Despite the economic downturn, there are still real estate agents who are doing very well for themselves and for the sellers they represent. In today’s highly competitive ”buyer’s market”, the first concern of sellers should be finding an agent who can sell their home in a reasonable timeframe for the best price. Here are some techniques that some of the best agents in the business are employing this year.
One necessity for today’s real estate agent is a solid online presence. Firstly, your agent’s firm should have a professional, easy to use web site complete with a MLS listing search. Many agents offer handy info about the local market, as well as tips for buying and selling homes. Many brokers also utilize social media in order to build networks and notify potential buyers as well as other real estate agents about homes recently listed for sale. An agent who has taken these steps is clearly cognizant of the importance of their presence on the Web.
The MLS isn’t the be-all, end all of property listings. There are many real estate web sites that offer alternate listings of homes. While Craigslist.org remains a perennial favorite, having a good listing on several other real estate web sites is a major factor in making sure your listing is viewed by as many potential buyers as possible. Good agents are knowledgeable regarding the most appropriate and most popular sites in your area, and they should be ready to submit your listings to multiple sites.
Many of the best real estate agents have chosen to specialize in certain areas of the market in their area. Finding a broker that sells properties similar to yours is a good idea, particularly if your home falls into a specific category, like small ranches, historical homes, or luxury homes.
Looking at the quality of an agent’s listings is also important. Are they accurate and detailed, with full lists of amenities? Do they offer several good pictures, and maybe even interactive video tours or 360 degree photos? Your agent should have all the tools available to show your home to its best advantage. A great listing will give potential buyers a good idea of what your house is like, which will mean that it will attract more buyers looking for a home like yours. Some agents go so far as to hire professional photographers for home listings.
Good agents also should advise you on ”staging” your home for sale and showing to potential buyers before photographs are ever taken. They will be able to point out problems that savvy potential buyers will spot, so that you can fix them before a buyer ever lays eyes on them.
In today’s market, the best agents will also make certain that any buyer expressing interest in your property is pre-qualified for a loan before they view your home. Most of us don’t appreciate strangers wandering about in our homes uninvited, and this will narrow down the field to actual buyers as opposed to the merely curious.
And finally, in this era, every dollar counts, so shop around for a real estate office that understands that you have just lost a lot of your equity to the economy. Perhaps you will find a broker that will work with you on commission as well, to help you keep as much of your remaining equity as possible. It can never hurt to ask.
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