Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Selling a home can be very stressful. Finding the right real estate agent for you is essential. Following are some tips for enlisting a good agent:

• Hire an agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and the sales activity in your area.
• Decide on your priorities (quick sale, high offer, etc. and discuss with the agent).
• Ask the agent for references and a list of homes he or she has sold in the last year.
• Walk around your house. Ask the agent for his or her suggestions for improving its chances of selling.
• What are the agent's fees and commissions?
• Discuss whether you or the buyer will pay the closing fees (or split the cost).
• How often will the agent show your house?
• How often will he or she host open houses?
• How will the agent advertise the sale of your house?
• Does the agent have a website or national listing service?
• Will he or she provide and stock a brochure box attached to the "For Sale" sign?
• How long will your contract be active?
• If you are unhappy with the agent, how long after the contract expires can you hire another agent?
• Will the agent offer a commission fee reduction if a friend or family member of yours offers to buy your house?