Are they with an agent-centric brokerage, focused on recruiting as many agents as possible, or part of a client-centric brokerage where delivering results for you is the priority? Agent-centric brokerages often prioritize volume over quality, pushing agents to rely on outdated practices or cut corners. In contrast, client-centric brokerages invest in cutting-edge technology, advanced marketing strategies, and personalized services to ensure your success. Ask the Tough Questions Don’t assume every agent is automatically your advocate. This is your home, your equity, your future—so yes, it’s perfectly acceptable (and smart) to dig a little deeper. Before you sign a listing agreement, ask the questions most sellers don’t even realize they should be asking. 1. What’s Your Policy on Assisted Showings? At first glance, an agent who insists on being present for every showing might seem diligent—like they’re lovingly chaperoning your home through each interaction. But let’s call it what it is: a strategic bottleneck. The minute their schedule doesn’t align (which, surprise, is often), your property goes from “for sale” to “held hostage.” Frustrated buyers either walk away or, worse, call the listing agent directly—opening the door (figuratively and sometimes literally) to a conflict of interest. Now, in more forward-thinking states, electronic lockboxes solve all this. They’re secure, trackable, and allow verified buyer agents to show homes without drama. But welcome to New Hampshire, where buyer agents are required to pay to access electronic lockboxes—so most just won’t. Use one, and you may as well hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your front door. So, despite our better judgment, we use combo boxes. They’re not ideal, but they get the job done—because we will never be
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