Questions to Ask a Listing Agent
Questions to Ask a Listing Agent
Please keep in mind, in today’s sophisticated market choosing a Realtor® is a very important decision since not all agents and agencies are created equal. A home is a major investment, therefore, you should not expect anything less than an experienced full-time agent who not only represents you as your sale’s agent, but also acts as a consultant and treats you as a business partner, while keeping your best interests in mind above all else. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting sellers just assume they're hiring an experienced full-time agent, when in reality the agent may be inexperienced and/or may actually be in the business on a part time basis, while squeezing in real estate around another primary job and/or family and social activities. For an in-depth overview of my expertise and broad real estate related experience simply click on About Me.
How long has the agent been in real estate?
When choosing your listing agent the length of time in the real estate business is a very important consideration since an agent with a track record encompassing many years will likely have accumulated a substantial knowledge base and possess the ability to resolve any issues that may arise during the sales process. In the end, you'll want to feel your agent is experienced, knowledgeable, trustworthy and has your best interests in mind at all times.
What knowledge should your agent possess to market your home?
As a seller, you will need to ask how your listing agent plans to market your home. Keep in mind, any agent can list a property; however, not all agents possess the ability and/or knowledge to fully utilize all the tools at hand in order to effectively promote a listing to the fullest extent. Furthermore, I strongly believe assisted showings and open houses conducted by the listing agent are an integral part of the sales process since who should know more about your property than your own agent. However, many agents today feel they don't have the time to deal with such routine responsibilities and simply pawn these duties off onto their assistants or any newcomer to the business who is available. The lack of property knowledge present at a showing or open house could very well cause the loss of a potential buyer to a competitive listing due to pertinent questions going unanswered. Additionally, the World Wide Web along with its vast resources has overwhelmingly become the primary component in today’s high tech environment for successfully and efficiently marketing one’s property. Even though print advertising is utilized to some extent, it’s becoming substantially less effective as a marketing tool in today’s internet dominated world. With this in mind, your agent should have a strong working knowledge of the Web as a means to maximize property exposure to the fullest extent since the internet is where over 90% of buyers start their research.
What are the things that put you above your competition?
Look for things that you value most in this relationship. Most people say they are seeking an agent who is honest, trustworthy, assertive, analytical, and an excellent negotiator. Good communication skills and availability by phone, text or email also made the list. Finally, you'll want someone who has good business sense, is friendly and able to maintain a good sense of humor even if things become challenging.
Click Here to Contact Me for Assistance
MARK SIMPSON, Assoc. Broker/REALTOR®
Licensed in NH & ME
Cell: 603-370-0253
simpsonrealty@comcast.net
Serving Your Real Estate Needs Throughout The Greater Seacoast Regions Of Southern New Hampshire & Southeastern Maine
- Referral Assistance: I'd be happy to assist you with locating a real estate professional proficient in any areas of the country that may be located beyond the scope of my coverage.
Testimonials
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Mark is amazing! He made the whole process of buying a house in a different state so easy, eased our stress! He works with great integrity from how he dealt with us! We will definitely call Mark again for buying another home or selling ours!
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- Grace Mary Stanley
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He was excellent with every detail
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- Claudia Patricia Young
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Great communication and insight was provided by Mark.
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- Stanley Cherian
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Mark was great to work with. He took pride in assisting us and was there for us whenever we needed anything.
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- Nicholas Riley Young
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Mark is very professional, knowledgeable, & wonderful to work with.
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- Linda Bridges, Personal Representative
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Mark has been incredible! My family and I have been working with him for over 15 years. He knows the market and New England area, he is very professional, approachable and has outstanding communication skills. Thank you!
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- Igor A. Vladimirov
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Mark was our agent when we purchased the condo many years ago. We were very pleased to have him represent us as our agent again. Charlie and Lorilee Buzby
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- Lorilee A. Buzby
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Mark was recommended by our lawyer, Jack McGee. From the moment we met Mark and Kelly, we found them to be very nice, honest, and helpful. We felt very comfortable with them and felt that they would work hard to get us the best price for our house as they could. We live in Massachusetts and the house we were selling is in Portsmouth, N.H. so I made a lot of calls to Mark with questions that I had, and he always answered when I called and always either had the answer right then or would find the answer and get right back to me. We felt that we could trust him, as he was always respectful of us and of the house that he knew held a lot of memories for me. We would recommend Mark very highly, and we appreciate everything he did for us. Sincerely, Sharon and Don Foss w
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- Sharon Foss, Trustee
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Simply said, Mark is the best!
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- Sophye M. Zoukee
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