| 2009 is expected to be the year when the real | | | | gotten their former clients, but you can get a |
| estate market bounces back. If you're getting | | | | good overall feeling for an agent by meeting them |
| ready to sell a house, you're in luck! The first step | | | | face to face. Are they friendly and easy to talk |
| in selling your house is to find the right real estate | | | | to? Are they professional? These are things that |
| agent. | | | | can go a long way when you are selling your own |
| Who Is That Person On The "For Sale" Sign? | | | | house. |
| The smiling face you see on the "for sale" sign is | | | | -Check Local Real Estate Offices. Going to the |
| the agent who represents the seller. It is their job | | | | real estate office to find a realtor can be a little |
| to get you the best deal possible. When they | | | | tricky. There are many to choose from, and if |
| successfully sell your house, they get a | | | | you don't know what you're looking for, it can be |
| commission, so you know they will work as | | | | difficult to decide which is best. |
| possible to get you the best price. They will | | | | A good realtor should know the area well, |
| negotiate on your behalf with potential buyers. | | | | especially the area where you live. If they've sold |
| This is your real estate agent. | | | | houses there before, that is a big bonus. They |
| How To Find The Right Realtor? | | | | should know not only houses, but businesses, |
| Here are some ways to find that smiling face | | | | schools, transportation and other details about |
| who will get you the most for your house: | | | | your area. |
| -Referrals. Still the best way to find a broker is to | | | | Communication is important, so you need a |
| go with a simple referral. Selling a house is a big | | | | broker who understands your needs for size and |
| deal, and if an agent does a good job, their | | | | location. They should have an interest in these |
| former clients will be more than happy to get | | | | concerns and ask you lots of questions. They |
| them more business. | | | | should also have good ideas about how to present |
| Ask around with your friends and family. If you | | | | your house to prospective buyers. If they don't |
| know someone, even a friend of a friend of a | | | | seem interested, or don't offer ideas, you might |
| friend, who has sold a house recently, pick their | | | | be able to find somebody better. |
| brains. This is the best way to find a good, reliable | | | | Basically, keep in mind that any licensed real |
| real estate agent. You don't have to deal with a | | | | estate agent can sell your home for you. What |
| total stranger. | | | | you need is someone who takes a real interest in |
| -Open Houses. Visit open houses and meet as | | | | your needs, offers an honest opinion, and will help |
| many real estate brokers as you can. This gives | | | | in case there are any snags along the way. It's |
| you an opportunity to compare. You will have a | | | | also a good idea to look for local agents online. |
| chance to check out the house they are | | | | You can email them your questions, and shop for |
| showcasing, as well as checking them out. | | | | a realtor easily without even leaving the comforts |
| You can't find out what kinds of deals they've | | | | of home. |