When selling your home, you want to ensure you have the best representation. Some agents bring more value to you than others. These agents may take some searching to find. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses 7 ways weak real estate agents fake out consumers.
- Years in Real Estate: While having years of experience can be helpful, it isn’t the only determining factor in success. Plenty of agents who are new to the industry have the same skill sets as seasoned veterans. Additionally, agents who have been in real estate for decades may hold on to outdated models and processes.
- High Number of Listings: Often sellers pick agents based on their number of listings. However, if the listings aren’t moving, then they might have trouble selling. Especially for beach property, listings that stay on the market too long earn less money.
- Number of Certifications: Certifications are great, but they aren’t a determining factor in success. Many times, agents obtain numerous certifications but aren’t able to put them to use.
- Number of Websites: Simply listing your house on the MLS puts your home on several websites. You should be more concerned about whether those websites have high traffic nationwide. You should also consider if those websites have buyers interested in beach property.
- Office Location: Buyers don’t care if an agent has an office. Plenty of times, the buyers come from out of state, so they have limited time when visiting. This means they want to see the house, not an office.
- Number of Brokerage Agents: Every broker and agent in the area wants to sell houses. Unless they are on a team, they’ll be competing for the same listing. This remains true for agents under the same brokerage.
- Commission Percentage versus Net Profit: Commissions are negotiable, and good agents can explain their value difference. Don’t burden yourself with taking the lowest commission agent. Instead, think about what brings you the most money as a seller.
While great agents may utilize these tactics, digging deeper will identify weak agents trying to do the same. Doing your homework when looking for an agent will guide you to an agent who provides value, not one who just follows a formula. Visit beach-homes.com, where you can find agents able to help you through the real estate process.