It is proven that for sale by owner homes are less likely to sell and less likely to get the full price than homes sold by an agent. Although it is beneficial to use a professional, make sure not to just pick out the first one you come across. Finding the right agent is like finding the right home. You have to feel comfortable, protected, respected, and understood. While you do your agent interviews make sure to keep these things in mind:

1. Be Open & Honest about the Price.

Any good agent will understand the pricing situation of homes in accordance to market trends. There are a number of different factors that go into the overall value of a property and if an agent has done their research, they should know where to place your home on the price scale. Some agents will agree to any price that their sellers believe they should use and then try to persuade them to change it later. Your agent should be able to explain to you, without question, the appropriate price point for your property. I always say that you have to sell your home twice: once to the buyers and once to the bank.

2. Be Understanding of Your Timetable.

In addition to the time consuming job of selling your home, you are still dealing with everyday life and packing. There could also be other responsibilities weighing on you such as starting a new job or a new school. Whatever you are dealing with you should be clear to you agent what timetable you are on and they should make sure to accommodate you to the best of their ability. While an agent cannot always set the exact date your escrow will close, they should use every influence they have to make it work for you.

3. Keep Challenges out of Your Hair.

Within any transaction there are a number of challenges or problems that can arise. This is a normal part of dealing with business and while your agent might not be able to shield you from everything, they should be able to handle it professionally and keep you well informed.

4. Help you Relocate.

If you don’t have another home already in your possession, your agent should be ready and willing to help you find your new home. Having to sell your home and buy another one within the same time frame is a difficult task that involves many moving parts. You are going to want an agent who can successfully and smoothly help you with both transitions.

5. Most Importantly, Sell Your Home!

There can be many reasons for selling your home, whatever they are, there is a motivation for doing so. Your agent should be mindful of these facts and be just as invested in selling your home as you are. An agent who truly cares about their clients is one who will fight for them and get the best price for the property in addition to selling it as quickly as possible.

Find an agent who treats you like their only client, respects you, fights for you, and above all makes you feel taken care of.