Brett
Cohen discusses common mistakes made by sellers when choosing an agent to sell
their property.
Much cheesecake later and you’ve made the decision
to sell. Now begins the most important aspect - choosing an agent who you feel
is capable of handling the sale of your single biggest investment and asset!
Lets look at who you are considering: Balleboste Belinda – you think
she’s ok because she regularly drops brochures proclaiming her prowess at
selling but she intimidates you (don’t tell anyone)! Rachmones Rhona –
she’s just started out and needs the money, but she has no oomph …Hyped
Hillary who valued your property 10X higher than anyone else (wears 10X as much
make-up as well) and whose opinion you don’t really trust ...besides she
promised to reduce it to writing and hasn’t…
Smooth Stan who
phones you every week almost begging you to sell (he just wants your house and
to hell with the rest) and then cousin Maisch – he is about as exciting as
a mouthful of limp lettuce – but if you don’t use him is it worth the
‘fahrebels’ that will follow?
Get a grip! Your home is your
biggest financial asset so why rush ahead and hand it over to the first person
who knocks on your door or the first agent’s board that you happen to see
in your area. When we undergo surgery we spend time making an informed decision
and choose someone in whom we have faith and trust – the same rules apply
when selecting your agent!
So, there are some common mistakes made by sellers when choosing an
agent. Lets begin …
Mistake 1 – I don’t
really trust the agent.
Only deal with an agent that you and your spouse
feel entirely comfortable with no matter how highly recommended they come or how
many accolades/certificates they show you. All that glitters is not always gold
– remember!
Trust, mutual respect, understanding, honesty
and integrity – all core elements in your relationship with your agent. Would
you hand over the cash equivalent of your property to your agent – if not,
then move on because essentially that’s what you’re doing. Does your
agent fully understand your needs and requirements or is it just about selling?
Think ahead – if a conflict arises, do you suspect the agent will bully or
mislead you – if so be wary! Do you have faith in your agent’s ability
to negotiate on your behalf – or is he somewhat like cousin Maishe?
Next column will deal with commission, commission cutting, valuations and
over-valuations.
