Real Estate Topics

Real Estate Topics
Red Flags when Interviewing Agents

1. Does not use multiple photos on Realtor.com. This agent does not invest in his/her business. Everyone gets one photo and a “canned” house description. The “professionals” purchase the ability to add banners, extra photos, and customized text to listings.

2. Uses Exclusive Agency (EA) instead of Exclusive Right to Sell (ER). An EA listing is bypassed by many agents because it carries no protection for buyer agents. Agents can program their computers so that EA listings do not come up in searches. You get full exposure in the MLS only with a ER listing.

3. No after-hours appointment center. Wants to have agents call you to see house. You don’t need to be bothered at work each time someone wants to show the home. And what if you are not available to take the call? The listing agency should have someone on duty to set appointments so buyers can get inside!

4. Does not answer phone inquiries during evenings or weekends. It is amazing how many agent phones go unanswered at the very time prospects are looking for houses.

5. Uses “codes” instead of MLS numbers in advertising. Providing the MLS number in an advertisement allows both agents and prospects to obtain full information about your property. With an Ad Code, they must call the listing office and wait for someone to look up the reference. This is a slow process and buyers hate it.

6. Does not provide “take home” brochures inside house for prospects. If people have seen several homes in a day, you want them to have something with which to remember your house. At a minimum, this should contain a photo, description of the property, and the Property Disclosure Statement. Make it easy for them to write an offer!

7. Does not use outside brochure box (or audio tour) to reach “drive-by’s”. People prefer to pick up information immediately (while they are outside a house), rather than writing down numbers and making calls later. By then, they have forgotten how good your home looked, and have lost interest.

8. Does not have special training for working with buyers. (ABR designation). Even a listing agent should be an Accredited Buyer Representative. If you are going duck hunting, you need to know everything about ducks-where they hang out, what appeals to them, etc. An agent should be your expert on Buyers-where to find them (on the Internet) , what they like (photos, brochures, fast responses to questions), etc.

9. Sends contracts and inspection results by telephone/FAX instead of presenting them in person. You see these documents every few years. Agents see them every day. You are depending upon your agent to give you his/her expertise and interpretation. The agent should bring the documents to you and spend time explaining what they mean and what your options are.

10. Other considerations. Check the sign. It should be bright colored so it stands out. Check the numbers on the sign to see if a knowledgeable person answers. There should not be excessive info on the sign and in-house brochures about the agent, favorite lenders, etc. Sell the house....not a person!