4 Characteristics to Look for in a Good Realtor [Selling Your Home]

 

 

When selling home it’s important to have someone on your team who is an expert.  One of your biggest assets when selling home is your real estate agent. Selling your home is a huge life event and while it may seem like a stressful time, a good realtor can make the experience fun (and if they’re really good - fast).

 

Track Record

 

One of the first questions to ask is how long have they been a real estate agent? While experience isn’t everything (there are plenty of excellent new realtors), real estate agents live off of commission. In order to be in business for a while, they need to be good at what they do.

 

Another great question to ask is how many properties they have closed. The more deals they’ve closed the more experienced they are in the market. Are they good negotiators? Have they been able to get their clients fair prices in the past? You can also always ask your real estate agent for references from their past clients.

 

Reputation

 

A real estate agent’s reputation within the local real estate community is very important. Do they have good relationships with other realtors? Are they willing to work with others? Having good relationships with other real estate agents is a benefit for you because it means they have more access to qualified potential buyers.

 

You want a real estate agent that is honest and has integrity. This is a person you are going to be working closely with, so you want them to be trustworthy. A great way to check on this (besides your conversations with them) is to read customer testimonials. How was their experience working with this agent? Would they recommend them to others? If so, you know you have a winner.

 

Knowledgeable

 

You want a real estate agent that knows the industry and market inside and out. Don’t be afraid to ask your realtor questions. Your realtor’s job is to help you sell your home, so they want to help you in any way they can. Here is a list of some common questions to ask your real estate agent.

• How well do they know the market? Are they familiar with what other homes are selling for in your are to be able to price your house competitively?
• How well do they know the selling/purchasing process?
• Do they have a recommended vendor list? Such as recommended lenders, title companies, inspectors, contractors, moving companies etc.
• Are they part of a team? Teams are great because if there is something your agent isn’t personally familiar with, then someone on their team will be able to help.

 

Attentiveness

 

You want a realtor that gives your home the attention it deserves. They should create a custom marketing plan to locate your buyer faster. You need an agent who is a skilled marketer and negotiator working on your behalf to make sure your home gets maximum exposure, including online marketing, professional photography, custom brochures, and online and social media advertising.

 

Finding a real estate agent with these top four characteristics will make selling your home a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

 

 

At the Platinum Group, our team helped 315 families in 2017. We know the Northern Virginia market inside and out and are well respected throughout the community. We’d be happy to help you find the home of your dreams. Contact us today to be paired with an agent best suits your needs.