Expert: Toni Yates - 5/18/2009

Question
Hi, I live in the Shenandoah Valley in VA.  I'm preparing to put my house on the market.  Naturally, I want a good agent.  Do you have suggestions as to the best way to do research?  Are there lists of what agents have made the most sales, etc?

Thank you!  John

Answer
Hi John-
What a great question! Too many people don't do their research. Here's what I recommend (and I'm trying to be unbiased here as I am a Re/Max broker)-
1. Word of Mouth/Recommendations- great place to start. People are thrilled to share their experiences, good or bad.
2. Internet- check the web for realtors in your area. A great web presence means increased sales as experts say approximately 80% or more of buyers come from the Internet.
3. Experience- a "seasoned" agent has been through good times and bad and if they are still in the biz, knows what works.
4. Interviews- interview 2 or 3 agents once you have narrowed it down. Ask them how they are planning to market your home, their experience, sales records, awards, etc. Ask them for suggestions on what you need to do to make your home more buyer-friendly and TAKE THEIR ADVICE! Staging works- see if they have experience in staging.
And finally- (sorry, I couldn't resist this) you can go to www.remax.com and see resumes, profiles, pictures and experience for agents in your area. It's a great tool. Keep in mind that Re/Max agents pay to work at their offices (vs. a traditional split)so they have to be successful.
I hope this helps. Good luck and I hope you get a great agent! Best, Toni