Selling your home is one of the most significant financial transactions you'll undertake, so selecting the right real estate agent to guide you is crucial. Here are twelve actionable steps to help you choose the best listing agent to ensure your home sells quickly and for top dollar.
1. Check Google Maps for Their Online Presence
Start your search by looking up potential agents on Google Maps. A strong Google presence reflects professionalism and credibility. You should be able to find their office location, contact details, and reviews. An agent without a visible presence on Google may lack the marketing savvy necessary to get your home noticed.
2. Read Reviews on Multiple Platforms
Reviews provide insight into an agent's track record and client satisfaction. Look at reviews on:
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Google
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Zillow
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Homes.com
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Realtor.com
A top-tier listing agent should have at least 20 five-star reviews. If an agent falls short of this benchmark, they may lack the experience needed to deliver exceptional results.
3. Review Their Sales History on Zillow
Zillow offers a transparent look into an agent's sales history. Check for:
- Recent and relevant transactions
- Diversity in types of homes sold
- Sales in your neighborhood
An agent with extensive experience in your area will understand local market trends and buyer preferences, which is invaluable.
4. Evaluate Their Website
Visit the agent's website to assess its quality. A modern, user-friendly website should:
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Feature their listings prominently
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Include professional photography
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Offer resources for buyers and sellers
A compelling website demonstrates an agent’s ability to market your property effectively.
5. Check Premium Placement on Homes.com
Search for the agent on Homes.com and examine their listing visibility. Agents whose listings consistently appear first often invest in premium placements. This suggests they prioritize visibility and marketing—key factors in selling your home quickly.
6. Look at Past Sales
An experienced agent should have a proven track record with at least 100 closed sales. This diverse background showcases their ability to handle different property types and price points, ensuring they can effectively market and sell your home.
7. Assess Their Marketing Strategies
High-quality marketing is essential to attract potential buyers. Look for agents who use:
- Professional photography and drone images
- 3D tours and video walkthroughs
- Compelling descriptions and targeted advertising
These elements showcase your property in the best possible light and maximize its appeal.
8. Review Their Social Media Presence
Social media is a powerful tool for modern real estate marketing. Check the agent's profiles on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Are they:
- Posting "just listed" and "open house" announcements?
- Sharing high-quality images and videos of listings?
- Engaging with their audience?
Agents who focus solely on self-promotion may not dedicate enough effort to marketing your property.
9. Do They Have Too Many Active Listings?
An agent with too many active listings might be constantly overpricing properties, which can lead to homes sitting on the market too long. Instead, look for an agent with a healthy balance of sold listings and active listings. Agents with the PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor) designation often have expertise in pricing homes correctly. Active listings are not always an indicator of success—sold listings speak louder about an agent's effectiveness.
10. Do They Provide Single Property Websites?
Ask if the agent creates single property websites for their listings. These websites can be valuable SEO marketing tools, helping your property stand out online with targeted keywords and customized marketing. A dedicated website highlights your home’s unique features and can drive more traffic from potential buyers.
11. Ask for Recommendations
Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find a great agent. Ask friends, family, or coworkers for their recommendations. If you hear the same name multiple times, that’s a strong indicator the agent is worth considering.
12. Check Their Designations
Look into the designations the agent holds. Designations like:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Indicates a seasoned agent with over 100 sales, held by only 1% of licensed agents nationwide.
- GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute): Reflects advanced training in real estate.
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Signifies expertise in representing buyers.
- PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor): Demonstrates skill in pricing properties.
- CHLMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist): Highlights specialization in luxury properties.
These credentials show a commitment to ongoing education and a focus on serving clients at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
The right real estate agent can make all the difference in your home-selling experience. By following these steps, you can ensure you select a knowledgeable, experienced, and proactive agent who will work tirelessly to sell your home for the best possible price. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts to make the best choice.
