Let’s face it: selling a home isn’t exactly simple. There’s a lot to think about when you’re preparing a property, marketing it, negotiating with buyers, and (finally) closing the deal. That’s where real estate agents come in. Working with an experienced professional can help ensure that the selling process is as smooth, straightforward, and profitable as possible. But how do you know which agent to choose? Interviewing is key, and so is asking the right questions.
There are many things you’ll want to ask before hiring an agent to sell your home, but here are five of the most important…
1) How well do you know my neighborhood?
In real estate, few things matter as much as location. And when it comes to selling, finding buyers who are a perfect match for your community is vital. That’s why it’s so important to work with an agent who knows your area—inside and out. This type of expertise is a must-have here on Hilton Head, where home hunters often come from all over the world. Whether you’re selling in Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Long Cove, or beyond, look for a professional who has years of experience in your area. They should be able to answer any questions that come up—and highlight your community’s best points throughout the selling process!
2) How do you price a home?
It’s one of those things that a lot of sellers don’t understand about real estate, and that’s okay! Setting a price for a home—one that won’t turn buyers off or result in a lower selling price than you deserve—is complicated. It means having detailed knowledge of the market, what properties like yours are selling for, and what will motivate buyers. For this reason, we suggest asking an agent about their pricing structure before agreeing to work with them. If they’re good at what they do, they’ll be able to answer your question in-depth—and in a way that makes sense to you!
3) How do you plan to market my home?
When you’re selling property, marketing strategy matters. Of course, agents need some time to work through the details of how they’ll spread the word about your home. That said, they should be able to assess your circumstances and give you a few ideas when you meet with them. From online listings to flyers to virtual tours and beyond, every tactic used to market your living space should be taken with its most-likely buyers in mind. An agent who’s a real pro will start thinking about who they’re going to target—and how they’re going to do it—from your very first meeting.
4) Can I see sample marketing materials?
Have you ever seen unprofessional-looking marketing materials before? We have. And trust us, it’s not pretty. Put simply, buyers are turned off by sloppy design, unclear wording, and poor-quality photos. In many cases, they’ll overlook properties that have a ton of potential if they’re not presented in the best possible light. To avoid this outcome, ask to see an agent’s past materials before you agree to work with them. If they’re not polished, high-quality, and easy-to-understand, you may want to consider looking for representation elsewhere!
5) What costs will I pay?
It’s one of the most common questions sellers ask: how much does hiring an agent cost? In addition to paying a relatively small percentage to the Realtor they work with, sellers typically also cover the fee for the buyer’s agent once the deal is done. If you talk to an agent who’s open, honest, and transparent, they’ll be more than happy to provide a breakdown of the expenses you can expect. If you have questions about closing costs, they should also be able to offer enough information to set your mind at ease.
We know selling a home can feel overwhelming—whether it’s your first time, or you’ve done it several times before. By choosing an agent who answers your questions clearly and makes you feel comfortable with the process, you can start paving the way to a successful sale!
Are you ready to sell your home on Hilton Head? Reach out to learn how we can help you simplify the process!
