Research Real Estate
Agents and Firms
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| DFW Real Estate |
Which brokerage firms rank at the top of major search engines
for common search terms in your area? Like DFW Real Estate for example?
Which firm’s websites are the most appealing?
Which firms consistently feature virtual tours on their Listings?
Does the firm provide multiple photos of homes and in good
quality?
Which firms advertise in multiple internet venues? Which firms have a Dallas Real Estate Blog?
Ask your co-workers and friends for Realtor referrals. Maybe
they have worked with an agent who did a great job?
Whether you are selling Dallas real estate or Plano real estate,
once you have compiled a list of Realtors, set an appointment with each of them
to learn more about their experience and services. Find out if these Realtors
are willing to do a free comparative market analysis (CMA), a process that
compares your home to similar homes that have recently sold. Realtors use this
tool to help sellers set their listing prices.
Interviewing Realtors
Ask each Realtor that you interview to explain how they will
market your house, including print, internet and other types of marketing.
Find out if the firm belongs to more than one MLS service. In
some areas there's an overlap of regions, making multiple MLS memberships
important.
Will the firm place your house in the MLS immediately making your home available to every possible
Realtor greatly increasing your market exposure?
How much commission do they charge? How does it compare to that
of other local firms that offer the same services?
What's the average length of time it takes to sell a house in
your area? Sometimes known as DOM for
Days on Market. What is their company's average DOM?
Find out how long they want you to list with them.
How long has the listing Realtor been selling real estate?
What percentage of the firms listings sell during the initial
listing contract period?
Buyer feedback is a very important tool. If every potential
buyer makes the same negative comment, you should consider taking action to
resolve the issue. How often can you expect to receive this feedback?
Will the agent hold an open house for other real estate agents?
For potential buyers?
How are house showings handled? Will you receive advance
notification that an agent is coming to show your house? You can put restrictions on showings like certain
days or times are off limits? Keep in
mind doing this may cut down on the number of times your house is shown.
If your new home will be in the same area, ask the agent any
questions you may have as a buyer. You may choose to use the same Realtor to
buy and sell.
If you have pets, make sure the Realtor is committed to a plan
that ensures their safety. If it's a dog that bites, you will need a plan for
buyer safety as well.
Does the firm use electronic security lockboxes? Many firms
place a key inside a box that is secured to your home. Ask the Realtor to
explain how it works.
Estimating Some Home
Selling Costs
Ask the Realtors you are interviewing to give you an estimate of typical seller closing costs.
Ask how your share of property taxes for the year is calculated
and prorated.
Ask about the amount of Attorney or other professional fees.
What will your share of property owner association fees (HOA)
be?
What will be the total amount of the real estate commission?
Get a list of any other expenses that sellers are typically
expected to pay, ie. inspections, surveys, certifications, pest inspections,
etc.
Make sure to ask these Realtors any other questions that are
important to you. Your decision to hire
a particular Realtor should be based in part on your gut feeling that the two
of you can work together. You don't need
the biggest agency in town, the busiest agent, or the agent with the most
experience. You need an agent who will market your home aggressively, to both
buyers and other agents.
