Real Estate Report:
Hire an Agent that will work hard for you!
How to find that agent.

By Kathy Anderson

You’ve probably heard a family member or friend say, “I’m going to get into real estate and make a pile of money!”  That’s probably why there are so many “real estate agents”.  In some cities, almost one percent of the population either has or at one time had a real estate license. 

The truth is, you can make excellent money selling real estate – but few agents actually do.  Most agents are part-time.  And only a small percentage of real estate agents do the majority of the business.

You need a full-time real estate professional who loves to sell real estate.  For her or him, it isn’t work . . . it’s pleasure.  She or he is up by seven every morning, out in the field, going to preview other agent’s listings.  She or he knows the inventory in your market.  And when it comes time to sell your home, your agent packages and markets the property well.  Your agent is at local board meetings, pushing your home to other agents.  And you need your real estate professional . . . after all, if you have a $20,000 tax question, you would seek an accountant’s advice, right?  If you have a $275,000 real estate question, you need your real estate professional! 

A real estate agent must know the local marketplace.  This takes years of studying the markets and continually staying apprised of what homes are for sale. And while you are looking at the décor, layout, and functionality of homes, your agent is looking for structural soundness, resale ability, and appreciation potential of the property.

How do you find the agent who is truly excellent?

Go to the internet and Google Sun City Grand listings or Sun City Grand real estate. Over 80% of all buyers start their search on the internet.  Because the vast majority of buyers looking for properties in the Arizona retirement communities come from other states, this more true than ever.  Most agents who spend the time and money to rank well in the search engines are committed to doing the best job they can do for their listing clients.  They’re motivated and hard working.

Check out the featured listings section of their website.  Have they provided numerous pictures and a virtual tour of each of their listings?  According to Realtor.com (the number one real estate website) if listings don’t have multiple pictures or a virtual tour, over 90 % of the potential buyers won’t even take the time to look.  In this day and age, with the technology that is available, there is no excuse for your property NOT to have a huge web presence.  Make sure your real estate agent is one of these internet “marketers”.

Referrals from friends and family can be another way to find an agent.  But be wary!  Friends may receive some type of compensation for recommending their favorite agent.  Furthermore, just because the agent is a good family member or friend doesn’t mean she or he is a good real estate agent.  Your friend or family member may be recommending this agent out of a sense of obligation.  This is a business transaction. You need a competent professional! 

Finally, check in the local real estate ads.  These are often a good place to find dedicated real estate agents.  Be careful if an agent has too many listings though.  Perhaps she or he is spread too thin, or doesn’t focus on working with buyers.  When you are ready to sell, whether you have a cousin who is a real estate agent or not, you owe it to yourself to call a real estate agent that specializes in your market.  This is a business transaction! 

What To Ask Them

Once you’ve done your research, call each agent.  Pay particular attention to how long it takes them to call you back.  You want a real estate agent who promptly follows up with buyers! 

Also, get a feel for their personalities over the phone.  Do you think you can work with them?

When You Finally Meet

Ask your real estate agent to discuss her or his marketing plan.  How does she or he plan to sell your house?  If the agent does not discuss marketing channels like the Multiple Listing Service, holding your home open for the broker community, or classified ads and advertising on the Internet, most likely she or he doesn’t have much of a strategy.  The marketing program is critical to generating demand for your home! 

Once you’re confident in the agent’s strong marketing plan, make sure the agent walks you through a “seller’s net sheet,” clearly explaining the numbers and what you can expect to receive from the sale of your home.  Furthermore, a good real estate agent will explain the necessity of not overpricing your home. After investigating your home and researching the competition, she or he will recommend a narrow range of prices.  Of course, you ultimately determine the selling price, but your agent’s recommendation indicates at what price your home will actually sell.

The value of hiring a Home Marketing Expert

I hope you found this informational report helpful.  As your local Home marketing Expert, I am versed in the science of packaging, pricing, and aggressively marketing homes.  I consider the sale of your home to be a new product launch that requires a proven marketing strategy and brilliant execution.  My three-tier Property Marketing Plan includes:

• Packaging and cosmetically enhancing your property, at very little cost, to get it sold and off the market!

• Aggressively marketing your property through my proven, highly effective marketing channels

• Expertly negotiating with buyers to maximize the equity you walk away with

You can call me at any time for advice, and please remember that you are under no obligation or pressure of any kind. I would very much like to help you.