Is your real estate agent really acting in your best interest?
Can you say without hesitation that your agent is actively earning the commission on your house, or perhaps your agent is doing the minimum to keep you happy?
Your agent could be starring in a bad movie in which you are the gullible homeowner, intimating that he/she is showing your listing day and night, when in reality, your agent has given the majority of showing appointments to an assistant to handle. In the worst of cases, your agent has gone out of town without telling you and is trying to “work” on selling your house from afar incognito. In either case, your phone calls are mysteriously received with the agent out of the office and returned some distant time in the future. Face to face discussions are all but impossible due to varying excuses. So, what gives? Are you getting the agent’s true and honest best effort?
The following is a short list of ways your real estate agent could be hindering the sales process and costing you money.
Your agent takes the first legitimate offer
Your agent convinces you to sell quickly and put the “windfall” in the bank. But, is that offer the best one? What about other offers that may come in time. Do a reality check. Did the agent agree to a reduced commission amount to get the listing? If so, perhaps, he or she wants to spend as little time, effort and money as possible marketing your house. He or she will then get very excited when a “legitimate” offer appears and assertively convince you and your family it is your best interest to take the deal – without waiting any longer. “Don’t let this offer disappear…” even though the offer may be well below future offers.
Your agent is perpetually out of the office
You sign the listing contract and have several days of frenetic energy on your behalf, until your agent is nowhere to be found in person or by phone. Suddenly your chosen agent is out of reach – or worse – working on other deals while keeping you under contract. In order to avoid this malady, ask your agent up front how many deals he or she is currently working and what amount of time he or she will be able to dedicate to your needs and questions. Caution the agent that being busy is a blessing, being out of touch is unacceptable.
Your agent is a “yes person”
Perhaps one of the worst things your agent can do is answer all of questions with a “yes” answer. You are contracting with your agent for their knowledge, expertise and negotiation skills. You deserve to be told when you are asking too much for the house and/or expecting too much without spending money to make needed repairs. Of course, you do not want a combative relationship with your agent, but you also do not want someone who will tell you what you want to hear instead of what you need to hear.
Your agent does not come prepared with a professional marketing plan
Good real estate agents know fore well that a successful, high-profit sale is all in the marketing and the associated perception of value. Different amenities mean different things to different buyers. Therefore, your agent should have a sophisticated marketing plan in hand that addresses the uniqueness of your property while simultaneously emphasizing the desirable location of the listing, the amenities nearby and any local and regional attractions to heighten buyer demand. If no such plan exists, or a minimal effort is expended, consider finding another agent as soon as the contract will allow.