You're about to enter into one of the most significant financial transactions of your life, so how do you hire the right listing agent at a time when there are more realtors than there are homes for sale? Here are a few helpful suggestions for hiring the right professional.

First, ask the people you know for their recommendations.

You can start by reaching out to your friends and family and asking them to share a little bit about their recent home-selling experience. What did you friends and family learn about the home selling process? What worked well and what didn't work well for them? Do any of your friends and family HIGHLY recommend the listing agent that they worked with? If so, ask them to explain why they would choose to work with their listing agent again.

Then, do a little online sleuthing. 

Once you have two or three listing agents to consider, then we suggest having a look at each agent's online reviews. Look for glowing, genuinely appreciative reviews that tell stories of how each agent went above and beyond to serve their client. If you read the reviews closely, you will learn that they often provide clues about each agent's character, work ethic, and level of professionalism. 

We also recommend having a close look at each agent's current and past listings. Are the listings beautifully staged and full of beautiful photos? Do the listing descriptions convey a genuine appreciation for each property? Just like online reviews, an agent's listings often provide helpful clues.

Last, it's time for interviews.

Here are a few recommendations:

#1: Ask each realtor to explain what's going on in the market right now. How the realtor responds to this question can you tell you a lot about their level of professionalism and their dedication to their craft.

#2: Ask each agent for their opinions on how you can earn the highest return on your investment and sell your home for the best price. Does your realtor have concrete, low-cost solutions that will increase your home's value?

#3: Ask each realtor to do a market analysis for you, to recommend a price, and to explain their reasoning behind their price. In other words, ask each agent to show their work.

#4: Ask the realtor to send you a customized marketing plan for your home and to share some examples of their prior marketing materials.

#5: Ask for references and call them. Try to get a sense of the agent's character and work ethic. Does the realtor follow through on all of their commitments?

When you evaluate each agent in this manner, a story will begin to emerge about each one. And usually, one of the realtors will stand out as the best fit for you and your sale.

Do you have questions about selling a home or condo in our evolving market?

Please call on your favorite Mad City Dream Homes realtor whenever you're in need of a helpful conversation. We would love to be a resource for you, help you make good decisions, and never with any sales pressure or spin.