Expert: Jessica Bryan - 1/29/2006

Question
Thanks for your time, Jessica - will try to make this short. I have a single-wide mobile home on my own property just outside of Venice, Florida - suburban, not rural. I've recently decided to become fully self-employed and this means I can move (to Georgia) and take my money out of this place.
I've been here over 6 years - my payoff is about 38K - and my home market price is very roughly 100K+.
My question is about choosing a selling agent. The woman(Linda) who sold me my home (after selling my mom and sister) has been marketing herself to me stronger and stronger as the market has been going up. I didn't like her or her service - nor did my sister. I want to talk to her - pick her brains and then talk to another, as yet unknown agent or two.
I have no clue what criteria to use to select an agent, except to try to negotiate lowest possible commission. Also, it's going to be hard to value my place. Very recently, Linda sent me a market analysis with 3 neighborhood homes that sold for 109K and one for sale for the same. But they were all but one older than mine and all on lots vertical to the street, while mine is horizontal and on the corner with a circular drive and one on the adjoining street. The lot is basically the same size as others except for the added streetside easements - sodded ditches! I also have a separate 425sf frame building workshop.
I would really appreciate hints on how to choose somebody to work with and any educated guess on the added value of my unusual place.
Thanks so much for your help - I need it! I'm here every day and will answer any ?'s you have right away. Best, Mary


Answer
Hi Mary;
Your question is a good one.  I am always disappointed when someone tells me that they have used an agent that they didn't like.  It is pretty easy to interview an agent before choosing him or her.  By looking around to see who sells in your area (look at the yard signs and see whose name is on them) call that agent and set up an appointment to meet this person and ask what this person will do for you to sell your home and how much they will charge to perform this service.  Also, ask if they will give you an opinion on the value of your home and how long it might take to sell.  After meeting with him or her, tell the agent that you will think it over and get back to him/her if you choose to use them as your listing agent.  Repeat this process with other agents.  Look  for someone who seems honest, fair, and easy to talk to. Make sure you don't feel uncomfortable or intimidated by this person. Later, this will be important when you want to discuss how the showings are going or how progress is going.  Sometimes, when a client is disatisfied and wants to talk it over with their agent, it is difficult because there is not an open line of communication or personalities don't quite "mesh". So...make sure that you are very comfortable with the agent you choose.  Ask lots of questions, like, how long they will list your home, how they intend to advertise the home, what they will do to get agents to show the home, how other sales have gone in the area, what you can do to maximize the dollar amount you will get for the home, what changes you need to make, or what repairs you need to do. Ask what costs to expect to pay when you sell the home. Find out what the closing process is and what to expect.  Finally, ask about the negotiating process and how much you can expect to take off the asking price when a buyer makes an offer.  This will help you determine the asking price. Whatever you  do, don't feel pressured by a "pushy" agent.  

Good luck and best wishes in your sale.

Sincerely,
Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
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