| Economic conditions mean that more than ever | | | | of both. Compare what the overall cost will be, |
| before, people are looking to quickly sell their | | | | should the realtor successfully sell your property. |
| house, to improve their own financial situation, as | | | | Once the realtor has given you the details of their |
| well as their own piece of mind. The stress of a | | | | charges, tell them what else you have been |
| mortgage burden and uncertainty over whether | | | | offered by a rival - they want you as a customer |
| prices will continue to fall mean the there is | | | | and will expect you to haggle. If they refuse to |
| increasing pressure to sell home fast. | | | | play ball, just inform them you'll take your |
| But we won't panic - there are things that you | | | | business to their big local competitor and walk |
| can do that will save you money, and also | | | | away. |
| improve your chances of getting the price you | | | | Valuation |
| want. | | | | When you are comparing the services of several |
| We will assume that you are going to use a | | | | realtors, never tell them what another service has |
| realtor to help you sell your property. Please note, | | | | valued your property at (and believe me, they will |
| however, that this is not vital - you can go it | | | | ask!). They will use this opportunity to play |
| alone, which would save you money. We examine | | | | themselves off against a rival - remember, a |
| that option in more depth in the links at the end | | | | higher valuation is only any good if you achieve it, |
| of this article. | | | | and if you are looking to quickly sell house, then |
| Carefully select your Realtor | | | | this may not be realistic. You never have to |
| Realtors are no different to any other money | | | | accept a valuation - if you think it is over or |
| making business - they want your custom, which | | | | under valued, negotiate with the realtor until you |
| puts you in a position of power when it comes to | | | | are happy. |
| negotiations. The first step is to identify 3 or 4 | | | | Getting the service you should expect |
| that you would be happy to represent you. Base | | | | Once you have gone through the above tips, you |
| this decision on reputation and ensure they are | | | | should now be with a realtor who will do a good |
| members of a recognised organisation. The | | | | job of helping you to sell home fast, slow or just |
| National Association of Realtors is one good | | | | test the water. You may find, however, that you |
| example, with over 1.2 million members across | | | | become unhappy with some aspects of the |
| the United States. In the UK, a similar organisation | | | | arrangement. Perhaps you are not getting as |
| is the the The National Association of Estate | | | | many viewings as you would like. If this occurs, |
| Agents. It is also a good idea to get a mixture of | | | | tell the realtor that you are going to go |
| large companies and smaller, independent realtors | | | | multi-agency. They may attempt to put up their |
| so that you have a choice across a variety of | | | | fees, but stand your ground. You can then |
| services. | | | | approach other agencies, explain the situation and |
| Negotiate Terms | | | | the deal you have with the current realtor, and |
| You will then need to get quotes from them - | | | | ask for the same. Your property is now being |
| don't be afraid to play one off against another. | | | | marketed by more than one agency, which may |
| Some may charge a fixed fee, another a | | | | well help the sale of your home. |
| percentage of the sale. Some will use a mixture | | | | |