Finding the right Realtor: 7 questions you should ask when putting your home up for sale

Putting your home up for sale? Get it off the market fast and for the best price by enlisting the help of a reliable real estate agent. Their extensive knowledge of the real estate world will give you the advantage you need for a successful sale. They will also be able to give you expert tips for selling your home and keep you updated on the latest market trends.

However, with so many Tacoma Realtors out there, finding the right one might be a challenge. Before you hire someone, ask these important questions to make sure they’re the perfect person for the job:

1. “How long have you been a real estate agent?”

   An agent with years of experience under their belt will know the tricks of the trade better than anyone else. Ask about past sales and former clients to get a better sense of their experience.Also, inquire about any awards or achievements they’ve received. See if they have special designations like a Certified Seller’s Designation from the National Association of Realtors® to find out if their expertise is exactly the kind you need.

2. “Are you a full-time or part-time real estate agent?”

   For the smoothest selling experience, choose an agent who works full time. Unlike part-time agents who may have other responsibilities to worry about, full-time agents are fully committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals. They are also most likely up-to-date with current market trends, more knowledgeable about real estate laws, and have more time to serve you.Find out when they’re available and the best way to reach them, as well. Real estate is a 24-hour business so you need someone who can act quickly and efficiently.

3. Which neighborhoods and what type of properties do you specialize in?

   Find a local real estate agent who knows the neighborhood you’re selling in like the back of their hand. You need someone who knows how to make your home stand out over others being sold at the same time in the area, as well as any future developments that could affect your sale.You also want an agent who specializes in the type of property you’re selling, whether it’s a single-family home or equestrian property. Check out their previous transactions to see if they’ve established a good track record.

4. “How many clients are you representing at the moment?”

   Their answer to this question could be quite tricky because you don’t want your agent to have too few or too many clients. An agent with a small clientele could either mean they have poor work ethic or are new to the business. Meanwhile, if an agent has too many clients, they might not be able to give your property the attention it needs.Find an agent who can focus on your property and attend to your needs immediately. This is especially true if you’re a first-time seller who isn’t that well-versed in real estate.

5. “Can you give a comparative market analysis of my home?”

   One of the most important jobs of an agent is accurately pricing your home. By asking for a comparative market analysis, you’ll be able to compare prices given by other agents or from your own research to validate its accuracy. Ask your potential agent to provide an in-depth analysis of certain concepts like your home’s condition and how upgrades can affect its value.

6. “What is your marketing strategy?”

   Your real estate agent should have a solid plan to market your home. In addition to listing it on MLS and their website, they should be able to market your home to get as many eyes on it as possible.An astute agent would be able to come up with different strategies to market your home like online campaigns, open houses, advertising in local publications or a combination of all three. Staging a house for sale and hiring a professional photographer are also popular ways to make a home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

7. “Do you have any references?”

   Last but not least, the agent you hire should have a list of references you can call to ask about their work ethic. Also, inquire if these clients’ needs were met. You can also check out testimonials or reviews posted on their website. An agent with barely any references or reviews is a red flag. Best to find someone else better fit for the task at hand.

Selling your home in Pierce and King County? I’m Lori Lewandowski, and I’ve been helping sellers achieve their real estate goals for over 38 years. Get in touch with me today at 253.617.5922 or send an email to lorilewandowski@gmail.com.