How to Pick a Real Estate Agent to Sell a Home

So you’ve decided you want to sell your home. How exciting! This is a big decision and not one to enter into lightly.

Are you ready to choose a real estate agent to work with? This is a crucial step in the process of selling your home.

According to the 2016 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 64% of sellers found their real estate agent through a referral from a friend, neighbor, or relative or used an agent they had worked with before to buy or sell a home.

What’s more, the same study found that 72% of recent sellers contacted only one agent before finding the right agent they worked with to sell their home.

It can be challenging to find the right real estate agent. What are the signs that you’ve found the right one for your unique situation? What special qualities should you look for?

Here’s a helpful list of things to consider when selecting a real estate agent to list and sell your home.

Are they licensed?

Did you know licensed agents are held to standards and responsibilities that are governed by the state’s real estate commission? CBWW agents are governed by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, or TREC. While laws for real estate are different for each state, you want to make sure that the agent you are working with to sell your property is qualified as well as licensed, and in good standing.

How flexible are they?   

Real estate is an unpredictable business. There are lots of different parties involved in the process of selling a home, from mortgage lenders to appraisers, title companies and inspectors. A good real estate agent is flexible to juggle all the communication with these various parties and keep his or her client informed throughout the process.

Does the agent have a team of professionals assisting him/her?

At CBWW, whether our agents are working individually or as part of an official real estate team, each of them brings the power of our company’s collective team to the table. This includes our dedicated Media Department, which handles all print marketing. Agents also receive the support of our administrative staff as well as a team of digital marketing and social media professionals to ensure that your property is listed and promoted across various channels to reach the right buyers at the right price.  

CBWW agents also have at their disposal at each of our residential offices an in-house mortgage specialist who is available to answer questions and assist clients. Our agents also enjoy the benefits of our relationships with top-notch ancillary companies that provide closing services as well as home warranties.

Do they have the right training?

The sale of a home is a significant business transaction, but there are also a great deal of emotions involved. This is why you want to work with a real estate pro who has the knowledge and skills to guide you through the process. This is especially important when emotions are running high. By choosing the right agent, you can rest easier knowing they are looking out for you.

Here at Coldwell Banker Wallace and Wallace, Realtors, our agents complete a robust training program called LAUNCH when they affiliate with our company. This goes above and beyond the training that is required of all agents by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. When you work with a CBWW agent, you know they will be able to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

Are they affiliated with a reputable company?

Not all real estate companies are created equal. When choosing a real estate pro, it’s not enough just to consider the agent, but you should also investigate the company he or she is with.

Does the company have a long history of success in the area? What is its reputation in the community? Does the company participate in community events? What is the company culture like? Is the company part of a global brand with an international presence? All of these things can help you make the choice as to which agent you want to handle the sale of your home.

Can you trust them?

Entrusting the sale of your home to someone is a big deal. You probably have an idea of what you think your home is worth, but a good agent has the knowledge combined with data to help you evaluate things. He or she may also have some suggestions about how you can add value before listing.

You have got to be able to trust your real estate professional during each step of the home sales process, so choose wisely who you want to work with.

Do they have an online presence?

Looking back at the NAR Profile we cited earlier, for 44% of recent buyers, the first step they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale. Additionally, online websites were seen as the most useful in their search process, at 86%.

When your home is listed with a CBWW agent, it is pushed out on ColdwellBanker.com, the most visited website of any real estate franchise, as well as more than 50 consumer websites. Technology changes rapidly and our agents are committed to staying on the cutting edge.  

Wrapping it Up

The bottom line is this: Your real estate agent can make or break your home buying or selling experience. Do your homework and choose wisely. At the end of your successful home sale, you’ll be so glad you did!

Want to meet some of our agents? Visit us online to get to know some of our sales professionals today.