4 Simple Tips for Hiring a Realtor®

Planning to sell your house? You may already be thinking about hiring a Realtor® to represent your listing and help guide you through the selling process. There are several key steps involved, including staging, marketing, showings, negotiations and closing. A good real estate agent can provide valuable expertise throughout each phase of the transaction. This is why it is important to work with someone who will make a positive difference during your home sale. Here are a few tips to consider when selecting a Realtor®:

1. Ask Around

Ideally, you should talk to at least three different real estate agents before choosing one. Even if already have an idea of who you want to work with, it never hurts to shop around and get some different points of view. Ask friends and family who recently sold. See if they have recommendations. Do some research online. Read reviews and narrow down your list of candidates.

2. Ask Questions

Treat your first meeting with a Realtor® as an interview. Ask them a lot of questions. Put their knowledge and skills to the test. Let them earn your business. They will be paid handsomely when the sale is complete, so find someone you feel will work hard on your behalf. You can also ask for references and you should check the sources. You might learn something useful by talking to others who recommend this particular agent.

3. Review the Contract

Most real estate agents will want you to sign an exclusive listing agreement as the first step of the home selling process. It essentially locks you into using their services. Don’t sign the contract without reading it carefully. Understand your options and make sure you have ways out if things don’t go well. Run it past a legal advisor if necessary. The point is to be extra cautious when signing any paperwork throughout the entire real estate selling process.

4. Consider All Your Home Selling Options

Before you jump all-in and hire a Realtor®, it never hurts to consider other home selling alternatives. A great real estate agent can essentially pay for him or herself. However, the process takes longer and the extra costs can add up. You may be able to sell your house on your own (For Sale By Owner—FSBO), or you can sell directly for cash to a real estate investor (or a local home buying company like PropertyLark). A cash home sale may not bring as high a selling price, but it can be completed much faster and easier. You can avoid additional out-of-pocket expenses and the hassles of the normal real estate sales process. A cash sale is often the best solution for someone dealing with financial distress or wanting/needing to sell quickly for any other reason.

These are some of the best tips to keep in mind when hiring a Realtor®. If you are selling a home in the Central Valley, contact PropertyLark. We can give you a fair and fast cash offer for your house, or we can help with traditional home selling services with one of our licensed real estate agents. We’ll help you determine which option is best for you.