Thinking of Selling Your Home? What to look for in a Realtor.

First, you should know there is a difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor. A Realtor has taken more coursework and training, has taken an oath of honesty and integrity, is bound by the National Association of Realtors Ethical Standards to put the customer’s interests before their own, and is actually held to a higher ethical standard by that oath. My wife and I are Realtors because we truly believe that Integrity in business, is not only important to building our reputations but also because it is the right way to do business. We serve clients in MA & RI and live by our Core Values of Honesty, Integrity, and Knowledge.

Secondly, all Real Estate Agents do not offer the same value to their customers. It is important to choose a Realtor based on what they are going to do for YOU as their customer. That’s why I always recommend clients talk to at least 3 different Realtors before making a choice. That way you get a good feel for who you are most comfortable with, and what they offer their clients. Look for knowledge, experience, past success, and superior service. You can also get a good idea of who they are from their reviews on Google, Facebook, or Zillow. Check out our reviews here.

So what kind of “value” should you look for? Listing a home for sale is not as easy as snapping some terrible pictures with your cell phone and slapping them on MLS… but you might think so if you look online. Think again. A strong realtor has a process in place, can offer you information and tips for preparing your house, has knowledge and experience, and has a team of professionals to help them a list and MARKET your home. That’s how they get TOP dollar for your home. Check out our past sales here.

So what does it mean to market your home? There are agents who think their job is to find someone who wants to sell their home, take pictures with their phone, post the pictures and your house on MLS… and their job is done. This is not true in any way shape or form. Let me tell you a little about what we do to market our clients homes:

• We meet with clients and create a list of “TO DO’s” for them to complete prior to staging (yes, you might have to do some leg work to prepare your home so it presents well to potential buyers – the more buyers that want your home, the more you can sell it for)
• We do market research on your home, and similar homes that have sold recently to get an estimated listing value
• We set up time to do simple staging so your house looks like it’s in a magazine
• We hire professional photographers to take professional photos
• We create virtual tours or videos
• We create a dedicated website for your home, with a dedicated phone number for drive-by buyers to text for a link to your houses site
• We create a detailed marketing strategy for your home
• We write and create marketing materials
• We create a Social Media marketing campaign to tap into both our clients and our natural market for potential buyers
• We knock on doors in your neighborhood (when feasible)
• We create paid ads to advertise your open house
• We hold multiple open houses and advertise these to drive traffic
• We tap into our network of Realtors for buyers
• We contact our own clients and suggest the home (if its a match)
• We negotiate and complete contracts and documents
• We monitor the progress of the sale over the typical 45 days to close
• We oversee the whole process and all of those involved
• We help weigh offers to determine which is the best to accept (but its your decision)
• and so much more…

Ask potential listing agents you are interviewing what they do to market your home. Then listen…

Lastly, it’s important to understand that nothing is free in this world. Real Estate Sales is a business like any other. It’s not just about the fee – it’s about what you get FOR the fee. Many sellers don’t understand that… and unfortunately, MANY agents don’t either. However, in most cases, with a dedicated and knowledgeable agent – both YOUR interests and THEIRS are aligned. A good agent (and a good client for that matter) understands that your Realtor is on YOUR team! They are looking out for you and want to get you top dollar for your home because their incentives are tied to that. And so is their reputation! Look for a good Realtor, with a good plan, who knows that when they give it their all and provide outstanding service, superior knowledge, and effective marketing, not only can they get top dollar for your home – but they know you will tell your friends!

We would love to sit and talk with you about selling your home – no obligation. Contact us on our site HERE.

~ Eric

**Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and do not represent the views or opinions of Keller Williams. The contents of this blog are not meant to be interpreted as individualized advice. Please consult your tax advisor, attorney, broker, and/or financial advisor for specifics on your situation. Copyright © Eric Coury, Colonial Classic Realty LLC