When it’s time to list your Comox Valley home, you want to make sure you choose the right REALTOR® for your needs. It’s likely that you know someone who sells real estate – maybe a friend of a friend or a contact from a past networking event – but are they who you’re going to decide to work with? Here are some questions you can ask to clarify which real estate agent may best suit your unique selling needs:
What is their training and background for selling homes?
Depending on your personal preference and comfort level, you may want to enlist the help of a newer sales representative who may have more dedicated time to immediately assist with all your selling needs. Alternatively, you might opt for a more seasoned REALTOR® with a proven track record and years of experience under their belt. Great seasoned real estate professionals continue their education and training to ensure they provide up-to-date information, marketing strategies, and education to their clients. It’s important you know you’ll receive the support you need, so voice your expectations and see who is best suited to rise to the occasion.
Are they prepared and organized?
You’re going to want to choose a sales representative that isn’t just flying by the seat of their pants. The real estate industry is fast-paced and involves legal contracts, so you’ll need a person who can stay organized within the chaos. Some further factors to know if they’re well structured or not is whether they show up to your appointment on time, if they provide you with helpful information for you to make an informed decision, and whether they have access to all the necessary documentation with them in case you choose to move forward.
Do they know your neighborhood?
It’s important to have a listing agent that’s familiar with your unique neighborhood. Here, in the Comox Valley, there are many great areas to live. The bulk of retail and big box stores, industrial & commercial can be found in Courtenay, while Comox and Cumberland consist primarily of residential homes. A knowledgeable representative will come prepared with a comparable market analysis (CMA) of homes in your area that are similar to yours and have sold recently; typically, within the last six months or less. They should also be aware of the features within your neighborhood that may help draw the attention of potential buyers.
How do they plan on marketing your home for sale?
Every good REALTOR® should be able to explain how they’ll advertise your listing to generate the most amount of interest as possible to receive a solid offer. Make sure you ask for their plan of action for both online and offline marketing strategies. For example; Facebook ads, Instagram features, open houses, and networking with other agents and their professional contacts are tactics that can be effective.
Do you like them?
This question might seem funny, but your gut reaction to someone can tell you a lot. Do you feel comfortable around them? Do you have a good flow of conversation? Do you enjoy their personality? If you answered ‘yes’, then they’ll likely a good person to partner with to sell your home.
At the end of the day, you want to choose someone you can trust with one of the biggest transactions in your life. If you’re ready to get your house on the Comox Valley real estate market, contact me today to see if we’re the right fit to work together and get the listing process started!
