How to Choose a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House

Many home sellers think if they retain a large brokerage, all the agents in the office will be trying to sell their home. There is rarely an incentive for an agent to Piccadilly Grand Balance Units a home listed by another agent in the office. Agents typically rely on the MLS for information on homes for sale and are happy to show and sell homes listed by agents outside of their brokerage.

The MLS levels the playing field, so don’t worry about the size of the brokerage. Focus instead on the strengths of the agent.

One thing many home sellers overlook is the fact that smaller brokerages are often comprised of more experienced agents. A lot of new agents get their start at large brokerages, while experienced agents often leave to start their own brokerages.

MYTH: Brand Name = More Marketing

Regardless of the size of the brokerage, the marketing of individual homes is typically paid for by the listing agent. It has been proven time and again that the most effective marketing tools are the MLS, yard signs and the Internet. That’s what home buyers are using to find homes. And any agent can provide these marketing tools.

If the brokerage you hire is spending a lot of money on television ads, billboards and park benches, you have to ask yourself how that is benefiting you. Are they looking for buyers for your home or simply attracting more business for themselves and justifying their high fees?

MYTH: You Have to Pay a High Commission

Real estate agents who charge a high commission want homeowners to think they have to pay six or seven percent in order to sell their home in this market.

The truth is there are many alternatives to paying such high commissions. There are discount firms that offer full-service for as low as a few thousand dollars. With a full-service discount real estate company, home sellers receive all of the services they would get with a high commission brokerage, but without all of the cost.

There are other real estate companies that discount their fees by reducing the level of service. These are good for home sellers who are willing to take on some of the work, such as taking calls and showing the home. Fees can start at only a few hundred dollars.

Checking into these companies can save home sellers thousands of dollars.