Landing the Perfect Listing Agent

 
The key to the most successful and  highest priced sale is realized when the homeowner chooses a full time,  top producing agent along with a top producing company. 

The real estate agent that you hire to sell your house, known as the  listing agent, must be able to accurately answer your most important  question: “What’s my house worth?” Houses sell for fair market value,  which is whatever buyers are willing to offer and sellers are willing to  accept. Fair market value is not a specific number; it’s a price range.

For  example, suppose that an agent says that your property is worth  $400,000, more or less. If your agent is a better negotiator than the  buyer’s agent, and the buyer desperately wants your house, you may sell  it for $410,000. On the other hand, if you have to sell your house  immediately, and the buyer has a better agent than you do, you may only  get $390,000.

Sale prices often are directly related to a  listing agent’s knowledge of the price that comparable houses sell for  and that agent’s negotiating skills. Of course, other factors (such as  the buyer’s and seller’s motivation, needs, and market knowledge) also  are important.

A good agent can be the foundation of  your real estate team. An agent helps you price your property,  orchestrates the marketing and showing activities, and negotiates with  buyers or their agents on your behalf. A good agent’s negotiating skills  and knowledge of property values can add 5 to 10 percent to your  house’s sale price.