If you’re selling your house and have decided to work with a listing agent, you’ll need to identify the agent that will best represent your interests as a home seller. A professional agent will help you with everything from pricing to marketing to negotiations, helping you through each step of the process to ensure a smooth closing. You might be better off on your own if you don’t hire a good agent. So, let’s have a look at how to locate the top listing agent in Pasadena.
Understand What Makes a Good Listing Agent
Understanding the traits and features of a good agent begins (or should begin) with understanding the qualities and characteristics of a good agent in Pasadena or anywhere else. There are specific qualities/characteristics you should seek for in your agent because you will be developing a commercial connection with them…
- Requisite education, training, certifications
- Experience selling homes like yours and in your area
- Negotiating skills and expertise
- Broad professional network
- Effective communication skills
- Honesty and integrity
Look for an agent that is willing to provide a personal guarantee, according to industry experts. “Don’t hire [her] if she won’t guarantee performance and release you from a listing upon request.” Contact a Pasadena agent at (713) 766-0442 to learn more about this.
Get Referrals From Family and Friends
Obtaining recommendations from family and friends should be the next stage in your hunt for the greatest listing agent in Pasadena. Simply seek out suggestions from people in your circle who have had firsthand experience with agents.
When asking “people in your network if they can recommend a real estate agent with whom they’ve had a good experience,” keep this in mind. “You want someone who has worked with people who are similar to you,” she says. For example, the needs of first-time purchasers differ from those of repeat buyers or homeowners wishing to downsize.”
Research Potential Agents
After getting referrals/recommendations from family and friends, research the potential candidates you’ve been told about. This next step toward finding a great listing agent involves the following . . .
“Look at an agent’s online presence first. Examine the agent’s website as well as his or her social media sites. Also, take a peek at their internet reviews. One or two unfavourable reviews aren’t a big deal, but more than that could be a red flag.
“Check with your state’s real estate authority to see if an agent you’re considering is licenced and if they’ve had any disciplinary actions.” Examine prospects on the Better Business Bureau’s website in your area to check whether they’ve received any complaints.”
Interview Multiple Listing Agents
After you’ve researched candidates and have a shortlist, it’s time to interview candidates. Industry pros recommend that you interview at least three agents in order to find the best listing agent.
“It’s critical to have a list of questions ready when interviewing potential listing agents. You want to know if someone is competent and experienced enough to not only promote your home but also to sell it swiftly and for top price.”
Following are the top questions (though you can and probably should ask more) to ask agents you interview . . .
- What experience do you have, especially in my market?
- What is your sales track record?
- Do you have a thorough list of comparable listings in my neighborhood?
- Based on those comparable listings, what do you think my home is worth and why?
- How will you market my home?
- What is your commission rate?
- What is your availability, and are you willing to communicate by my preferred medium?
Check References
After conducting interviews and before choosing the best listing agent, be sure to check references. A particular candidate may sound good until you talk to former clients.
“Ask listing agents for client references and speak with them about their experiences dealing with them. What exactly did the agent excel at? What went wrong, and how did the agency deal with it? Is there anything that the client wishes the agent had done differently?”
You should limit this to clients of the agents who have recently sold their houses. Also, inquire about the agent’s level of assistance, particularly during negotiations, and whether they would hire that agency again.
Find the Right Fit
Remember, too, that a lot of it comes down to the right fit and “chemistry.” You may be working with an agent for many months, so the best listing agent for you is the one you feel most comfortable with, who seems to be the best fit.
“An agent’s ability to assist you smoothly through the procedure is just as crucial as their knowledge and experience. Above all, choose an agent you can trust and with whom you will feel at ease if the path to closing becomes rocky. It’s the same with dating: sometimes it’s all about chemistry.”
An Easier Way to Find a Great Listing Agent
If it seems like finding the best listing agent is a lot of work, that’s because it typically is. However, you may speed up the process and make it much easier by going straight to the Pasadena agency, which is known for having top-notch agents with proven sales records. If you’re ready to sell and want to work with the top listing agent in Pasadena, give us a call at (713) 766-0442.