While it is possible to price and sell your home or real estate without an agent, this is one of the largest & most important financial decisions you will ever make.
How To Select The Right Listing Agent: Good agents strive to continuously improve themselves. Ask about their credentials and education. Only agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors can call themselves a REALTOR®. Ask if the agent is a CRS® – Certified Residential Specialist®.
- What is a CRS, and why should I insist on one? In today's complex world of real estate, CRS (Certified Real Estate Specialist) stands for education, expertise, and enhanced value to the client, directly focused on making your residential transaction as smooth and worry-free as possible. This highest designation for residential REALTORS ® is conferred by the Residential Sales Council of the National Association of REALTORS ® upon completion of detailed coursework in listing, selling, investment, tax aspects, and transaction management, and a documented history of real estate sales performance. Nationwide, only 4% of REALTORS® and only 2% of all real estate licensees have earned this distinction.
Other Important Questions To Ask A Potential Agent:
- Look for a full-time agent who has sold a number of properties similar to yours.
- Ask for a list of homes they’ve sold and for a list of references.
- Interview a few agents. Are they familiar with your neighborhood? What do they recommend you do to prepare your home for sale?
- Find an agent who is tech-savvy: today’s transactions move at internet speed.
- Ask how much time the agent will have for you, and if they have a licensed assistant: Successful agents are often the most efficient, and can afford to pay a knowledgeable assistant who will always be available to answer your questions.
- Ask the agent specifically how they will market your property.
- Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to sell a home.
- Complex issues will arise over the course of selling your home. You should feel comfortable that your agent is willing to explain everything to you until you understand clearly.
- Finally, a good agent will spend more time listening to you and asking you questions about what you want, rather than talking about themselves. Pick an agent with whom you feel comfortable.
What Is Your Home Worth? Has your home appreciated? Do you know what it is worth? Pricing your home accurately is one of the most critical decisions you will make. On their own, most people tend to overestimate the value of their home. An overpriced home will languish on the market, and worse, may even be actively shown by agents just to make another home look like a better value. As an experienced real estate agent, I look at dozens of homes every day and I know at what price homes actually sell for, compared to their original listing price. I can tell you, generally within an accuracy range of a couple of percent, the price your home should sell for on the market.
How Are Agents Paid? Real estate agents don’t get paid until you have successfully sold your home; typically they are paid a percentage of the real estate’s final selling price. The commission will depend on the type of property you are selling, the anticipated sales price, the type of agent you hire and the level of services they provide. The commission is generally split between your listing agent and his brokerage agency and the agent representing the buyer and their brokerage agency. Keep in mind that, as your listing agent, I will pay for all the costs of marketing your home.
Why Choose Jasan Sherman? When I list a home for sale, I immediately set in motion a complex and tech-savvy marketing plan to broadcast the availability of your home. I notify my personal sphere of influence, I host Brokers’ Open Houses. I will quickly post your home with photos on this website and the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). As a technologically sophisticated agent, I use digital photography, virtual tours, internet search and optimization technology to maximize your listing's exposure to as many agents and buyers as possible. I will also market your property quickly and effectively through proven methods, which may include signs, fliers, lockbox, public open houses, and advertising like postcards and newspapers.