My parents are considering selling the house and in the process of interviewing several agents. They are questioning 'who would be good for their needs'. While one agent offers really tempting commission but with lack of communication skill and marketing ability, the other charges relatively high commission but with better marketing strategy+communication skills. In case, my parents decide to go with the former, I, myself, would provide all online marketing tools such as professional photographs, video tour and website etc for my parents. Now, I am pausing here and ask, considering the owner can provide all these tech savvy marketing tools, what would be the agent's next important role in house selling process?
What makes a good agent?
- Thread starter monekoko
- Start date
NEW -> Contingent Buyer Assistance Program
Some important items I'd ask about. My .02c:
1. Communication - if the agent is lousy at communicating with you, move on.
2. Experience - how long has the agent been in real estate, and is this their full-time job or only a part-time commitment? This is significant because it makes a difference if/when things go sideways during a transaction. A good agent has made the mistakes (and hopefully learned from them) that can't be replicated except through experience.
3. Marketing exposure - getting the photos/tours/websites is vital, but getting them promoted out to the widest area possible is essential. To make a fishing analogy: you may have the greatest bait in the world, but if you're only fishing in a tiny puddle, you're unlikely to catch the big fish that you're looking for. An agent needs to be able to put the property out everywhere for you, which is one of the advantages of the global brands. Smaller brokerages can't compete with the $$$ that the big spend to increase that exposure.
4. Network - is the agent well-connected with the other local RE pros? Some agents people will go out of their way to work with, while just the opposite is the case for others. Also important is the rest of the support that the agent can offer: painting, cleaning, staging, gardening, plumbing, inspections, etc. can make the job much easier for you if they already have a list of vetted pros for you, if needed.
5. Availability - does the agent have time for you? If they're carrying 20+ listings, you will not get one-on-one attention, and details may get missed/dropped.
5. Cost - is always important.
6. Escape clause - if you're unhappy with the service, you should be able to cancel your contract with the agent. Everyone is all promises up front, but if they're not delivering, and you can't get them to effect some change, you should be able to go separate ways.
I have many more, but these are some of my top suggestions. Hope this helps.
-IR2
irvinerealtor
Well-known member
Some important items I'd ask about. My .02c:
1. Communication - if the agent is lousy at communicating with you, move on.
2. Experience - how long has the agent been in real estate, and is this their full-time job or only a part-time commitment? This is significant because it makes a difference if/when things go sideways during a transaction. A good agent has made the mistakes (and hopefully learned from them) that can't be replicated except through experience.
3. Marketing exposure - getting the photos/tours/websites is vital, but getting them promoted out to the widest area possible is essential. To make a fishing analogy: you may have the greatest bait in the world, but if you're only fishing in a tiny puddle, you're unlikely to catch the big fish that you're looking for. An agent needs to be able to put the property out everywhere for you, which is one of the advantages of the global brands. Smaller brokerages can't compete with the $$$ that the big spend to increase that exposure.
4. Network - is the agent well-connected with the other local RE pros? Some agents people will go out of their way to work with, while just the opposite is the case for others. Also important is the rest of the support that the agent can offer: painting, cleaning, staging, gardening, plumbing, inspections, etc. can make the job much easier for you if they already have a list of vetted pros for you, if needed.
5. Availability - does the agent have time for you? If they're carrying 20+ listings, you will not get one-on-one attention, and details may get missed/dropped.
5. Cost - is always important.
6. Escape clause - if you're unhappy with the service, you should be able to cancel your contract with the agent. Everyone is all promises up front, but if they're not delivering, and you can't get them to effect some change, you should be able to go separate ways.
I have many more, but these are some of my top suggestions. Hope this helps.
-IR2
J
jmoney74
Guest
Chris Merritt is pretty good.. you can look him up. I'm sure you've seen signs for him.
The Motor Court Company
Well-known member
it might be important if the listing agent is the neighborhood agent, as he would be very knowledgeable about the neighborhood, thus being more helpful to potential buyers and give them a better sense of confidence. Chris Merritt for West Irvine and Tustin Ranch area is a good recommendation. I met him personally and he is very down to earth and helpful.
irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
@monekoko:
You are doing the right thing by interviewing several agents. Usually, it's the one who you think "feels" right. What is also important is getting referrals, every agent (like every job interviewee) may seem good, but it's not until the job is actually getting done where you will see how good.
I highly recommend Scott Gunther (IrvineRealtor) who just posted above. I've used him for buy, sell and even looking at rentals as have many other TI members.
He has flexible plans depending on what you want to do and in the end, is always available when you need him. Feel free to PM me (or him) for his contact info.
Good luck!
You are doing the right thing by interviewing several agents. Usually, it's the one who you think "feels" right. What is also important is getting referrals, every agent (like every job interviewee) may seem good, but it's not until the job is actually getting done where you will see how good.
I highly recommend Scott Gunther (IrvineRealtor) who just posted above. I've used him for buy, sell and even looking at rentals as have many other TI members.
He has flexible plans depending on what you want to do and in the end, is always available when you need him. Feel free to PM me (or him) for his contact info.
Good luck!
irvinerealtor
Well-known member
Thanks for the props, and I also agree that Chris is a good agent, but I believe the OP was asking in general and likely not in this local area.
-IR2
-IR2
usctrojancpa
Well-known member
IR2 touched on some very important items to consider when selecting an agent. It's always best to select an agent who you feel will work best for you and your needs. Different agents bring different things to the table and have different skill sets and strengths. You'll know who the right agent is after you speak to them. Good luck.