[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Throughout the years, I have been on one end or the other of 20 real estate transactions.

Two were houses we built.

A few of our houses we sold as FSBOs.

But the last several transactions were with real estate agents or realtors.

I am highly particular about choosing an agent. That is because signing with an agent means we are going into business together — and I would not go into business with just anybody.

I expect an agent to show us comps, including days-on-market, sold price as a percentage of list price, current listings being carried, and any price reductions. (I do not like price reductions. That usually means somebody needed to get real at the start.)

I expect an agent to give us suggestions of things we can do to get ready for market. (I admit I already know most of that because I have been having a longtime love affair with real estate. But there is always something new to learn.) One time, my agent told me my linen closet needed to be organized. (I guess the Fibber McGee closet effect was not acceptable, though the rest of the house passed the eyeballing. — I fixed the closet.)

I expect pictures to be done well and to be well lit. I want to approve the pictures and maybe offer a few myself because I can pick up better lighting at a different time of day. And NO pictures of toilets. Those toilet pictures drive me crazy — makes it look like the house has no features to show, buy hey, it’s got a toilet. Geez. (Also, we do our part to be ready for pictures — clear those counters, no sloppy, uneven, wrinkly bedmaking, etc.)

I could go on and on, but everybody has probably stopped reading this anyway.

One more thing — just in case you are asking how I find my agents. Well, recommendations might be OK. But I have found my agents by going to open houses and observing — and eavesdropping — and talking with the agent and asking questions about experience, number of sales, marketing, etc.

(I am not so sure that TV agents are actually pushed or given incentives to sell new. I suspect that some agents simply prefer to sell new because it has to be a whole lot easier. No price dickering. Get the contract-to-purchase. Turn it over to The Villages. And on to the next one. A lot of pre-owned deals can require a lot of hand-holding and involve a lot angst.)

I have to click with an agent and I know when I do and then we go into business together to sell our house fast. When selling a house, I am big on the idea that time is money. I want an individual I can work with and who works hard. Not just those who grab a listing by telling you want you want to hear. Be it VLS or MLS, all agents are not the same. Talk to both if you are selling, or buying, in TV.

I read your post in its entirety...and agree 100%!




(Now you're in trouble...LOL)