Saturday, November 3, 2007

Four Great Ways to Check Out Your Listing Agent

Looking to list your house and wondering who might do the job well? There are things that you can do to ensure that your listing agent will be doing more than playing golf and hoping that your house sells.

1). Do your homework first. 86% or more of homebuyers are starting out on the internet. Do Google searches and Yahoo searches to see who is showing up on-line. Not necessarily at the very, very top because those are sponsored searches that agents are paying up to $5.00 per click for... Agents that do well with their websites show up high in natural searches because their website content is good, drawing more buyers.

2). Interview a few agents. Don't just settle for the neighbor, or your coworkers spouse. Schedule interviews with several agents and plan on having them look at your home, give you an estimate of sales price and tell you about their marketing.

3). While the agent is out at the interview have them sit down with you on the computer and show you where they are advertising their other listings. Do they have extensive web exposure? Do they advertise on Craigs List and V-flyer? Do they have virtual tours too?

4). Have the agent pull up the MLS and show you their current listings. Do they have as many pictures as possible? Are the descriptions for the property good?

These steps can ensure that you get a great agent that will work hard for you. Don't just choose the first name you run across, choose the best!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris - What good information to help the consumer make an informed decision when choosing their next real estate agent. - Ashley

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris, these are great tips on finding an agent in the College Station area. I know for a fact you would be my choice up there.