If you are considering selling your home you are likely considering working with an real estate agent to help you list your Olathe home. Finding the right agent though isn’t as simple as it seems. Most people have friends or family that may have their real estate license and though we would like to believe that these people would do the best job for us, that’s not always the case. Choosing a good agent is more than just choosing someone you know. This person is responsible for one of the largest financial transactions you may make in your lifetime and it’s important to choose someone that will make the process gos smoothly. Let’s look at how to find the best listing agent in Olathe.
What makes a good listing agent in Olathe?
To find the best listing agent in Olathe or anywhere else begin with knowing what qualites a good listing agent should show. It’s important to know these qualites because you will be in a business relationship with that agent and you will want to know what you are working with. Any good agent should have the following;
- Experience selling homes like yours and in your area
- Negotiating skills and expertise
- Broad professional network
- Effective communication skills
- Honesty and integrity
Expert also recommend that you find an agent that has some sort of a personal guarantee that lets you out of the contract if the agent isn’t perfoming his/her duties. For example BD Real Estate Solutions has an easy out guarantee that lets you cancel the listing agreement at any time if you feel that we have not been perfoming our duties.
Get Referrals From Family and Friends
The next step in your search for the best listing agent in Kansas City should be to get references from family and friends. Simply ask people in your circle who have had first-hand experience with agents for recommendations.
Keep in mind, though, when asking “people in your network if they can recommend a real estate agent with whom they’ve had a good experience.” that “you want someone with experience working with clients who are similar to you. The needs of first-time buyers, for example, are different than those of repeat buyers or homeowners who are looking to downsize.”
Research Potential Agents
After getting referrals/recommendations from family and friends, research the potential candidates you’ve been told about. This next step toward finding a great listing agent involves the following . . .
“Start by examining an agent’s online presence. Check the agent’s website and social media accounts. Take a look at their online reviews, as well. Don’t worry about one or two negative reviews, but more than that could be a red flag.
“Be sure to check with your state’s real estate regulator to find out whether an agent you’re considering is licensed or has any disciplinary actions. Vet candidates . . . on your local Better Business Bureau’s website to see if they’ve received any complaints.”
Interview Multiple Listing Agents
After you’ve researched candidates and have a shortlist, it’s time to interview candidates. Industry pros recommend that you interview at least three agents in order to find the best listing agent.
“When you interview potential listing agents, it’s important to be prepared with a list of questions. You want to see if someone is qualified and has the right experience not only to market your home but also to get it sold as quickly as possible and for top dollar.”
Following are the top questions (though you can and probably should ask more) to ask agents you interview . . .
- What experience do you have, especially in my market?
- What is your sales track record?
- Do you have a thorough list of comparable listings in my neighborhood?
- Based on those comparable listings, what do you think my home is worth and why?
- How will you market my home?
- What is your commission rate?
- What is your availability, and are you willing to communicate by my preferred medium?
Check References
After conducting interviews and before choosing the best listing agent, be sure to check references. A particular candidate may sound good until you talk to former clients.
“Ask listing agents for client references and talk to those customers about their experiences working with the agent. What did the agent do especially well? What went wrong, and how did the agent handle the situation? Was there anything the client wished the agent had done better?”
You should limit this to the clients of the agents whose homes have sold in the last year. And be sure to ask about what kind of support the agent provided, especially with respect to negotiations, and whether they would hire that agent again.
Find the Right Fit
Remember, too, that a lot of it comes down to the right fit and “chemistry.” You may be working with an agent for many months, so the best listing agent for you is the one you feel most comfortable with, who seems to be the best fit.
“Just as important as the knowledge and experience an agent brings is their ability to guide you smoothly through the process. Above all, go with an agent you trust and will feel comfortable with if the road to closing gets a little bumpy. It’s just like dating – sometimes it just comes down to chemistry.”
An Easier Way to Find a Great Listing Agent
If finding the best listing agent seems like a lot of work, well, that’s because it usually is. But you can expedite the process and making much easier by going straight to BD Real Estate Solutions who is known for top-notch agents with experience and great sales records. If you’re ready to sell and want the best listing agent in Olathe, be sure to contact us today at (913) 708-1185.