How to Build a Positive Working Relationship with your Listing Agent
Our current market is capable of stressing sellers to the MAX! It cannot be denied. Real estate is an emotionally charged business because you are dealing with a lot of money, demanding timelines and usually, a home you sincerely care about. During this critical time, your real estate professional will be your trusted counselor. Knowing this, it is especially important that you establish a good connect with your agent.
Here are some strategies that will help you launch a successful working relationship.
- Choose the right real estate professional, one who has a proven track record of successful sales and who is preceded by a good reputation. Along with this, I am reminded: Someone once said, "The only difference between me and my competition is the way I treat the customer". Ask your agent, "What is the major difference between you and your fellow Realtors?" Something should distinctively stand out in a positive way.
- Chat in detail about what tasks your agent will perform to facilitate the sale of your house. Make sure you both understand how he/she will represent you. In this market both the Agent and Seller must be on the same page.
- Get it in writing. Not only should the listing agreement outline all of the tasks you agree on, but the Agent should be willing to put his/her marketing plans in writing. Ask your Realtor to sign what he/she claims they will do.
- Talk about how you will communicate. Poor communication between the Real Estate Professional and the Sellers is often where things can go sour. Perhaps you need to establish that you want weekly emails, phone calls, or another avenue for crystal clear updates. You must keep yourself in the loop. In any event, you will want to know the progress your agent is making with every item of marketing agreed upon. Know and establish how this will be communicated. Don't forget to exchange all contact information and discuss when and how will be the best way to get in touch quickly should the need arise.
- Be candid. If something regarding the sale is bothering you, discuss it. Letting problems go undiscussed is never productive and for sure, you don't want "down time" because of unresolved conflicts.
- Look for the connection factor. When you are interviewing real estate professionals, look for someone you have a connection with. In addition to real estate know-how, you will want someone you can turn to, lean on and trust in should the transaction get tricky and emotionally tiring. Have you ever met someone and almost instantaneously you feel like you've known that person for years? On the other side of the coin, perhaps you've known someone for years but you still don't know him/her very well! Go with the obvious connect! You will need to feel a relationship in this selling experience. An agent's slick selling technique by itself is NEVER sufficient criteria when considering who to employ. The connecting factor must exist.
Houses are selling in this present market. To make your home one of them, you will need to be an educated seller! Don't be fooled into thinking the agent will do it all with simply a signature and a contract. Both of you should understand your roles and work hard at the task that ultimately brings a successful and happy conclusion. That usually means you have had a contract and finally a successful close.