If you will be putting a property on the market in the near future you’ll need to select a real estate professional that can partner with you to make the sale of your property happen. The agent or team of agents that you select to navigate the potentially challenging waters in this down market will make a HUGE difference in the outcome of your sale. It’s important to “hire” the right agent for the job. It can make all the difference between success and failure. Over the weeks ahead I’ll share some tips that will make the selection process more effective and the sale process smoother and more profitable!

          An important agent selection criteria is experience - both in general and with regard to the area or neighborhood your particular property is located in. Look around … Who is selling property in your area? Take the time to visit open houses in your neighborhood and meet the agents that are representing your neighbors. Open houses can be a great place for a casual “interview” with a potential listing agent … You’re really seeing them in their element. What are they doing to promote that property? Are they conducting themselves in a professional manner? Are they knowledgable and able to answer questions about the property and the neighborhood?

          I’ll blog about additional criteria for agent selection in the near future, but let me continue to address the area of an agent’s experience … After you have identified a couple potential agents, invite these agents to do a listing presentation for you. You will want to ask each agent about their recent real estate listing experience. Have they helped buyers or sellers or both in your area? Have they successfully sold properties similiar to yours in the area? What have they learned about your neighborhood or area that is of special interest? Are they aware of any issues or challenges with properties in your area. You will not only learn more about the agent’s credentials, but you may learn more about your neighborhood in the process!

          There are several other selection criteria I’d like to suggest to you. I’ll address them in future blogs so stay tuned! In the meantime, if you are interested in continuing this conversation just email me at algreen@lava.net . Aloha, Allison