The 3 most important factors in choosing an agent

The 3 most important factors in choosing an agent

            How many Real Estate agents do you have to choose from?  The term “a dime a dozen” comes to mind, doesn’t it?  The truth is, yes, there are a ton of Realtors available at your disposal.  There may not be many however who can provide all you need to obtain your buying or selling goals.  Protect yourself and take these three factors into account when selecting your next Realtor.

Honesty & Ethics

            There may be no more important factor then that of honesty and ethics when choosing a Realtor.  Working with an agent with low ethics or one that you cannot trust to be 100% honest throughout the process is a recipe for disaster.  It is imperative that you work with an agent with strong ethics and an inherent character of honesty.  Many agents will skew the truth to obtain business.  I’ve seen some go as far as to pose with someone else’s wife and children to give the impression of a “family based” agent.  I can’t imagine how this person would react when asked about their wife and kids.  Starting a business relationship based on misleading advertising is a surefire way to create future issues during the transaction.  If you’re not working with an agent who is 100% honest and ethical, how can you truly be sure you have obtained an agent with your best interests at heart?

Advertising & Marketing

            When selling your home it is crucial that you work with an agent whom firmly understands the importance of advertising and marketing.  While the MLS alone can drive sales, having an agent who knows how to implement an advertising campaign personalized for your home is essential.  Many agents will tout the campaigns offered by their firm and most will count on this marketing alone as the only means to promote your property.  In these scenarios the home never receives any true personalized campaigns, and simply obtains “cookie cutter” marketing. Selling at a high dollar in a short period of time requires constant promotion in new and unique ways; and more importantly personalized to the subject property.  When interviewing or searching for an agent to sell your home, be sure you delve into their own personal marketing strategy, find out what they as an agent bring to you, the client. 

Knowledge of your area

        Selling a product that you are unfamiliar with is a fool’s errand.  I’ve seen time and again agents with listings in areas they have zero knowledge of.   Without a firm understanding of the locale you are selling in, there is absolutely no way to obtain top dollar for the inventory you hold.   When selling, be sure that your agent is well versed in the area you reside in.  Knowledge of your area’s schools, shopping, entertainment, etc are crucial.  The convenience an area provides can often add value to a buyer’s perception of the home, in turn, netting you a higher sales price.

        These 3 simple factors will help you decide which agent is the right fit for you.  The wrong partnership is a disservice to the entire process; be sure to conduct your own personal research prior to hiring your next Realtor.  When you find the right fit it just may be a match made in heaven, brining along with it an attractive sales price in a short amount of time.