Expert: Jessica Bryan - 1/30/2007

Question
I am currently living and working in Atlanta, and want to sell my North Carolina condo.  We'll be totally dependent on the realtor as we are 3 1/2 hours away and busy.  We've determined the company we want to use. However, we haven't a clue how to pick an agent.  Any advice will be appreciated.  

Answer
Dear Maureen;
First, ask to speak with the Managing Broker of the company.  Explain your predicament and ask for a few referrals from the broker. Call each of the people and see who responds in a timely manner.  This will be the first indication of a good agent. (Note: don't go with someone just because they are the first to respond.  A good agent is often a busy agent, but if they are conscientious they will get back to you within a few hours.) Pick your REALTOR the way you might hire an employee if you were the head of a company.  Interview, ask questions and ask for references.  Then call the references and ask them if the person was responsive, professional, easy to work with and a good communicator.  Make sure that these other sellers were happy with the work done and how quickly the agent got back to them. Was the agent a self-starter, creative, cooperative and focused on service?  When talking to the agent ask what the agent will do for you and make sure that the agreement is in writing.  Also ask what the agent will do if you are not happy with their performance--i.e. getting out of the listing contract.  If you feel unsure, ask for a short term listing and tell the agent that you will be happy to renew as long as the agent is doing their job as promised.  Most of all, make sure that you feel relaxed and comfortable with the agent.  Choose someone with whom you can talk easily and candidly.  Not all people "click" with each other, so if you don't respond well to this person, move on to someone else.  This is important since you will need verbal feedback as one of your only means of interaction.

Good luck and best wishes.