How do I choose an agent to sell my house?

This is probably the most important decision in getting your house sold, and possibly better answered in reverse.

Don't choose an agent who offers the highest valuation! Pricing a house to sell within a reasonable time is difficult even for an experienced and knowledgeable agent who is visibly active in your area. The estimate of what your house should sell for (the valuation) is a non-scientific guesstimate of what a buyer is likely to pay for your house and is based on recent sales of similar properties as well as what else is currently for sale, the competition.

An experienced agent should instantly be able to list the most recent sales in your area:

• the asking price
• the ultimate selling price
• description of the house
• and how long it took to sell

The agent will then also be able to justify with a comparative market analysis backing up with reliable research proving that their estimate is correct. This is where sellers tend to get frustrated. Why did agent A value my house at 20% MORE than the valuation of agent B? The answer is simple. Because it's human nature to want to sell your house for the highest price and agent A was hoping that if they tell you what you want to hear they would be awarded the mandate.

Only interview 3 agents. Select those agents based on your own research. Look for SOLD signs, listen to friends experiences, search online and in the newspaper for properties for sale in your area, visit Sunday showdays...you will quickly determine who the area specialists are. Invite them to value your property, allow them to present a proposal on how they would go about marketing your home and ask how long the process should take. If you are still unsure on who to select "go for a test drive". Offer the agents the opportunity to impress you and give them all 2 weeks to bring through the clients that they are already working with and let them view your home. You will very quickly work out who you will be able to work with to get your house sold.