Selling a home can be overwhelming for many homeowners. How is the best way to sell your home and where is the best place to start? Do I need a listing agent or a selling agent? What is the difference between a listing agent and a selling agent? As a seller, will the listing agents' responsibilities serve me best or will the selling agents’ responsibilities be more helpful? The unknowns in the equation will increase your stress factors and the antidote is knowledge.
What is a Listing Agent?
It’s helpful to know that
a listing agent is known as the seller’s agent. Homeowners should be looking for listing agents when it comes time to sell. Listing agents look out for the interests of the sellers and have the following responsibilities.
- Assist with the asking price
- Stage and market the property
- Brings buyers to your property
- Assist with closing paperwork
- Assist with all the details to wrap up the close of the sale
Listing agents are invaluable as they are current with the latest market trends such as what’s selling, what buyers are looking for, and what will bring the best selling price.
How Does a Listing Agent Differ From a Selling Agent?
In contrast to a listing agent, the
selling agent is known as the buyer’s agent. If you are buying a home, it’s best to have a selling agent in your corner. Selling agents look out for the interests of buyers and are responsible to:
- Represent the buyer
- Assist with pre approval for a mortgage
- Schedule and attend home showings
- Write offers and negotiate with listing agents
- Arrange for home inspections.
The selling agent will demonstrate how certain properties will meet your needs.
With dual agency, the difference between a listing agent and a selling agent becomes more complicated. A dual agent can work for the seller or the buyer, but their credibility could be viewed as a conflict of interest.
What are the Characteristics of a Good Real Estate Agent?
Identify the
characteristics of a good real estate agent, and you'll know how to find a good listing agent to sell your home. You will be looking for a real estate agent who is strong in all of the characteristics we will be discussing – not just a few.
Knowledge of the Local Real Estate Market
An excellent real estate agent will keep their finger on the pulse of the ever changing real estate market. They have up-to-date information to help you set the best price of your home. A listing agent delivers accurate estimates of how long your home will be on the market because of their real estate market knowledge.
Strong Communication Skills
Find a real estate agent who is easy to be around and has strong communication skills. As you receive offers and counteroffers, understanding the ramifications of all the details becomes very important. A listing agent with good communication skills will make the complicated aspects of contracts easy to understand and will clearly define the deadlines involved.
Thorough Marketing Strategies
Successful listing agents know how to
use various marketing strategies
and will form a thorough plan for the successful sale of your home. Marketing strategies will be tailored to your type of property and connect you with the buyers who are looking for what you have to offer. The best listing agents will use professional photos, video tours, open houses, and social media to get your home sold quickly for the best price.
Well-Connected
Professional listing agents bring a lot to the table because of their networking connections. The top listing agents are naturally well connected to the top professionals in the real estate industry such as:
- Other fellow real estate agents
- Real estate Attorneys
- Real estate investors
- Home inspection professionals
Finding a listing agent who is well
connected to your local community
will make all the difference. A well-known real estate agent with a proven track record will give you instant credibility when coordinating with other professionals necessary for the successful sale of your home. With excellent knowledge and connections, your listing agent could even find an interested buyer before your home hits the market.
Able to Bring Qualified Buyers to View Your Home
Knowing how to find a good listing agent is important because they also have valuable connections with buyers’ agents. Listing agents have the ability to screen and attract qualified buyers to your property, speeding up the selling process.
How to Choose a Listing Agent
Now that you know the character traits a good realtor must possess, how do you select a listing agent from the plethora of available agents? Do your research and discover the listing agent’s experience, sales history and client reviews.
Online
Online research will give you instant information that is also linked to helpful reviews. Utilize online discussion boards, personal blogs on real estate and finances, and personal blogs to learn more about your potential listing agent.
By Referral
Find an excellent listing agent by asking family, friends, and neighbors for referrals. Research the names of the referrals they provide to double check their credentials and track records. Referrals plus research is a great way to find a listing agent that is right for you.
Through Open Houses
You can also receive information on
how to pick a listing agent by attending open houses. At an open house you can meet local agents face-to-face. It may not prove to be the best use of your time as you will not know if the agent you meet is a listing agent or a buyers’ agent, but this process has been successful for some. Zillow will list upcoming open houses online. You could save time by contacting the brokerage company in advance to see what kind of agent will be present at the open house.
Let Landmark's Listing Agents Go to Bat for You Today!
An excellent listing agent from Landmark Realty and Auction is ready to go to bat for you today! The proven listing agents from Landmark Realty will ensure the sale of your home goes as smoothly as possible. Your home will be priced competitively, extensively advertised, regularly viewed and sold with your best interests in mind when our competent listing agent orchestrates the entire home selling process with you.
Contact us at our Paris location at
731-642-0515 or at our Camden location at
731-584-7777.
We look forward to meeting all of your real estate needs!
