Choosing a Realtor

One of the easiest ways to sell your house is through a good realtor, who will work for you, and work with you to sell your home fast and for the right price. When choosing your realtor, make sure you interview at least three, and then choose the one that you trust the most.

Remember that as the hiring party you are in control. Never sign with a realtor that you don't trust or don't feel comfortable with, no matter how good a deal they offer you. As in most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Make sure that you ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been a realtor?
• How many houses have you sold?
• How many houses have you sold in this neighborhood?
• What price range of homes do you usually list?
• Is my home typical of the homes that you sell?
• Can I get references from those you've sold homes for?

You want someone who is familiar with the market for homes in your neighborhood and also the type of home you are selling. A realtor with a great track record selling condos may not be your best choice if they don't have much experience selling your family home. A reputable real estate agent should have no problem with supplying you with the names of previous customers.

• How will you advertise my home and in which markets?
• Do you use real estate magazines, newspapers, a multiple listing service (MLS), the Internet?
• The realtor should be able to describe their marketing plans to you without hesitation, naming publications and website addresses that they use.
• What commission do you expect?
• Is your commission negotiable?

Commission for a full service agent usually ranges between 6 and 7% of the selling price of your home, although a listings-only agent may take as little as 2-3%. However, this will usually be through an exclusive contract, so they will get that 2-3% no matter who sells your house, unless you find the buyer yourself. Be very wary of any agent who promises you full service for a very low commission, as they probably won't focus the attention you need on your sale.

You might be able to negotiate a lower commission by using the same agent for both the sale of your old house and the purchase of your new home.

• Are you a member of any professional organizations or regulatory boards with oversight?

There are several professional associations that expect their members to uphold standards and ethical practices and to pass regular benchmark tests. Find out which organizations, if any, your prospective realtor belongs to.