You decided to sell your house and since you stumbled upon this article, it means you got to the we-need-an-agent part. Congratulations, your first step toward finding the perfect Realtor is successfully completed because this article will teach you the ins and outs of Realtors. Before we go any further, I want to underline the difference between Realtors and real estate agents. Yes, there is a difference. While both Realtors and real estate agents are qualified to sell a property, Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors. Are you wondering what on Earth it is? Well, wonder no more, it is the Realtors’ version of the code of ethics. So, the first thing to keep in mind is that you’d better look for a Realtor because they’ve got some good points in that code of ethics. Now, that we cleared it up, let’s move to criteria that will help you pick a good Realtor.

Testimonials? Check

When it comes to Realtors, prior experience is very important. Whether you are looking for a Realtor among your circle of friends or online, keep an eye on testimonials. Clients usually leave thorough feedbacks on their Realtors and you can make a good use of that feedback. If you do not trust stranger then ask your friends or relatives, who sold property recently. On an online platform, it is harder to identify what is true and what is not. Be the devil’s advocate, dig more and bear in mind that whoever you chose will be your legal representative, so to speak.

Go to Open Houses

Wait, what? You are selling your house, not buying one. What is the point of going to open houses? The answer is very simple - you will meet Realtors there and it is a good opportunity to get to know them. You can walk around and collect cards from Realtors and look them up later. Besides, you will see the Realtor in action. “Oh, right because he is selling a house.” Exactly, you will be able to rate his or her performance on your own, it’s like watching a live testimonial. Smart, right?

The Realtor Willingly Answers Your Questions

Selling a house is a huge responsibility, let alone all the visits of buyers and the endless paperwork. Realtors are there to spare you the trouble but it does not mean you should not know what is going on. Make sure your Realtor is comfortable with sharing all the details with you. As a homeowner, you have the right to be aware of every transaction that is happening and it’s the Realtor’s duty to keep you informed. Therefore, before hiring anyone, conduct a brief Q&A with him to test his readiness to cooperate with you.

Did the Realtor Sell Property Like Yours?

You could be selling an apartment, a cottage or a piece of land. Each of these types of property requires a different approach and your Realtor needs to be familiar with it. A criterion you should be looking for is prior experience in selling a property like yours. That way you can be sure that he will properly present your house, land or whatever it is that you are trying to sell.

To Conclude

I want to mention a red flag that states “stay away from the realtor.” If the Realtor is a bad negotiator then keep searching. You do not want to sell your property at a low price. Hire a Realtor that will get you the best offer and hopefully, this article taught you how. Good luck!