Are you preparing to sell your home? If so, you should know that the process can be stressful. To reduce the hassles—and achieve the best possible result—you’ll want to work with a skilled and experienced listing agent. It can make all the difference. The only problem is, many sellers aren’t sure how to choose the right professional. With so many agents out there, what can you do to ensure you pick a good one?
Here are a few tips you can use when you’re looking for a listing agent…
Ask around (but keep your options open)
One of the best ways to find a skilled listing agent is by talking to a recent seller. Start by asking friends, family, and coworkers—and keep an eye on social media. If you find someone who’s had a positive selling experience, you might want to learn more about the agent who helped them.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should commit to working with a professional simply because you know them. I can’t tell you how many sellers hire their friend’s cousin’s husband, only to wind up disappointed. In other words, if you go the referral route, make sure you do your homework!
Vet their website
Performing online research on an agent who’s been recommended to you? Using Google to find local real estate professionals? Either way, it’s important to be discerning. That means adopting a critical eye.
When you visit an agent’s website, read their bio carefully. Take note of the neighbourhoods where they work—and how long they’ve been in the business (experience matters). You should also look for any information about their background and network. Have they worked in marketing or other useful fields in the past? Do they know contractors, cleaners, painters and other helpful local pros?
Overall, an agent’s website should be polished and professional-looking, with clear, straightforward information. If it appears outdated or sloppy, it could be a bad sign.
What to look for
Ideally, you’ll want to work with a full-time agent who’s been facilitating successful sales for many years. They should also have some impressive stats to back up their claims (think average days on market and sale to list price ratio).
You’ll also want to ensure (through discussion with your prospective agent and a careful review of their website) that the professional you choose has a broad range of expertise. Here are a few areas they should specialize in.
Pricing
Only an agent with a thorough understanding of the market can find recently-sold local homes that are truly comparable to yours. Using that information, they’ll assist you in setting the ideal price to help you achieve your goals.
Home preparations
From decluttering and cleaning to staging with the right paint, furniture, and decor, the listing agent you work with should know how to prepare your home for the market. Ask them how they’ll bring it all together to maximize your potential pool of buyers.
Marketing
A dedicated listing agent will utilize many different methods of getting the word out. From professional photographs, videos, and floor plans to strategic social media ads and promotion across relevant websites, your agent should go the extra mile.
Negotiations
In a hot market like Toronto, sellers have to act on offers quickly. To do so in an informed way, they need in-depth market knowledge and experience on their side. Your listing agent should be able to explain their approach to negotiations—and how it will help you take decisive action.
General knowledge
There’s no substitute for experience. A listing agent who’s been through it all countless times will know how to overcome potential obstacles—and the steps required to maximize your return. They’ll be equipped to help you through every step, until closing and beyond.
Ask questions
When you’re choosing an agent, asking the right questions can help you make an informed choice. It pays to put some thought into what you want to know ahead of time.
Inquiring about the individual steps to selling—and how the listing agent involved approaches them—can help you get a sense of what working with them will really be like. You’ll also want to ask about the logistics, like fees, timelines, and preferred ways to communicate.
Here are just a few potential questions that you may want to ask:
• Can you tell me about your pricing strategy?
• What do you think my home is worth—and why?
• What will you do to prepare and stage my home?
• How will you market my home?
• What is your commission rate (and what does it include?)
• What is your availability like, and how do you like to stay in touch?
Search for client proof
If you’re on the fence about whether an agent is the right fit, their clients can provide you with some unbiased information. Start by reading their testimonials (which should be easily accessible on their website). From there, you can ask for references so you can talk to a previous client in-person.
Next steps
Once you find the agent that’s right for you, they’ll provide you with a listing agreement. When you sign this crucial document, you’re stating that you’ll work exclusively with their brokerage. For their part, putting pen to paper obligates them to work in your best interest.
Once this paperwork is complete, you can relax—and rely on your agent’s expertise. A professional with the right knowledge, skill, and experience can make all the difference when you’re selling, so putting in a bit of effort to find the ideal fit is key. Are you ready to get started?
When you’re ready to sell your home, it would be my pleasure to help. Get in touch to learn more about my selling process—and how it can help you!
