One of the keys to selling your Melbourne, Florida home is to hire a real estate agent who is not only local but also knowledgeable.
I always recommend sellers interview at least three agents before deciding who to hire. [For more, read the related article links at bottom of post.]
But these real estate agent interviews are like a boy picking up your daughter for a first date. They know they are going to be quizzed and better be on their best behavior with the right answers!
Sellers are at a disadvantage because these these agents will likely all appear to be knowledgeable. All will probably be dressed to impress, responsive to questions and saying what you want to hear!
My suggestion is don't do the initial interview in your home but at this really really secret location....
At a nearby open house.
I call this the "just browsing" screening process.
Choose homes for sale ideally in your neighborhood or another nearby neighborhood. Stop by and take a look. Be a browser.
Observe how the agent presents them-self to all visitors. You know what you like and don't like in sale people. And real estate agents are primarily sales people.
Are they employing pressure and arm twisting? Are they knowledgeable about the product (listing)?
Do they make you feel comfortable? Ask them about the neighborhood. Ask them about home prices and seller attitudes.
Don't ask the easy questions. Ask about homeowner associations. Ask them about criminal activity. What about school quality and school assignment areas.
See how far out on a limb they will go with answers. A good local real estate agent will also know the limitations of their knowledge as well as potential liability. Do not be surprised if you get advised to call the schools or local law enforcement folks for answers.
This is not the final selection process.
You may not find the agent you are going to hire but you may just find some to skip when the interviews start for real! I like to tell new agents to always expect any contact at an open house to be an interview.
By the way, this "just browsing" interview technique works well for prospective buyers who can have a relaxed, no pressure consultation!
- Twelve Rules for Buying or selling a Home in Florida
- Twelve Articles to Help You Be Better Seller.
- Understand the Process From "For Sale" to "Sold"
Thinking about selling your Rockledge, Florida home? Call or text me at 321-693-3850.
