Most of us are not aware of the trends and fluctuations of the real estate market. Likewise we don’t
know the steps necessary to maximize profits on the sale of our home. We rely heavily on the real estate
agent to lead us down the path of profits. Considering your home is typically the most valuable asset you
possess, doesn’t it make sense to list with someone who will be able to generate the most money in a
sale?
This article was designed to empower you with critical information necessary to evaluate an agent’s
qualifications and help you identify the professional that will best serve your needs. The more meticulous
you are in your search for an agent, the higher your profits will be.
Start by doing some research. Find out who the most active real estate agents are in your market. Ask
friends, relatives and co-workers for referrals, then compile a list and find out how the agent markets his
or her listings to sell.
Place a call to each of the agents on your list. Document how quickly they return your call. Remember,
they will be returning calls to your prospective homebuyers. Do an initial interview over the phone so
when you meet, you will be prepared.
At the meeting, request a proven step-by-step 30-DAY MARKETING PLAN for your sale including
everything from title to escrow so you know exactly what services the agent will provide. Evaluate the
team that your potential agent has assembled. Top producers will have established relationships with
lenders, title reps, and inspectors. They are there for your benefit. Should any of these people not be
prepared to handle any aspect of the sale, then you are not receiving the best possible service.
Request a complete report of your property with ideas for improvements, cosmetic changes or structural
repairs that can add value to your property. A small investment up front can pay huge dividends at the
time of the sale. Also request detailed information about current market conditions, the competition of
other homes for sale and proper pricing. Have your agent educate you on all aspects regarding your sale.
Insist that all potential buyers be pre-qualified to purchase your home. Screen out unwanted prospects
before getting to the final stages of negotiating.
Request a complete net sheet, minus commissions and fees, so you know exactly how much money you
will profit at the time of the sale.
Insist on a step-by-step marketing plan of how your home is going to be marketed and sold. Look for
innovative ways to attract homebuyers. Demand 24-hour advertising, lead accountability, and tracking
services. These services do exist and you should make sure they are part of your home’s marketing.
Investigate the agent’s marketing strategy. Do they waste their time cold calling all day or do they have a
MARKETING PLAN in place to attract qualified buyer prospects? Do they contact those leads? Also find
out what type of direct mail campaign the agent has in place. Is it professional? Does the mailing generate
buyer prospects that would be interested in purchasing your house?
What type of advertising will they use? Insist that the advertising be well written and professional in
appearance. They should be advertising, at a minimum, in a homes magazine, in the local newspaper and
with yard signs. The quality of the advertising will directly affect how well your home will be perceived.
Have a written and well-conceived negotiating strategy. A sound negotiating strategy can make thousands
of dollars of difference when the final sale goes through, so your agent must have a plan in place for this
aspect.
Finally, have a written closing checklist. You need to know how to conclude the sale of your home in an
orderly and legally sound manner.
A strong, qualified agent must meet all the requirements listed in this report if they are truly going to sell
your property for TOP DOLLAR.
Choosing your Agent wisely. Any agent will show enthusiasm and will want to list your house for sale
but choose your agent based upon
1. Experience at listing and marketing houses for sale.
2. Ability to use technology to market your house world wide to buyers 24/7.
3. Reviewing with you a comprehensive Marketing Analysis of home sales in your area.
4. Ability to offer a written detailed 30-DAY MARKETING PLAN that will get your house sold at the
highest possible price.
Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions
of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price
range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the
reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing? A good
listing agent can get your house sold quickly at TOP DOLLAR and help you find a new home.(IM)
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