Picking the right agent

It is a really tricky process to select one agent out of tens of thousands. Sure, I’d like you to choose the best one and of course, I want you to pick me, Eric Hollis , from Champion Realty Inc. I have been serving Anne Arundel County community for a while d a great tracking record. I am a local resident, hard working, honest and great listener. I am here to assist you with one of the biggest decisions in your life.

Picking the right agent is tough, but here are some tips and if you are looking for the best, contact Eric Hollis by going www.houseinannapolis.com.

1. Don’t just sign up with an agent because she is your boss’s nephew’s girlfriend. It doesn’t mean anything. Instead, interview at least 3 agents based on the criteria that matter to you. For example, you might want a neighborhood expert, or someone who understands your culture background. Just because the agent you talked is your friend’s friend, that doesn’t mean the person is going to give you the best deal/advice. It’s your house you are looking for and it’s a huge decision to make. So, make sure to pick the right agent.

2. Always include a neighborhood expert agent in your interview list. Drive around your blocks and see who got the most signs. If you know an agent who lives in the neighborhood, interview this person too since he/she has the most intimate knowledge about this neighborhood. One caution when working with neighborhood agent: watch out for low balling on the price. These agents know the numbers well. The unethical ones will try to do a quick sale rather than getting you the fair market value. So when pricing, they will try to set it lower than market value so the property can sell quicker, which in term netting them a big fat paycheck in fairly short amount of time. Ask to see the comps and do your own homework. Ask the agent to show you the comparable houses that are currently selling in your area so you can do a first hand comparison. Eric Hollis from Champion Realty is a local Annapolis agent and he has a lot of happy customers including myself.

3. Ask the agent’s experiences as real estate professional. Of course, the longer the better, but also keep in mind that new agents usually are the hardest working agents. Well established agents may not give you much attention you deserve.

4. Observe how the agent present him/herself on the first visit. If an agent comes in and just wings it, don’t hire the person. Look for an agent who comes in with a presentation (paper or on computer) to explain to you how he/she plans to sell your house and roughly what price you may get. The agents who do homework will most likely put more effort in selling your house.

5. It’s quite common to run into agents who will only put your listing in MLS, put up a yard sign and disappear. So make sure the agent has a marketing plan such as Internet advertising, color flyers, photos, open house, etc…

6. Spot the unethical agents who only care for their own benefits. This is a bit tricky to do. But if you observe carefully, you can catch some red flags. For example, if an agent pushes real hard to have you sign the listing agreement even before discussing what he is going to do for you, you better run. If an agent sets the price real low without having any comps to back it up, it’s not a good sign either. Or, if an agent would accept a higher than norm price to list your property without arguing about the fair market value, this agent only cares about putting up a yard sign in your neighborhood to market his/her name to your neighbors.

7. Finally, you want to feel comfortable working with this agent. Don’t feel obligated if you don’t feel the connection. Remember, you are stuck with this person for months to carry out one of the most important transactions in your life, so it is your right to pick one you like.