Nearly 75% of homeowners say that they wouldn’t re-hire the real estate agent who sold their last home.  Yet finding the right real estate agent is a key factor in selling your house for the most money in the shortest time – especially in today’s tight market.

An article Sunday in the American Chronicle talked about how to fire a bad real estate agent.  But how about learning how to find the right one in the first place? 

The most important thing you can do is interview two or three real estate agents before you hire one.  After all, this is a person who will be handling one of the most important transactions of your life – and you’ll be paying him or her a lot of money.  So you want to find someone who you see eye to eye with, and who has the necessary experience and skills to sell your home for the most money in the shortest time – or help you find a great deal when buying a home. 

There are 10 must-ask questions you need to know when interviewing prospective real estate agents.  They are:  

  1. Do you have a written marketing plan tailored to my home?

  2. Do you have the connections necessary to get my house in front of many other real estate agents and prospective buyers?  According to the National Association of Realtors, 82% of home sales are the result of agent connections.

  3. Do you have professional references (other homeowners you’ve worked with) who I can contact?

  4.  What’s your track record?  The number of years that an agent has been in the business is less important than the agent’s track record.  Are his clients happy with him? 

  5. Is your price quote in line with the selling price of other homes in my area?  Your agent’s willingness to share with you his market analysis is key – if he’s unwilling, wonder what he may be hiding.

  6.  What makes you different?  Why should I list my home with you?

  7.  Do you have experience selling homes like mine, in my area?

  8.  How many buyers are you currently working with?

  9. Can I cancel my listing contract if I’m not happy with your service?

  10. Does it seem like the agent is saying whatever it takes to get your listing?  Or do his facts and figures seem reasonable?  Look out for real estate agents that will tell you they can sell your house for an outrageously high price – they’ll tell you anything to get your listing, then you’re bound for disappointment.

To learn more details about the 10 questions you can’t afford not to ask, visit http://myphoenixmls.com/ask-these-to-save-.asp.