The skills and abilities you need in a real estate agent will depend on your specific circumstances and your experience with selling homes. Whatever the situation, though, your agent must be willing to enter into a partnership with you, providing valuable advice and guidance throughout the entire process. Your agent should also have the expertise and experience needed to effectively market your house, navigate the complexities of the sale, and negotiate the final contract on your behalf. The only way to ensure a prospective agent can meet these expectations is through a thorough, in-depth interview. To help with this, here are 6 important questions to ask your agent before signing a listing agreement in Savannah, GA and Chatham County. A clear understanding of these points can help you choose the right agent to ensure a successful sale.
1. How long have you been in this business?
There is no guarantee that an agent with many years of experience will do a better job for you than a brand new one, but the odds are generally in your favor if she has been in the business for a while. Ideally, in addition to experience, the agent should have received a high level of training and had exposure to competent mentors who have shaped their skills and approach. Experience, especially with various types of transactions and market conditions, helps an agent navigate challenges more effectively. So be sure to ask about their training and mentorship as well. Still, it’s important to remember that most agents learn much of their craft on the job, which means both the amount of experience and the years they’ve spent in the business are significant factors when choosing the right person to help with your sale.
2. What is your average list-price-to-sales-price ratio?
Now, this is truly one of the most important questions to ask your agent before signing a listing agreement in Savannah, GA and Chatham County. While the list-price-to-sales-price ratio can be influenced by the local market, it remains a strong indicator of your agent’s overall ability and competence.
For a listing agent, this ratio should ideally be near 100%. In most cases, it means the agent has successfully sold homes at a price very close to the original listing price. A high list-price-to-sales-price ratio not only indicates that the agent knows how to price a home correctly to attract buyers, but it also shows a proven track record of negotiating effectively to secure a fair and competitive price for their clients. This is an essential metric to assess before deciding on your agent.
3. Considering location and condition, what is the best price you can get for my house.
You will, of course, want your agent to provide a detailed written comparative market analysis (CMA) so that you’ll have a good idea of the fair market value of your house. You should also ask, experts say, “that it includes more than just a simple dollar-per-square-foot calculation. You want a thorough, thoughtful analysis of your home’s condition and upgrades.”
Then see how the agent would price the home. If the price she suggests is out of line with the CMA or higher than what other agents suggest, then there’s likely a problem. “A home that is overpriced at the beginning will usually end up selling for less than it would have if priced right to start.”
4. How do you plan to market my house?
You also need to know how an agent plans to market your house before signing a listing agreement in Savannah, GA and Chatham County. One of your chief concerns should be whether the agent has the requisite online marketing savvy because most people today do the bulk of their home shopping online.
Heres what the industry pros recommend that you ask in this area: “As a seller, you’ll want to know exactly how the agent will market your home. Is a direct mail campaign appropriate? Where and how often does she advertise? What kind of photography does she offer? Does the market online? What steps will she take to prepare your home for sale?”
5. Will I be able to review documents ahead of time?
Openness and transparency are also important, so you’ll need to find out if you can review all important documents before you sign them. If the agent isn’t willing to allow this, then maybe you shouldn’t sign that listing agreement in Savannah, GA and Chatham County.
“A good real estate agent will make forms available to you for preview before you’re required to sign them. . . [M]ake sure during the interview stage that an agent is amenable to this.” And be sure to ask for a copy of the listing agreement and the seller disclosure.
6. What separates you from and makes you better than other agents?
Finally, before signing a listing agreement in Savannah, GA and Chatham County, it’s crucial to understand what sets that agent apart from the competition – in other words, what special skills and competitive edge she can bring to the table. A good agent should be eager and prepared to answer this question with clear, concrete examples that demonstrate her unique strengths. While it’s important for your agent to possess basic attributes such as honesty, assertiveness, and strong negotiating skills, you should also ensure that they are adaptable and responsive. An agent who is agile, quick to respond, and willing to communicate at any time will be invaluable throughout the process, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. Look for someone who offers more than just the basics and can truly make a difference in the outcome of your sale.
Signing a listing agreement in Savannah, GA and Chatham County is a significant step and possibly a long-term commitment, so it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. This agreement will guide the entire selling process, and you don’t want to make this decision lightly. You want to ensure that your agent is not only knowledgeable but also a strong advocate for your best interests. Beyond asking these crucial questions, you can further increase your chances of success by working with agents from a reputable agency known for their track record of excellence. A reputable agency can offer a team of skilled professionals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the market. Discover more about our experienced agents and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals with confidence and ease. Contact us today! 912-756-2448
