Three Things Your Listing Agent Should Be Doing

The truth is, most agents and real estate companies have access to the same tools. Any agent can put a house on the Internet, put up a sign, enter it in the multiple listing service, and hold a few open houses. But in this market, you need a listing agent who will go the extra mile. The customer services that the agent offers to their client are what sets the agent apart. Here are three things that you should ask your listing agent before you hire them:

1. Will you help me prepare or "stage" my home for the market? If your agent is not helping you stage your home, they are not helping you put your home ahead of the pack. You love your home; it's where you have raised your family and have many happy memories. But as soon as you put your home on the market, you must begin to think in terms of having already moved out. Staging will help you do that, and it will help prospective buyers picture themselves living there. That's why all items such as family photos should be removed and highly personal decorating styles should be neutralized. Most of the things you can do to stage your home will be free or low cost.

2. Will you take professional photographs and create a virtual tour to post online? Ninety percent of home buyers begin their search online. They love pictures and virtual tours. You would be surprised at how many listings don't have any photos, have blurry photos, or have photos with clutter or an unmade bed! I've seen listings where the description mentions a new kitchen or bathroom, but there is no picture of it.

3. Will you or a member of your team be present at every showing? It's not always easy, but your listing agent or a member of their team should make every effort to be at every showing. The agents who bring the buyers don't know your home and cannot point out the best features or important upgrades. Why should you be inconvenienced and made to be the salesperson? If you need to be home every time a buyer is coming, that also limits the showings you will get.

These are just three of the things your listing agent should be doing to bring about the sale of your home. Selling a home is stressful; it takes a lot of work to keep it clean and ready for showings, so hire the agent who will go that extra mile and get the job done as quickly as possible.

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