If you are planning to hire a real estate agent to help you with selling your home, it is important that you take the time to find someone that is well qualified and that will look out for your best interest. Therefore, there are several things you should keep in mind when searching for a real estate agent in order to guarantee the best results. These include:
· Checking credentials
· Finding out more about the real estate agent's procedures
· Confirming who the agent will be representing
· Learning about fees
By evaluating all of these areas, you will have a better chance of hiring a real estate agent that will best suit your needs.
Checking Credentials
Ideally, you should hire someone that is a designated Realtor. Real estate agents are actually different from Realtors, as Realtors have to complete extra steps in order to achieve this designation. Realtors are also held to a higher standard than real estate agents because they have to adhere to the Code of Ethics as established by the National Association of Realtors.
In addition to dealing with someone that is a Realtor, you should also check to make certain the agent has an active license that is in good standing. It is also a good idea to find out the designations the agent holds. This way, you can make certain You can easily check on the Realtor's license by checking with the governing agency in your state.
Finding Out More About the Real Estate Agent's Procedures
Before you pick a Realtor, it is important to find someone that uses procedures you are comfortable with. For example, you might want to work with an agent that will put your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database or you may prefer one that will keep the sale more private. While most agents will be flexible and will work within the terms you prefer, others may have an established procedure that they are unwilling change. Make certain you and the agent are a good match before you sign a contract.
Confirming Who the Agent Will be Representing
There are two major types of real estate brokers to select from: buyer's brokers and seller's brokers. A buyer's broker represents the best interest of the person buying the house while the seller's broker represents the person selling the home. This is an important differentiation because the agent is bound to the person he or she represents, which means the agent does not have to maintain confidentiality for the other person in the sell. In other words, if you are dealing with an agent that represents the buyer and you tell the agent you would be willing to go as low as $130,000 on your price, the agent is obligated to share this information with the buyer. Make certain you are dealing with an agent that will be representing your best interests.
Learning About Fees
You also need to discuss fees upfront. You should have a clear understanding of how much you will have to pay the agent for his or her commission. You should also find out whether or not the agent is willing to reduce the commission amount if you are having trouble selling the home for the price you are trying to get.
In exchange for the fees you pay, the agent should clearly describe the services that will be provided. Don't assume that services such as advertising your home are automatically part of the deal. After all, you don't want to be caught by surprise by extra fees that pop up down the road.
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