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Start by doing a few hours of research.
Ask around... get to know who has the most signs, ads and marketing
material in your neighborhood. Who’s the most active agent?
Compile a list of agent names and use these questions to help you
determine which agent is right for you.
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Could you send me some information about yourself?
- You can often get a good idea of which agents are the most
professional by looking at their promotional materials. If their
own materials aren’t professional, how well are they going
to market your home? Track how long each agent takes to respond
to your request and how quickly they follow up. If they don’t
respond efficiently to your listing requests imagine how they’ll
handle potential home buyers.
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How many homes have you listed and how many homes have
you sold in the last six months? - Look for an agent
who has experience with homes similar to yours and is active
in your area. If your home has special features look for an
agent with experience in those areas. Your agent should have
a good record of selling homes, not just listing them. After
all, this is your ultimate goal.
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What is your average length of time from listed to
sold? - Don’t automatically assume the shorter
time on the market the better. That could reflect selling homes
quickly at lowball prices. Look at what the asking price was
compared to the selling price. An agent who sells close to the
asking price and quick is effective at helping clients determine
the right price and helping them get it.
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How long have you been in business and what professional
organizations do you belong to? - The length of time
a real estate agent has been licensed is not a sure fire sign
that they’ve been an active seller. They may have been
in business for 10 years but only part time, whereas an agent
who’s been in business for 2 years may be a real top producer.
So take into account what professional organizations they belong
to. The minimum should be a licensed professional who’s
a member of the local real estate board and multiple listing
service as well as the state and National Association of Realtors.
Local community groups and associations are also pluses in terms
of networking and commitment.
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Do you have an assistant or support staff? -
By employing someone to handle the details of their business
the agent can spend more time servicing your needs. However,
make sure you know how much time an agent will spend and how
much time their assistant will spend on the sale of your home.
It may be fine if the assistant does most of the legwork as
long as the agent is there at the most critical times of the
transaction period.
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We have a google map tool that enables you to see information on each one of the Los Angeles neighborhoods, as well as search the area for homes and condominiums for sale by price range. CLICK HERE TO VIEW |
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How often will you hold open houses? Will they be
public or by appointment only? - Simply putting a sign
on your lawn and holding open houses every Sunday will not sell
your home. Too frequently open houses make the property a target
for low ball bidders. Look for an agent with a specific plan
for each open house. The plan should be just one facet of a
complete marketing plan.
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What listing price do you recommend and what is that
price based on? - Pricing is the most critical step
to selling your home. Take great care in choosing an agent with
the knowledge to price your home effectively. Keep in mind the
selling price should attract prospective buyers to your home,
get you top dollar in the current market and reflect the condition
of your home. Be realistic and avoid ‘yes agents’,
who will say ‘yes’ to any request or price while
your home languishes on the market. Lowball agents will try
to talk you into an artificial price simply to sell as fast
as possible.
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What does the listing agreement entail, what are the
beginning and expiration dates, and what are the fee amounts
I will be paying? - Have your agent go over every detail
in the listing agreement with you until you understand it completely.
Make sure the beginning and ending dates are on the agreement;
a good standard for length is three months. Know exactly what
fees you will be paying and remember that less is not always
better. If the agent stands to make very little commission you
can bet it will be reflected in the amount of time and effort
that is spent marketing your home. If the agent reduces their
commission to get the listing it may mean they intend to spend
very little money promoting the property. The normal commission
is between 5 and 7 percent.
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What disclosure laws apply to me and what do I need
to be aware of? - Make sure your agent helps you with
locating professional inspectors for the various mandatory home
inspections required in your area. Create a home marketing file
including a property fact sheet, a property transfer disclosure
statement, pest control report, applicable C.C.& R’s
, applicable study zones report, structural engineering report,
property profile from the title company, plans for alterations
or additions, and special equipment report for pools, spas,
sprinklers and alarm systems. Your agent should be able to handle
this for you.
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What types of things separate you from your competition
and will you give me some feedback? - How effectively
will they advertise? Do they have 24-hour advertising capability?
Will all the leads be followed up on by your agent’s team
or will they go to other agents who may have other listings
they would prefer to show? Agents who are innovative and offer
new methods of attracting home buyers will measurably outperform
agents who rely on methods of the past. Marketing effectively
in the 90’s and beyond requires progressive strategies
that add value and service for both buyers and sellers!
We at Valerie Fitzgerald and Associates realize that you are in the information gathering stage of your purchase and we respect your privacy. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@valeriefitzgerald.com or call us directly at 310-285-7515. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, please note that we can provide detailed information and access to:
You can count on the services of Valerie Fitzgerald and Associates to provide you with information you can trust. |
