19 CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME
- Am I locked into a listing with you or do I have the right to cancel the listing agreement if you don’t live up to your promises? Is that guarantee in writing?
- Do you have any testimonial letters from previous clients I can see?
- Do you stay in touch with me from the beginning of the listing until the closing?
- Do you offer any advice on how to prepare my home for the market?
- How much time and money are you willing to invest in telemarketing to the homeowners in this area to find out if they know a potential buyer?
- Do you do direct mailings about my property? To Whom? How often? How many?
- Do you prepare professional feature sheets with several pictures detailing the amenities and highlights of the home and neighbourhood?
- Will you personally be there when offers are presented to handle all the negotiations?
- How long have you been selling real estate? May I see your resume or personal brochure?
- How many listings do you currently have? How many homes did you sell last year?
- What is your average market time compared with the average board market time?
- What is your list/sales ratio compared with the average board ratio?
- What extra services do you offer me compared to the other agent who is calling?
- Do you personally spend money on advertising? Does your company spend money? Where? How often?
- Do you have a written marketing plan for marketing my property? Can I have a copy?
- Do you work evenings and weekends? Will you hold open houses if I wish?
- How will you encourage other realtors to sell my home?
- Do you have a system in place to ensure advertising or sign calls are handled by you and not just “the agent on duty”?
- Will you advertise my home on the internet with extra pictures until sold?