Selling a home is a business transaction, and should be treated like one. However, sellers often make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them time and money.

1. My friend (or family member) sells real estate.
a. Friendship alone isn’t enough to establish a professional’s credentials. Use tough standards when selecting an agent, just as you would when hiring an attorney, a doctor, or an accountant to handle your taxes. A true friend will understand and appreciate that this is a business decision and will offer their credentials and expect to compete for the listing. Besides, if a problem or challenge develops while selling your home, do you want to risk damaging a friendship or family relationship?

2. Your presentation sounds good. I’ll list right now.
a. Look at more than one presentation and consider your options. Every agents comes with advantages and disadvantages. Making an impulsive decision when caught up “in the moment” could be difficult to correct later and since listings with the agent is for a specific period of time, you may find yourself unable to “switch” to another if you find yourself unhappy with the service you receive.

3. You’re the only agent who agrees with my selling price.
a. Some agents tell you what you want to hear. However good it works as a short-term “sales tactic” in getting your listing, it is an extremely poor strategy in selling a home at the highest possible price. A house that’s priced out of the market will get little no views, and will take longer to sell off, and the longer it sits on the market, people will begin to think that there’s something wrong with the unit.

4. I don’t need references. I’m a good judge of character.
a. Always check with an agent’s previous clients. How did the transaction go? How long did it take to sell the house? Always survey, do your research and find out as much as you can. After all, this could be the largest transaction of your life so far.

5. The agent is what counts – not the company.
a. Agents who work for large well-established companies with lots of agents do have some advantages. Large companies generally have longer office hours, so someone is always available to answer an ad call on your home. Additionally, larger companies are often better at offering ongoing education to their agents. As a result, your agent may be better qualified and prepared to offer a quality service.

The best agent is the one who will do the most effective job of marketing the property, negotiating the most favorable terms and conditions, and communicating with the seller to make the process as smooth as possible.


(中文版请看这里:http://www.durianproperty.com.my/blog/article/1312)