Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

By HomeAdvisor

Updated August 19, 2019

Backyard Lake View

Selling a home can be very stressful, but the right real estate agent can insulate you from many of those pressures. Here are some tips for enlisting a good agent:

  • Hire an agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and the area sales activity.
  • Decide on your priorities, quick sale, high offer, etc., and discuss with the agent.
  • Ask the agent for references and a list of homes he or she has sold in the last year.
  • What are the agent’s fees and commissions?
  • How often will the agent show your house?
  • How will the agent advertise the sale of your house?
  • Does the agent have a website or national listing service?
  • Will the agent provide and stock a brochure box attached to the “For Sale” sign?
  • Ask the agent for suggestions to improve the chances of selling.
  • Discuss whether you or the buyer will pay the closing fees or split the cost.
  • How long will your contract be active?
  • If you are unhappy with the agent, how long after the contract expires can you hire another agent?
  • Will the agent offer a commission fee reduction if a friend or family member of yours offers to buy your house?
  • Will the agent offer a commission fee reduction if a friend or family member of yours offers to buy your house?

1 Comments

  1. Chad Michael Phillips, January 12:

    Interview several agents and go with your gut. This is a service business and the level at which you will receive will very, even within the same company. Commissions are negotiable; however, don’t just go for the discount fee. A good broker should be able to market and negotiate the cost or more of what you would save in closing costs.

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