will affect your selling process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per-square-foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, the average number of days on market, and comparisons of list-to-sold prices will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do. Attempting to sell your home without an agent requires a major effort, resources, and countless hours of understanding and organizing all the work. Professional agents’ careers depend on their ethics and ability to build relationships with clients and the community they serve. But as you may have noticed in some examples even a real estate agent can make big mistakes, so please chose your expert wisely. Finding the Right Agent Here are some traits to look for when hiring an agent. Is he or she… Current? Is the agent up-to-date with the latest housing trends so he/she can serve you effectively? Connected? Does the agent have the necessary contacts who can assist in every phase of selling your home? A network of connections includes home inspectors, quality service people, other brokers, and county officials. Knowledgeable? Is the agent familiar with the current market and able to price your home strategically? Does he/she know what is unique about your neighborhood to distinguish your home from the competition? Does he/she know what to highlight in your area to attract buyers? Organized? An agent must pay close attention to your specific needs, communicate well, and be quick to follow leads. Personable? Agents who are sincerely interested in helping you will “go the extra mile with a smile.” They must be able to sell
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