CHOOSING THE RI G THE RIGHT REAL ES GHT REAL ESTATE AGENT
Finding the right agent can be rather challenging. Here are a few common sense suggestions that should simplify the task: • If possible, hire a broker not a salesperson. • Do not hire an agent with less than three years of experience or less than thirty closed transactions. • Do not hire an old-timer who has not kept current with changing technology. • Do not hire an agent who is a member of a large team. • Do not hire a dual-career agent who has another job besides real estate. • Do not hire a part-time agent who is just supplementing their spouse’s income. • Do not hire an agent whose office or residence is more than an hour or so away from your house. • Do not hire an agent who treats real estate as a social event or hobby. Especially, do not hire a personal friend or relative. That can be a recipe for disaster. The problem with hiring a friend or relative is that there is an inherent disconnect between expectations and performance. Justifiably, because of your relationship, you expect your friend or relative to pay special attention to your sale. However, also because of your relationship, all too often, this turns out not to be the case. Especially when other clients require your agent’s immediate attention, it becomes all too easy for your friend or relative to place your sale on the back burner because, of course, you will understand. The best way a friend or relative can help you with the sale of your house is to refer you to several other agents he or she knows to be top notch Realtors®. That way your relationship will not be threatened and you probably will be eternally grateful to your friend or relative for having introduced 79
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