| You've lived in your house for 30 years and | | | | states it is pretty easy to get a real estate |
| now it's time to sell. Should you try to sell | | | | license, in others like New Jersey, you must |
| it on your own or do you get a realtor? | | | | have approximately 60 hours of class time |
| Choosing a real estate agent will be one of | | | | before you can site for your license exam. |
| the most important decisions you will make | | | | After you receive your license and choose a |
| and it's a decision that you should not rush | | | | real estate agency to work from you still |
| into. | | | | have to take refresher classes each year to |
| | | | keep your license in good order. |
| You should do your research before you sign | | | | |
| on with any realtor. Selling your house is a | | | | Ask for credentials; check to see if your |
| major life altering decision. Too many house | | | | realtor or real estate agent has won any |
| sellers call the first number they see on a | | | | awards or has any advanced real estate |
| lawn sign while driving around and use them. | | | | licenses. For example some real estate agents |
| Others call the first number listed in the | | | | also are appraisers or mortgage brokers. This |
| phone book. Just because a realtor is popular | | | | shows they are in business for the long haul. |
| or begins with the letter "A" doesn't mean | | | | |
| they are right for you. | | | | Ultimately, go with your gut feelings. If a |
| | | | possible realtor tells you that they can sell |
| When choosing a realtor you may want to | | | | your house for much more than the appraised |
| choose a company that has been in the | | | | value, don't trust him. He is wasting your |
| business for many years. Chances are they | | | | time and you won't have a happy selling |
| would have past experience with selling a | | | | experience. Each sale is important to you and |
| house similar to yours. This is the time to | | | | the realtor. If you feel like you are just |
| get references from people who have sold | | | | another sale it's time for a new realtor. |
| their homes recently. See if they had good | | | | |
| experiences with a particular realtor and | | | | A realtor can be a huge help when selling |
| THEN do your homework to see if that | | | | your house... or they can be major obstacle |
| particular realtor is right for you. | | | | and create problems. Chose carefully. You and |
| | | | your money will be spending a lot of time |
| Another factor to consider is the level of | | | | with this person. |
| education your Real Estate Agent has. In some | | | | |