Now that you are going to be a First Time Seller, there are some important questions to ask at the beginning of the process, perhaps before you make the final decision on who to hire.

If the agent you are talking to does not bring these up, I recommend YOU do. This is NOT an all-inlcusive listm but some important issues to discuss and understand.

• How will showings be handled? There are a number of options, depending on your preferences, the agent, and local protocol.
  • There may be a lockbox with a key, allowing acess to any agent with a buyer (easiest)
  • Appointments may be required with a call to you and/or the agent (even if there is a lockbox), or at least some sort of advanced notice (1 hour for example)
  • The listing agent may accompany all showings
  • Agents who want to show the property must pick up a key at the brokerage first (most restrictive)
  • Should I leave the house for showings?
• Should hours for showings be restricted and if so, to what and when? 
  • Being too restrictive in the availability of your home for showings, no matter what the reason, may frustrate agents and buyers and you might lose them.
  • This is especially true if buyers are relocating and are not from the area, and thus have limited time to look at homes.
  • In a buyer's market, and with lots of competition, you cannot aford to make this difficult. Remember what it was like when YOU were a buyer?
• What type of signage will there be? Will there be a brochure box on the sign?
• How will my home be marketed, in print AND on the Internet?
• Will you hold Open Houses, for the public AND for the local agents? When will these be? How often? What hours?
• How long a listing agreement do you want (be reasonable on this, especially given the average marketing time, but don't allow one that lasts for an extended period - you can always renew if needed)
  • What happens if I want or need to cancel my listng contract?
• What is your expected commission? Know that COMMISSIONS ARE NEGOTIABLE. Undertsand what you are getting for the fee you willl be paying - the knowledge, training, experience, and the services you will be receiving. A good agent is well worth the money, but a bad agent is not.

FIRST TIME HOME SELLER SERIES:

Article 2 First Time Home Sellers – The Agent Interview

Article 1 First Time Home Sellers – Getting Started