How To Ask The Right Questions
Before You List Again!
by Unknown
Your listing has expired and now you’re wondering what to do. The most important question you must ask is, "Where did I go wrong?". The answer is not usually within you, but with the agent you entrusted. Be prepared with the right information so you can interview your prospective agent with confidence and assure you make the right choice this time.
With hundreds or even thousands of dollars at stake and weeks of time invested, don’t risk making the same mistake twice. Make sure your next agent is eminently qualified to sell your home. Don’t risk this decision out of obligation to a friend, family member or acquaintance. Your listing has expired and it’s easy to develop the identity of having a problem property in the market place. Therefore, it’s vital important to choose the right agent this time around.
Typically, most people will ask business associates, family or friends to recommend someone they’ve had good luck with... someone they can trust. Other sellers will watch neighborhood real estate signs to see who is listing many of the homes. Still others rely upon the reputation of the major national franchise companies. All of these methods could prove to be disastrous!
Trust Your Instincts First!
When selecting an agent, he or she should be someone you feel good about, someone you’re willing to trust with one of the largest financial transactions you may ever make. Don’t allow the prospective agent to dictate your time table. If an agent is impatient you should immediately consider them suspect. Be careful.
Do Your Homework!
Ask For References From Past Sellers
Before you sign another listing agreement, check out references from past sellers. Flattering letters praising the agent’s work in a presentation book are a great start, but dig deeper. Ask for telephone numbers and names of the past three sellers and names of at least two current listings.
Ask For A Record Of The Agent’s Marketing Innovations
How are they dealing with the current market conditions? Is there a plan to beef up their advertising and marketing efforts to benefit the seller? Residential real estate has a long history of economic cycles. The market is either hot, improving, static or declining and with each cycle there has to be a plan to cope with the current market conditions.
Final Questions
Ask For A Detailed Marketing Plan
Request a step-by-step plan of the first four weeks, eight weeks and twelve weeks your home will be on the market. Make sure your agent is utilizing the latest innovative technologies for generating sales leads. There are now ways to literally generate leads 24 hours a day! These new marketing tools will help sell your home faster and for more money!
Define Planning Times
Establish a time with your agent to go over the marketing results within the first 15 days. Ask for all showings and feedback from other agents. Help the agent understand that any news is good news because it can help you make adjustments in your marketing plan.
If you follow these suggestions you’re sure to avoid the mistakes of the past. Make sure you’re dealing with a competent professional... making the right choice is worth thousands of dollars and a great sense of "peace of mind."
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John Mitchell ABQ Realty Office: 505-275-1161 Fax: 505-422-5793 |
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