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It's time to get serious about selling your home and choosing an agent. What's next?

Many people have friends, relatives, and acquaintances who either are a real estate agent, or knows someone who is a real estate agent. Others shop online to find an agent in their area, or call the agent who helped them purchase their new home.

* It is good practice to interview 2-3 agents minimum. * They should be able to present you with a marketing plan to sell your home, provide you with a market analysis, discuss the proper pricing of your home and provide you with a resume of thier experience and references.  It might be helpful to ask them some critical questions to aid in your decision.

* This should be a business decision, not a "friendship" decision.  You are selling your most valuable asset, so choose your real estate professional wisely.


* Some people also don't like the idea of thier friends or family knowing thier financial business.  Additionally, if the agent is not preforming to your satisfaction, it is easier to terminate a business relationship rather  than family or friends.


* You most likely have an idea of what you think your house is worth, but is it realistic in the marketplace?  Don't assume that you can price high and always lower the price later.  You may miss your Window of Opportunity.


* Listen to the agents, if more than one of them stresses the importance of proper pricing, yet another agent seems willing to price it at whatever you want with no regard to the market, be wary.


* Many times, this agent is just trying to get your listing with the full intention of convincing you to lower the price soon after you have signed the listing, or, due to all the different types of personalities, they may not be as good at standing firm on thier pricing and will feel pressure from the homeowner who has an inflated perception of thier home's value.


* If this happens in your interview, ask yourself if this is the agent you want representing you when it is time for critical contract negotiations.