How to interview a potential real estate agent

Interest rates have fallen to the lowest level in decades, driving consumers into the housing market. Sellers might benefit from this advice:

Q. How can I select a good Realtor? I am in the process of getting my home ready to sell and need guidance on how to select an honest and reliable real estate agent and real estate company. What questions should I ask to find one who is reliable and honest?

Selling a home, especially in this market, can be a big task for any homeowner.

The person you hire as your real estate agent can influence how much it sells for and how quickly it sells.

Look for experienced agents with a proven history of sales in your area. Ask for references and talk to former clients whose homes the candidates have sold. You’ll get an idea whether the agent made the process smooth or rocky.

Once you’ve narrowed your list of agents, interview the finalists as you would any job candidate.

With answers to the questions that follow, you might get a better picture of the person who is best qualified to help you:

• How long has each candidate been in the business? Working full or part-time?

• How many homes has each sold during each of the past two years?

• On average, how many days were those homes on the market?

• What was the average difference between the initial asking price and the selling price?

• What was their experience selling in your area?

• Have they earned any professional designations?

• Does each candidate have a website?

• How will they market your home?

• How frequently will they communicate with you during the process?

Get a copy of the agent’s marketing plan, review it, make suggestions if appropriate, and hold your agent to it.

As competitive as the housing market is, your agent should be working hard and pulling out all the stops for your sake.

If you decide yours isn’t doing enough, find an agent who will.

Source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/01/3638370/how-to-interview-a-potential-real.html