What's love got to do with it???...why it's important to make a connection with your REALTOR®.

You WANT to sell your home...OR...you NEED to sell your home. Either way, chances are that you would not consider taking on the daunting task of FSBOing (For Sale By Ownering). I mean...these REALTOR® people are the experts. They work 'out there' in the market everyday. You know that you want to sell your home for the highest possible price. They know how to make it happen. This is a marriage made in heaven!

But wait...IF it is such a simple formula, why do only 30% of sellers (based on 2006 statistics) call the agent they used previously???

Before you hire a REALTOR® to market and sell your home, you need to take the time to find the right agent for you. What questions should you ask? What should you look for in your next REALTOR®? How can you guarantee that you and your REALTOR® will live happily ever after...or at least until your home is SOLD??!!??

THE FIVE QUESTIONS YOU BETTER ASK BEFORE YOU SIGN THE LISTING AGREEMENT...

1. How long have you been selling real estate in my area?? (It is good to ask this question first because you can save the other four for the next person in line if you don't like the answer.)

2. How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood in the last three months? (It is important that the agent you hire be an area expert. Ask for a comparison between your neighborhood and the local market in general.)

3. What am I going to get for my money? (You need to know that they are going to spend 'real dollars' marketing your home. IF they are just going to put a sign and lockbox on your property and place your home in the MLS...you need to keep 'dating' until you find the 'right one'.)

4. How many homes did you sell last year? (IF they can't tell you exactly, it probably isn't because they were too busy to notice. TOP PRODUCERS are typically goal oriented and competitive. They keep track of the numbers, because they know it is a numbers game.)

5. Ask them if they have a list of referrals. (AND THEN ACTUALLY CALL THE PEOPLE ON THE LIST! This is really important! I've already told you that only 30% of sellers will use their previous REALTOR® for their next transaction. IF they have a list of satisfied clients, there is a better than average chance that you will also be satisfied with their performance.)

As you can see, finding the right REALTOR® is all about asking the right questions. And remember...just as in dating relationships...the smoothest talker is not always the 'right one'. You want someone who will back up what they say. Sure...they can talk the talk...but, can they walk the walk? Are they sincere? Will they be there for you when the going (or the market) gets tough? There are no guarantees, but you will stack the deck in your favor if you ask the hard questions upfront. Good luck and happy selling!!!

If this information has been helpful to you, please let me know. Also...feel free to ask questions. I would love to know what is on your mind.

OF COURSE, IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BUY OR SELL...OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS...I KNOW A GREAT REALTOR®!!! I'D LOVE TO CONNECT WITH YOU!

YOU CAN ALSO VISIT MY WEBSITE AT http://www.elizabethnieves.com.