Selling a home, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned seller, can be a complex and often stressful process. This is why a significant majority of sellers, 89% according to the latest Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report, opt to list with a real estate agent. These sellers primarily value an agent’s ability to promote their home and find potential buyers (69%). To ensure you choose the best real estate agent for your needs, consider the following tips:
1. Compare Real Estate Agents Online
Start your search efficiently by using online platforms like Zillow’s Agent Directory. Here, you can search for vetted agents in your local area and compare their reviews, specialties, and the number of homes they’ve sold. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, expand your online research to check their overall digital presence.
Pro tip: Pay close attention to how an agent responds to any negative or neutral reviews, as this can offer insight into their professionalism and problem-solving skills.
2. Interview Multiple Agents
Avoid settling for the first agent you meet. Zillow research indicates that 59% of sellers only contact one agent, but by speaking with multiple professionals, you gain valuable opportunities to compare and contrast their approaches. Treat these meetings like job interviews—because they are! Even if you have a front-runner, ask each agent the same set of questions to facilitate a fair comparison of their responses.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Delve into their business style by asking important vetting questions:
- “How long have you been working in real estate?”
This question helps gauge an agent’s experience. Generally, the longer they’ve been in the business, the more market knowledge they’ve accumulated, which can be beneficial in guiding your decisions. A newer agent can still be effective, but being aware of their experience level upfront can help manage expectations.
- “Do you primarily work with buyers, or sellers?”
Sellers often prefer working with seller’s agents (also known as listing agents), while buyers prefer buyer’s agents. An agent who specializes in selling homes will be more adept at the nuances of the selling process, offer more informed answers to your questions, and possess expertise in maximizing your home’s appeal to buyers.
- “How many active clients do you have at a time?”
Reflect on your communication and attention preferences. Do you need an agent you can reach frequently and who will dedicate significant focus to your home sale? This question helps you understand their workload and how much individual attention you can expect.
- “Are you part of a team?”
Clarify whether you’ll be working directly with the agent you’re interviewing or if a team will be involved. Some prefer the direct, one-on-one interaction, while others appreciate the extended support and availability that a team can offer. Understand the arrangement to avoid surprises.
- “What’s your specialty?”
This refers to the types of properties or price points an agent primarily handles. Do they focus on residential or commercial real estate? Do they specialize in luxury homes or more modest properties? Ensure their expertise aligns with your specific property type and value.
- “Are you equipped to handle my unique situation?”
Communicate any specific needs or challenges you face, such as a strict selling timeline, necessary repairs you can’t complete, or specific financial goals (e.g., avoiding capital gains taxes). Confirm that the agent understands and can develop a tailored selling plan.
- “How will you market my home?”
Marketing is key to reaching potential buyers. Inquire about their strategy, including:
- Listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database used by popular real estate sites like Zillow.
- Hosting and promoting open houses.
- Their digital marketing approach, which is crucial as most homebuyers use the internet to search for properties. This could include professional photography, 3D tours, virtual staging, and social media campaigns.
- Crucially, ask if they plan to list your home privately. Private listings (or “off-market” listings) get significantly less exposure to buyers and can make selling harder and slower. Ensure their strategy aligns with your goals for maximum visibility.
- “Can you put me in contact with some references?”
Request contact information for past clients. These references can provide invaluable insights from a seller’s perspective, offering honest feedback on the agent’s communication, responsiveness, and overall support throughout the selling process.
4. Explain Your Communication Preferences
Establish clear communication expectations from the outset. Discuss how often you want updates and your preferred communication methods (e.g., email, phone calls, text messages). If your preferences don’t align, it might indicate a poor fit.
5. Clarify Your Motivation to Sell
Be transparent about any specific requirements for your home sale. This includes strict timelines, a target bottom-line price, or particular timing considerations (e.g., for tax purposes). Sharing these details early ensures your agent is fully aware of your needs and can plan accordingly.
6. Discuss Selling Strategy and Number of Showings
Ensure you and your potential agent are on the same page regarding the strategy to attract buyers. Discuss how they plan to boost visibility. Modern tools like 3D tours or Zillow’s Showcase feature create immersive experiences, with nearly half (49%) of Zillow-surveyed buyers confident enough to make an offer after only a virtual tour. More than half (52%) of sellers prioritize their agent’s ability to get their home in front of the largest pool of interested buyers. Confirm your alignment on marketing and showing strategies before proceeding.
7. Agree on All the Important Details
A strong agent-seller relationship is built on clear expectations. Ensure that your listing agreement clearly defines:
- The commission structure: Yes, you can negotiate your agent’s commission, and this can be a factor in your decision.
- The list price: Agree on a competitive and realistic price for your home.
- The contract length: Understand what happens if your home doesn’t sell within the agreed-upon timeframe.
For more selling tips and guidance, visit reputable online resources like Zillow’s Selling Resources page.