Listing Agents are NOT all created equal...

So you've decided to place you home on the market. Now you are faced with the decision of who will list the property. Maybe you will consider an agent who is listing the home down the street? A real estate agent friend? Do a "Google" for ..."your city Listing agent"? I recommend researching many avenues before you hire an agent to represent you and who will simultaneously market your home using the most effective strategies. You must interview more than one agent. Some questions to consider during your quest for representation should be:

• "Are you a Realtor?" Realtors are more than "agents" (despite the fact that many people use the title interchangeably). Realtors are sworn to abide by a higher degree of ethics.
• "What will you do to market my property?" Obtaining a listing can be expensive for an agent. Are they financially backed to market your property? While not all forms of advertising are of monetary expense, does the agent posses the independent ingenuity to uncover alternative advertising resources. Which leads to my next question and consideration....
• "What Internet experience do you posses and utilize?" A successful agent understands the importance of a well constructed website. Since 80% of home buyers are beginning their search online, your agent must be tapping into this number in order to accomplish maximum exposure. Having a website and placing your listing on Realtor.com is a good start, but there are many additional advertising venues. Is your perspective agent aware and utilizing any of them?
• "Will you offer a guarantee?" While it is easy to make promises, are those promises being fulfilled 3 or 5 months after your sign goes in? Will you receive regular updates from the agent AND have evidence of what they have been doing to market your property? Will they BACK their promise by an agreement (preferably in writing) to release you from your listing contract if they are not accountable for their promises?
• "How much experience do you have in real estate?" While I am not opposed to a new (or "Rookie") agent...considering I, myself would likely be classified as: Rookie about to graduate to "seasoned". How "new" are they to the world of real estate. So many agents get into the business only to realize they cant afford to stay. This topic will appear in my next blog. Just be sure that your agent has the experience, knowledge and the financial means to market your listing the entire listing contract duration.

Although there are other factors and considerations for selecting your Real Estate Agent, these are a few points to consider before making a selection.

I would enjoy hearing any comments or points regarding this topic. Feel free to give your input. Thank you for reading.

I am a Realtor in St. George, Utah. I specialize in residential real estate for St. George, Santa Clara, Ivins, Washington, Hurricane, LaVerkin and Sun River, Utah areas. If you are interested in learning more about my services, contact me or visit my St George Utah Real Estate website.