Shop for an Agent...or Not

If you want to sell your home, you’ll probably want to enlist a real estate agent early on. While an agent is not legally required, one will make the process infinitely simpler.

Signing an agent is a pretty big deal. Treat it like any other big-time purchase. When you buy a new car, you’re likely to consider a host of features beyond price and style, and you’re certainly not going to look at just one vehicle. Likewise, when you search for an agent, interview several and see what “features” they bring to the table.

Be sure your agent is honest, experienced and an able marketer. Oh, and like them—you don’t want to work with someone you loathe. A realtor should also be web savvy, knowledgeable about staging techniques and have an understanding of the local market. Don’t pick an agent based on a low commission rate (the percentage the agent will take from sale) or how much they think your house will sell for. Get concrete list-to-sale (how often the agent gets the list price) figures.

If you do decide to sell on your own, get ready to work. You’ll have to thoroughly research marketing techniques and have a grasp on your neighborhood to be successful. For the skilled seller, going it alone can be a cash cow, but be careful. If you’re listing for sale by owner because you don’t like the prices agents are giving you, suck it up and assess if the agents are misinformed—or if you’re overconfident.