Robert Stratton

Why should I hire a real estate agent?
You don't need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who does. Your agent will filter all phone calls that lead to nowhere from "lookie loos" and work quickly to induce serious buyers that will immediately write an offer.

How do I choose a real estate agent?
Here are some of the characteristics sellers say they want in agent:

• Experience. Let new agents learn the business on somebody else's dime.
• Education. Ask about degrees and certifications.
• Honesty. Trust your intuition. Your agent should speak from the heart.
• Networking. This is a people business. Some homes sell because agents have contacted other agents.
• Negotiation skills. You want an aggressive negotiator, not somebody out to make a quick sale at your expense.
• Good communicator. Sellers say communication and availability are key.

Finally, ask for a personal guarantee. If the agent won't guarantee performance and release you from a listing upon request, don't hire that agent.

How do real estate agents get paid?
Real estate agents work for a real estate broker. All fees paid to a real estate agent pass through the broker. Only a real estate broker can pay a real estate commission and sign a listing agreement with a seller.

What is a listing agreement?
The listing agreement is a contract between the seller and the listing broker. It sets out the conditions of the listing. While the details of the agreement should be negotiated, a listing agreement generally includes the length of the listing period, the desired sales price, the amount of the commission, and any exceptions of the commission.

 

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