Using and Choosing
a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home

Choosing a Realtor to sell your property is a very important first step. The REALTOR® you choose should do more for you than just pop your property in the MLS, stick a sign in the yard and disappear. These are themajor things you should consider when choosing a REALTOR® to sell (not list) your home:

Experience: The more experience the better! Agents with less than 5 years' experience are still in training. They're still practicing and learning all the nuances of marketing a home. Further, if the market is strong, as it has been throughout the US in the last few years, then newer agents don't know what to do in a downturn.

The Company They Keep: Even an experienced agent needs someone to back him or her up in a tight spot. Small companies can't or don't afford answering services, training, good E&O insurance, or guidance. An agent who is affiliated with a large, strong company is more likely to be able to market, sell and close your property.

Market Know-How: Agents who are experienced in their town know all the various subdivisions and area of town. However, all agents specialize, usually in the part of town in which they live. Some agents specialize in a particular type of property, such as relocations or golf-course properties. Make sure the agent you select knows the area of town in which you live.