A Good Real Estate Agent Is Critical

The current market is not an easy one to venture into when you want or especially need to sell your home. It is critical to find a good real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the business and is dedicated not only to selling your property, but also to getting you the best possible price. However, it is equally important that your agent have a realistic view of the market and not make impossible promises.

Knowledge is Power

One of the most important traits for the real estate agent you choose is that they are familiar with the vagaries of the local area. That is, they need to have not just a technical knowledge of house prices, square footage, and property valuations, but also an awareness of the personality of the locale. A good house buyer will be looking not just at property, but the neighbors and the schools – if they have or want children – as well as proximity to areas and services that they care about.

The knowledge a real estate agent has of the location will not only express their professionalism to potential buyers, it will also help to avoid false starts, that is, bringing in specific people for viewings who might like the house, but hate the surrounds.

Show Your Stuff

The right real estate agent will also be able to assist the seller in making the best presentation of the property. Whether the agent brings in a stager or advises the seller on his own, they will find a way to put the best face forward. While obviously some agents have greater experience than others, working to display the interior and exterior of the home to best effect is the sign of an agent who cares about the whole of the process.

One sign of a good agent will be one who can advise on the appearance of the interior. This doesn’t mean just fresh paint or new carpet, but also the amount of furniture and pictures displayed. Those who study these things know that buyers are less likely to choose a home that is completely devoid of furnishings, but will be equally off-put by one that is cluttered. Your agent should be able to advise you on finding the best balance to make a sale.

No Caveat Emptor

While possibly less pleasant to discuss, the good real estate agent will be able to advise the seller in the legal aspects of having a livable house. There are many things a good inspector will look for before the buyer signs and while the buyer does have a certain responsibility to ask questions about specific concerns they might have. If the seller is aware of some material defect – that is physical problems that can negatively impact the livability of a home – and fails to reveal it, the buyer will be within her rights to negate the sale or even sue. A good agent will advise the seller of these and other legal aspects in order to protect his client from future problems.