Scenario: You’ve got a great home you’ve lived in for years. Now, it’s time to move and you face the daunting task of hiring a real estate agent to list your home for sale. At this point, you feel that no one agent could ever do your home justice. You start interviewing an agent, but you don’t know what questions to ask. During listing presentations, most homeowners ask what the commission is and what is the value of their home But there are so many essential traits you should look for in a listing agent for your home. Here are our top five.
1. Expertise and Experience
A great listing agent should thoroughly understand the local real estate market, including property values, market trends, and competition. They should be familiar with the area’s zoning laws, tax codes, and other legal requirements that may affect the sale of your property. Hiring a local real estate agent is also essential, as they can use their knowledge of previous sales to price your property appropriately and market it effectively. For example, in Roncesvalles, a home on Marion Ave will sell for less than a home on Fermanag,h even though they are mere blocks from each other. An out-of-area agent may not be familiar with these nuanced distinctions.
When interviewing agents, ask them specific questions about their expertise in your area. Ask them if they have been inside the recently-sold homes that compare to yours. You can even ask to see their sales record in your neighbourhood. How many houses have they sold near you? An experienced agent should have no problem providing you with this information.
2. Excellent Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital in real estate and will help you feel more comfortable with your agent. A great listing agent should be an excellent communicator informing you throughout the selling process. They should be able to explain complex legal and financial concepts clearly and concisely. They should also be accessible, responsive, and proactive in addressing your concerns and answering your questions.
A good communicator is also a good negotiator. A good listing agent should also be an expert in negotiating. They should be able to negotiate skillfully with potential buyers and their agents to ensure you get the best possible price for your property. They should also be able to navigate any conflicts or issues during the selling process.
Here’s a secret to determining if the agent you are interviewing is a good negotiator. Are they a good listener? Do they let you finish your question before they start to answer it? Do you feel they understand what you tell them, even if they disagree? Fundamentally, you cannot negotiate if you do not understand the other side’s position. To understand your opposing position, you must be a good listener. Ask the agent about their negotiation strategy, and see if it involves listening.
Looking for more tips to help you hire a great real estate agent? Check out these blog posts.
- Buying Agent vs Listing Agent – What’s the Difference?
- Toronto Real Estate Agent Red Flags
- Why Hiring a Local Real Estate Agent is Important
3. Strong Marketing Skills
A great listing agent should have strong marketing skills. They should be able to create a comprehensive marketing plan that showcases your property’s best features and reaches the largest possible audience of potential buyers. This should include professional photography, detailed property descriptions, and high-quality virtual tours.
The agent should also have a strong online presence, a well-designed website and active social media accounts. They should be able to leverage online marketing channels such as email marketing, paid advertising, and search engine optimization to promote your property to the right audience.
Marketing begins long before your home is listed. An agent should also be able to provide valuable advice on staging, repairs, and other improvements that can enhance the appeal of your property to potential buyers. This can help you achieve a higher selling price and a faster sale.
4. Integrity and Professionalism
A great listing agent should be honest, ethical, and professional in all their dealings with clients and other agents. They should have a reputation for integrity and be committed to providing their clients with the best possible service. This includes being transparent about their fees and commissions and disclosing potential conflicts of interest. Some people incorrectly assume that a nefarious real estate agent will net them more money. This is not true. An agent who willingly lies or breaks the rules only looks out for themselves. They will not have your best interests at heart. If the agent you are interviewing has a bad reputation or has been sued many times, walk away.
The agent should also be able to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. They should also have a professional demeanour, be well-presented, and have a positive attitude.
5. Attention to Detail
Finally, a great listing agent should have excellent attention to detail. They should be able to handle all the administrative tasks involved in selling your property, including preparing contracts, coordinating inspections, and scheduling appointments.
The agent should also be detail-oriented in their approach to marketing your property. They should be able to identify and highlight your property’s unique features and market it to potential buyers effectively. They should also be able to identify any issues or problems with your property and recommend solutions to address them.
Our team cares so much about the fine details that two people are dedicated to ensuring we catch everything. Sam ensures everything related to presenting your house is on point and on schedule. Miranda ensures that the paperwork is watertight and not missing a single thing.
Choosing the right listing agent will help you sell your house quickly and for more money. They will also reduce the stress burden off your shoulders. Take the time to interview each agent before making your decision.
Thinking about selling? The Kim Kehoe Team can help you get top dollar for your home. Send me an email at kim@kimkehoe.com or call 416-788-1823.
