How to Choose the Right Listing Agent

Most listing agents are truthful and will help you set the correct price, sell the house professionally, review the prospective buyers and skillfully negotiate and close the deal. However, as with any other profession, there are some rotten apples out there. That’s why you should know how to choose the right listing agent for your Myrtle Beach real estate for sale. A good listing agent has extensive experience in the business with recent sales and can do everything they can to strike a balance between optimism and realism. You will be expected to pay a significant amount of money for the agent’s services, so you owe it to yourself to find the right listing agent. Here are tips to help you pick the right agent:

1. Do Your Homework

First of all, you need to conduct some research and learn what qualifications a good listing agent should have. There are a number of certifications and organizations you need to watch for on an agent’s CV. These include Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), which shows that the agent has undertaken and completed courses pertaining buyer representation and will therefore, aim to safeguard your best interests while negotiating the sales price, mortgage loans and any other aspects of selling and buying a home. Any honors awarded to the realtor are an added advantage. Of course, your listing agent should have a valid license and must have completed the necessary training before going into business.

2. Watch Out For Subtle Red Flags

There are a number of bad signs everyone needs to watch out for when choosing a listing agent. Certain red flag warnings mean an agent may not be a good choice.

• If you are selling your house and the agent immediately states the highest price, that’s a warning sign. If they set a price that is too high, it could take much longer to find a buyer and a professional realtor would never do this.
• A part-time agent is certainly not a good choice. This is because they are likely to be less experienced and less committed to their work.
• If the realtor does not usually sell the kind of home you are selling, look elsewhere. You need to work with someone who can take care of your individual needs.
• Do not choose anyone who does not typically sell to people who buy property in your price category. Since they are usually paid on commission, some agents are more likely to concentrate on wealthier buyers. If the agent normally deals with high-rise buildings and you are selling a modest home, you may want to look for another agent who deals with the specific kind of home you are selling.

3. Contact a Few Agents for an Interview and Ask Tough Questions

Before picking an agent, conduct a number of interviews with prospective agents. Ask some tough questions to get a good idea of whether a certain agent is reliable. You should make sure the agent is familiar with your community. However, the agent with the highest number of signs in your area may not necessarily be the best choice. A potential agent should give you good advice about the condition of the home and the sales price. Do they want you to sell your home quickly or are they asking you to put a sign in front of your home to alert buyers? You need to prepare a set of questions before your start interviewing any prospective agents.

4. Find out Who They Are Working For

You stand to benefit greatly if you ask potential realtors whose interests they will protect during the sales process. You want to hire someone who will safeguard your interests only – and not someone who will suggest dual agency just to increase their commission.

5. Ask For the Right Contract

It is advisable to request for a 90-day contract with your agent. In case your agent turns out to be good, you can always renew the contract. Otherwise, you can look elsewhere without wasting your time with a dubious agent. Find out if the agent is willing to offer a short-term contract before signing any agreement.