- Not all licensees are REALTORS®. Make sure your real estate agent is a REALTOR® because they subscribe to a code of ethics and have numerous tools available to them. Tools to help buyers and sellers that simple licensees do not have.
- Find out if the agent you are considering working with belongs not only to the Cape Cod and Islands MLS but also to MLS PIN (Property Information Network). The Cape MLS has 2000+ members and MLS PIN has over 30,000 members throughout New England. This is important when you need to reach as many buyers as possible. Many BUYERS work with an agent they trust and MLS PIN provides thousands of additional Buyer Agent possibilities.
- Is the company, behind the agent you are considering, successful? Do they have multiple offices? Multiple offices help to expand exposure of your property to the edges of the market area your home is in. Many buyers will consider a property in the next town.
- Does the agent subscribe to enhanced REALTOR.com services? Enhanced services are an additional expense, one that successful REALTORS® use to add additional photos, ad copy, virtual tours, reports, etc. The service provides internet links directly to your agent. If they don't subscribe to enhanced services you get minimal coverage on the world's most trafficked real estate web site.
- Ask your agent for a copy of the data sheet for one of their listings. Does it seem up to date and complete? Review the marketing description and the quality of the photos. They are an indication of the time and effort an agent devotes to the process.
- Today the internet is a very important part of the home selling process. Over 80% of buyers use the internet in the buying process. Compare the internet exposure of the agents you are considering.
- The real estate business is one where networking is extremely important. Is your agent involved? Is the agent respected in the community? A well respected and involved agent will have more opportunities to cooperate with other agents and consumers and result in more exposure for your property.
- Look for selling agents to communicate their systems, such as direct mail, flyers, and support. Do they produce good quality marketing pieces. It is an indication of the work they do and the value they place on being professional.
- Selling a home is an important decision that can have a huge financial impact to your family. Does the agent have any financial background? Can they negotiate in your best interest? These negotiations include price and terms.
- Does the agent dress appropriately? Many buyers will make judgment on appearance and decide whether or not to continue working with that agent.
- Is the agent up to speed with technology? A simple cell phone and fax aren't enough in today's world. Does the agent have a website? Do they use email, social networks, video, pda's? Buyers expect their agents to use these tools and you should too.
- Make sure the agent will do a comparative marketing analysis and adjust values for differences in properties. Without these adjustments you have an incomplete picture.
- Does your agent understand absorption rates? This is very important and can have a big impact on the price you will sell your home at and when it will sell.
- Price, location, and condition, are the most important factors when selling a home. Choose an agent who is knowledgeable about the market and guides you with condition and pricing concerns. An experienced agent is a plus. This will help you get the best price and terms for your property.
