Selling Your Connecticut Home? All Real Estate Agents are NOT Created Equal.

A real estate  company's offerings, and the individual agent's offerings even within that company, are as different as  fingerprints or snowflakes.  Put a different real estate firm into the mix, and your representation can be as different as night and day.

Far too often, a homeowner or homebuyer will contact a real estate agent,  either by phone or by email, and just work with that agent, not realizing that every agent offers different services, and different levels of service  that may be more appealing for their particular situation. Most often, additional services, or levels of service do not come at a higher price. It's just the way the particular agent conducts his/her business.

Let's take for example, a typical  Home Seller scenario, and some of the questions one might ask. The answers will vary greatly from agent to agent. If you don't like what you hear, move on.

Q: How often will you contact me? I've heard horror stories. And, how accessible are you? How quickly do you return calls? and finally, is this your only job?

Some agents may think that once a month is sufficient to contact you, others once a week, and yet others only contact you if and when there is an offer. Better to get this question answered right away. Also, there are many agents who  supplement their income with other jobs, and may not be ready on a moments notice for buyers or issues that can come up that require immediate attention.  A return call should happen very quickly, and there are very few excuses for not doing so, period.

Q: What is your commission?

Commission is negotiable by law.  Generally speaking the "big box" companies are not as flexible with the company policy on fees, and their agents can't be either. What happens if a buyer is unrepresented? What happens if your listing agent is also the selling agent? What happens if your home sells within 14 days? Any changes to the commission? Now is the time to ask.

Q: How can I prepare to show my home? Do you help me to stage it properly? Do you give me advice on that? Is there an additional cost?

Most every home needs some degree of staging to sell it at the highest and best price with the least amount of inconvenience to you. Staging can be as quick as removing family photos, but as detailed as removing and replacing furniture, painting, and doing some redecorating.  Be wary of an agent that doesn't even mention this, or that hires an outside staging contractor for assistance, unless your home is indeed VERY special, and/or considered the creme de la creme in your town. At that point, it probably needs very little.  Vacant new construction homes however, may need a specialist.  

Q: Do you have any testimonials?

No testimonials on demand? Show that agent the door.  One line testimonials don't cut the mustard either. Look for detailed testimonials.

Q. How did you arrive at the price of my home?

Your market analysis should be so detailed and complete  that YOU should be able to see what the correct price is for your home, without the agent ever telling you what it is. Beware of the fluffy presentation with only a few comparables.

Q: How are you going to advertise my home?

There are many avenues to sell your home. A great marketing plan includes all of them. Broker to Broker,  Broker to Consumer, and then the various outlets pertaining to both, such as the major listing aggregators,  enhanced presence in multiple online websites, and let's not forget social media. Just so you know, a custom brochure for your home that is more than a photo and MLS description is NOT standrad for most agents.

Q. Will you (or one of your team members) be at the closing ?

Many agents do not attend the closing, and that is when all heck can break loose. Not having your agent there is a recipe for disaster.

Your relationship with your Realtor  is paramount to having the best experience possible. Your confidence, or lack of confidence in what your agent is or is not doing can make things very uncomfortable during  such an emotional  time as selling your home.  A bad relationship can cost you thousands of dollars, too. Ask the questions up front, and if you don't like what you hear, just move on. There is another agent who will appreciate your business much more. That's me.

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.