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Re: Questions to ask realtors?
I've never sold a home, but I am a realtor, so I would say you should ask:
1. What sets the realtor apart from the ton of other realtors in the area? In other words, why should you hire him/her?
2. What, exactly, is the realtor going to do to sell your home? Basically, what's their marketing plan? (How many websites will the house be on? How often does the realtor do open houses?) And will they put that in writing? (Many realtors will promise you the moon, but you want to be able to hold them to it?)
3. How will the realtor communicate with you, and how often? For example, I typically call my seller clients once week to give them market updates, provide feedback on showings, etc. A lot of realtors take a listing and then disappear, so you want to know that you will be in regular contact with your realtor.
4. You want to make sure you understand the terms of the contract you will be asked to sign, and can agree on all terms, including the length of the contract, the realtor's commission (and find out how much of that commission will be offered out to other agents on MLS), the price your home will be listed at, etc.
5. Find out the realtor's recommendation on price, and how they came up with that recommendation. Also find out if the realtor has other recommendations for staging the home, getting it in showing condition, etc. -- IF you are open to that kind of feedback.
Moreover, the realtor should be asking YOU a lot of questions about why you're selling, where your going, what you need to "net" from the sale (do you have a mortgage on the house still?). The realtor should tour the home with you and find out what changes you've made, whether you have all permits and COs. The realtor should also be able to advise you on the entire selling process, and recommend other professionals, such as attorneys, expediters, etc. that you may need.
Overall, you just want to feel comfortable with the realtor and know that he/she can do the job.
Good luck!
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