How To Find The Right Agent For You

Sellers | 9-minute read

If you are in the Windsor-Essex County market area and are thinking of selling your home in the near future, you are probably faced with the question of whom you should list with. Do you list with the agent who's got all the for-sale signs in the area? Do you choose the agent your colleague at work ‘used’?

What about the agent that keeps sending you notepads and generic flyers in the mail, promising that they have a buyer for homes just like yours?

At the end of the day, everyone seems to be promising the same thing, but how do you really know?

In this article, I’d love to help you get some clarity on this question by providing you with a few simple questions I would ask a potential real estate agent candidate I was considering hiring - knowing what I know now and assuming I wasn’t in real estate myself. I know it’s kind of a different angle than you might have expected!

Before I Do, Here Are a Few Points to Consider:

- Never choose an agent based on list price or commission percentage. Unfortunately, some agents engage in activities known as ‘buying the listing,’ meaning they intentionally inflate the suggested list price and cut their commission in order to get the listing ... with the intention of asking for a price reduction later. Especially in a market like we are having right now, many sellers are still somewhat out of touch with the reality that prices really have come down, and what homes used to sell for a few months ago just isn’t the case anymore. You might find yourself in a really unfortunate predicament if you decide to listen to someone who will tell you what you want to hear instead of telling you the truth.

- Don’t be fooled by the number of signs one particular agent might have in your area, and pay very close attention to the number of properties that agent is actually selling. You want a quality agent, not a quantity one.

- The ideal scenario would be a referral by someone whom you completely trust. Raving fans speak louder than any amount of self-promotion ever could. The only thing I would be careful about is the area of expertise. If you hire an agent who comes highly recommended but has never sold a house in your neighbourhood, I’d probably look for a local professional who understands the area as well as has a portfolio of qualified buyers for it.

Now that you have shortlisted the potential candidates, here’s how to find the real deal. Some of these questions may seem ‘generic,’ but remember; it’s the right answer you’re after.

1. "Why Should I List My Property With You?"

Listen carefully. Is your candidate talking about me, myself, and I ... or are they asking questions to understand your true goals while backing their performance promises with results?

2. "What’s Your Marketing Strategy?"

This is another ‘generic’ question, but an interesting one nonetheless. Listing it on the MLS, putting up a for-sale sign, and waiting for a buyer to show up … is not a strategy. Hopefully, your candidate understands how to market to The Jetsons, as well as The Flintstones.

3. "How Long Have You Been Working As An Agent?"

Be careful here. Having been in the industry for 55 years isn’t necessarily an asset. Rookies can often be the better choice because they are HUNGRY instead of just being comfortable and perhaps a little full of themselves and out of touch with the ever-changing world of technology and marketing.

4. "Out Of Curiosity, How Many Different Brokerages Have You Worked At So Far?”

We're digging deeper with this one. This may sound odd, if an agent has a ‘hopper pass’ and is moving from one place to another ... are they going to be a mature, professional, and committed individual who is able to take responsibility?

5. "What Is Your Average List To Sales Price Ratio?"

This will show how well your agent candidate knows his or her numbers and, more importantly, will give you a pretty good idea of what results to expect. Make sure they back it up.

6. "How Long, On Average, Does It Take For Your Listings To Sell?"

This question is related to question #1 and is equally important. Talk, after all, is cheap.

7. "Will You Reduce Your Commission If The Property Sells Fast Or If You Double-End It?”

Oh, this one is important. Listen closely. You are likely not going to get a “Yes” from a World-Class Agent.

Why?

Well, if they are that quick to give away their pay before they even made it, how skilled do you think will they be at negotiating yours ... when there’s an actual offer on the table? I am not saying commissions can’t be negotiable. I am, however, cautioning you not to hire someone who will tell you what you want to hear and agree to everything you ask or say ... just to get the listing.

8. "What Happens If I’m Not Satisfied With Your Service?"

Can the listing contract be withdrawn if you change your mind about selling? Can you transfer the contract to another brokerage if you’re not satisfied with the current agent’s performance or service? Absolutely! A good agent will openly discuss your options and rights.

As you consider all these points, I actually saved the best one for last.

9. Pay Very Close Attention To Your Potential Agent’s Personality Style.

A World-Class Agent will be able to easily adapt not only to your style but also to that of your prospective buyers. If your personalities are clashing already or you feel rushed, pressured, or talked ‘into’ …, be careful.

You want someone who is professional, intuitive, patient, knowledgeable, and pleasant. You want a World-Class Agent. After all ... selling your home is a pretty big deal.

I hope this has been helpful to you, and if you're out here in the Polson area and are thinking of selling or know anyone who is, feel free to reach out and let's have a conversation! I just might be able to give you some pretty good answers to the above questions! ;)