If you’re thinking of selling your home, you’ll likely use a real estate professional (a listing agent) to help you sell. We always recommend that you do your research and maybe even meet a few different agents before you choose who you’d like to represent you during the sale.
We recommend having a couple of real estate agents visit your home in person, so that they may take a brief tour and provide you with the most accurate comparative market analysis (this will help to determine your home’s value). Consider reaching out to the agent who helped you to buy your current home if your past experience with them was positive, or consider referrals from family and friends.
The commission, or percentage that will be paid to the real estate agency when your home sells, is one of the most important things to consider. This amount is reduced from the proceeds of the sale, so you’re not required to pay anything unless your home sells. Plus, this percentage will include the listing agent’s fee AND the amount that will be paid to the agent who represents the buyer. The standard commission for many local agencies is 6%. You’ll also want to note any additional fees. Most agencies, including EveryHome, charge a conveyancing fee which is paid to a third-party paralegal. EveryHome’s conveyancing fee, for example, is $250.
While the commission and fees should be major components of choosing an agent, there’s also a lot else to consider! First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that your agent is someone with whom you will enjoy working closely. You’ll be in frequent contact with your agent during the entire sale process, so you’ll want to be sure that they’re accessible, communicative, helpful and friendly. You may also wish to ask what their primary means of communication is, whether that’s texting, email or phone calls, as well as if they’re easily accessible on nights and weekends. You’ll also want to ensure that they’re familiar with your area. Ideally, they’ll have sold homes recently in your community.
Another thing to consider is how they plan on marketing your home. Don’t be afraid to ask a prospective agent to see photos or write-ups of homes that they’ve sold in the past, and ask whether or not they plan on hosting an open house or broker’s open, or creating a home tour video. And of course, we’d love to introduce you to a local, friendly agent! Just give us a call at (215) 699-5555.