Real Estate - 买房 - Buying a Home? (2)Selecting an Agent

[QIANSHUIBA]

Selecting an Agent

•Ask family, friends, and business associates for referrals.
•Attend open houses. If the agent or broker impresses you, ask for a business
card.
•Drive through neighborhoods that interest you and look for yard signs to see
what company handles most of the sales.
•Search local newspapers and real estate publications.
•Call the local Prudential Real Estate Network member office for a referral
to an office in another town
Now you're ready for the interview. Whether you're buying or selling, the
agent should explain the entire process up front. Sellers can use the "listing
presentation" to compare agents on their preparation and professionalism. Ask
questions that get at the agent's experience, knowledge and motivation to help
you:
•Do you work full time or part time?
•How long have you been selling homes in this area?
•Are you familiar with the areas I'm considering?
•What type of homes do you usually handle?
•What percentage of your business comes from referrals and repeat clients?
•How many sales have you closed?
•How many homes did you sell last year?
•What percentage of your listings sold during the listing period?
•Did they sell close to the asking price?
•On average, how many days does a home stay on the market?
•Will you guide us as we prepare the house to be shown?
•Will we receive a copy of the marketing plan?
•How will you advertise our home? In what publications and when will ads run?
Will you employ an Internet marketing program?
•When do you plan to hold open houses? How will you advertise an open house?
•Do you plan to do anything else to get the word out?
•How often can we expect to be updated, even if there's nothing to report?
A word to the wise: Sellers should not select a real estate professional based
on selling price or commission. It's probably best to avoid working with
someone who promises you the moon-in this case, an unrealistically high
price-then has to make price reductions until the property sells. Instead,
focus on marketing plans, service and past results. Also, don't be persuaded
by low commissions. A seller could actually net more than with a discount
broker when a winning marketing plan combined with proper pricing results in a
faster sale and at a better price.

Aim to select someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable.
It almost ensures a productive and mutually rewarding relationship. To begin
your search for a great real estate professional, make the call to Prudential
Northwest Properties or click here for E-mail and mailing addresses for
Prudential Northwest Properties.