72% of sellers are dissatisfied with their agent's performance! Why?
The Main Reason: Poor Communication
Let's face it. When you hire a real estate agent to get your home sold, you are putting what is probably your largest investment in someone else's hands. This can be risky because so much money is involved. Poor communication, ineffective or inadequate advertising, poor pricing or negotiation skills, all of these factors and more could cause you to lose thousand of dollars on the sale of your home.
Knowing this, some homeowners opt to sell their homes themselves. But the facts show that a good agent can get you more money is less time and with far less hassle than you could ever accomplish on your own?
NINE QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING AN AGENT
1. How long have you been an active full-time Realtor? How long in my neighborhood?
First, you want someone who has a track record you can confirm. An experienced agent will have creative, time-tested ideas for marketing your home.
2. How many homes have you sold in the past six months? The past year?
Here is where we separate the listers from the doers. Just because an agent has a knack for signing up sellers doesn't mean he's good at finding, negotiating and closing deals-and that's what you want. The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team sold 224 homes last year - That is 1 every 39 hours!
3. What is the average amount of time one of your listings in on the market before it sells?
The average market time for the Board of Realtors is 57 days. The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team's is 46 days.
4. How does your average sale price compare to the original price?
The average agent sells his or her listings at 96.5% of the list price. The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team's clients receive and average of 98.7% of list price.
5. Do you have a personal staff? How many are licensed?
A Realtor who has a support staff to handle office chores and routine details can devote more time to the business of serving a client's highest-priority needs. Ask about the composition of the Realtor staff - the duties each member has, and how they will be involved in the marketing of your home.
6. How will you market my home?
Most Realtors have at their disposal the same tools for selling your home: the Multiple Listing Service, company tours and Realtor caravans, open houses, marketing flyers and brochures, direct mail, advertising, personal networking-the list is long.
What differentiates the best agents from the rest is their marketing philosophy and the strategies they've developed to achieve their goals. You're looking for a Realtor who tailors his approach to your specific circumstances, and then puts the tools at his disposal to your best advantage. What you want is someone who does more than provide a physical description of your home and area to prospects. Your Realtor should be essentially selling you home's benefits. You're spending a good deal of money with an agent, and you should expect a detailed marketing plan - in writing - before you sign a listing contract.
7. How else will the property be exposed to other agents?
Exposure is the key to any home sale. In many cases your home will be sold because another agent knows a buyer who is looking for a home like yours. Beyond simply listing your home in the MLS, your agent should be using a wide variety of techniques to let those other agents know about your home and keep them aware of it until it is sold.
8. What will you do to keep me informed? Do you want weekly, daily or hourly reports from your agent? Are you comfortable with letters, phone calls, or do you want to discuss matters in person?
Determine how much communication you want, then find an agent who will give you the attention and time you deserve.
9. Can I cancel the listing if I am not happy? What is your biggest fear when you list your home with a Real Estate Agent?
It's simple. You worry about being locked into a lengthy listing agreement with a less than competent real estate agent, costing your home valuable time and exposure on the market.
Well, worry no more. The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team takes the risk and the fear out of listing your home with a real estate agent. How? Through their EASY EXIT Listing Agreement.
When you list your home through The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team's EASY EXIT Listing Agreement, you can cancel your listing at any time. No hassles. It's easy.
? You can cancel your listing anytime
? You can relax, knowing you won't be locked into a lengthy contract
? Enjoy the caliber of service confident enough to make this offer
The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team has strong opinions about real estate service. They believe that if you are not happy with the service you receive, you should have the power to fire your agent.
It takes a strong belief in the quality of one's service to make this kind of stand, but The Don Lawyer Real Estate Team never settles for less than the highest professional standards from themselves. They are confident that you will be happy with their service and results. That's the simple truth.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
