-specific knowledge a professional brings to the table. This allows you to compare the approach an agent will take with what your do-it-yourself approach would-be.
Why Should You Hire This Agent?
Now that you know why you should hire a professional in general, it's time to get specific. Along with the reasons to work with a real estate agent, you need information on what this realtor can do for you — from pricing your home to sell through the negotiation and closing processes.
Even though any agent can claim to have the expertise and experience you need, a truly qualified professional will have references and statistics to back this up. Ask the agent for recommendations from past or present clients. The agent can also provide you with sales statistics. An agent who has never sold a piece of property or rarely sells homes may not have the right expertise to help you.
How Will the Agent Market Your Home?
A for sale sign and add in the local paper aren't likely to sell your home quickly or for the highest price. Real estate sales require a major marketing effort. If you have little (or no) experience in the advertising area, this is not a DIY job you can easily tackle. Not only does marketing take a high level of specialized knowledge, but it also takes money. This means you need an agent who has the advertising budget to give your home the exposure it needs.
Discuss what marketing strategy the agent will use to bring in the best buyers possible. Will they advertise in local magazines, websites, or other areas? How will they approach an open house event? The answer to these and any other similar questions will help you to decide whether the agent is the right person to sell your home.
Reach out to realtors in your area to learn more.