Talk To Scott

So how do many people pick their realtors ? That is something that has always interested me. Before I became a real estate agent, I was a high school coach for 31 years. I bought and sold houses often….too often, in fact, but that is the subject of another blog. I did what other people do. I made an assortment of decisions. I picked someone off of the sign; I picked someone out of a phone book; chose the mother of a player I coached(really bad decision); got a recommendation from a friend; I even chose someone from a newspaper ad with either a tumor or a phone stuck to her ear. One thing was certain: I didn’t put a great deal of thought into my decisions. We (meaning, my wife, my various realtors, and I) muddled along and managed to achieve the goal of buying and selling houses. Obviously, I could have done better. Here are some things that you might consider.
 Time on the job. Experience does have its advantages.
 Number of recent sales. The average agent sells about 6 houses a year. I hope that you are looking for someone who is above average. Past performance is generally an indication of future performance.
 List price versus sold price for you potential employee. In other words, does the agent you are employing have the skills necessary to price the house correctly? That is a sales skill, which is rather important for a person in sales.
 Does the realtor have a network of professionals that aid in the transaction? Can he/she recommend someone who can help you find a mortgage, make home repairs, stage your house, provide a home warranty, or inspect a home once it is under contract?
 What kind of support does the agent’s office offer? Is it a one man band—operating on a cell phone, or is it a professional business with support staff, a relocation department, multiple websites, and name recognition which attracts buyers?
 How will I be updated? Phone? Email? Text?
 Referrals? Can your potential agent provide you with the names of his most recent clients?
Let’s face it. You are going to hire an employee, someone who is going to help you with the most important purchase of your life. Doesn’t it make sense to hire someone whose professional skills are worthy of the task?