How much of a difference does it make in choosing a Listing Agent?

Question

How much of a difference does it make in choosing a Listing Agent? If a listing agent typically lists on the MLS and then sits back waiting for buyer agents to show up, what difference do they make?

Nick Thomas · Answer

@James McGovern A good agent does much more. They prep the home prior to listing, Market throughout and manage the process so you don't have to, and once offers come in they negotiate to get you the best ROI. Then they work to make sure everything is done so there are no surprises at closing.

During covid houses were all selling easily. Now you need an expert to get the best ROI in the changed market.

Bruce Lynn · Answer

Can make a huge difference.  I used to run numbers in one of the neighborhoods I dominate.  My listings would sell for average about 1.5% more than the others.  Plenty of reasons for this. For example i would ask your agent if they get a call, how fast can they get to the house to show it. These days plenty of buyers are driving the neighborhood first.  They call when they get there and like the neighborhood and like the house.  The longer you make them wait, the less chance they have they stay interested, especially if you move down the age bracket.  If you get to them within the hour, they may write offer that day. Make them wait a day to return the call, or 2-3 days and they move on and maybe even buy a different house.   Test your agent.  Do they answer the phone, do they work nights and weekends?  Pick a house they have listed and see how fast they can show it to you?   This and a million other reasons getting the right agent can make you MONEY or cost you a ton of money.

Lynn McGeein · Answer

@James McGovern if you’re knowledgeable and comfortable enough to handle the many steps from list to close, then there are “deal direct with seller” firms that will list your house on the MLS for a fee and you do the rest.  If you really feel that’s all you need an agent for, this may be an option for you. A good listing agent provides a valuable service, most of which happens after the offers are received. The MLS is a powerful marketing tool, but good listing agents know how to enhance it, how to screen offers, negotiate offers and inspections to protect their clients, and help provide viable solutions for issues that arise.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

A great listing agent can make a LOT of difference. As noted, there are are the ones that just throw it on the MLS and sit back, and then there are those who actively promote it through a variety of other means they (should have) at their disposal...

Russell Brazil · Answer

You just answered your own question. If you have had mixed experiences with listing agents, then you know, there are good ones, and shitty ones.

James McGovern · Answer

@Alecia Loveless I have had mixed experiences with listing agents. My current favorite is a guy that was mentioned on National TV by Barabara Cocoran. In this scenario the listing agent has also brought buyers to the table which other listing agents do not.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@James McGovern I’ve worked with my agent for 27 years. He’s made a huge difference in buying and selling. The last property I sold he was able to keep the deal together with very difficult buyers from out of state. They wanted every last thing that turned up on their property inspection to be fixed. It was a total pain in the rear end but we were able to get it done no thanks to extremely difficult tenants and a 150 year old issue that turned up with the title. My agent stayed on top of all of this and we got it all done and closed on time with an offer that was within 3% of the list price. I wouldn’t consider listing a property for sale with anyone else.

Dwayne Poster · Answer

It can make a big difference. First, consider that approx 80% of Realtors are relatively new in the trade, lacking experience in the transaction, failing to seek help when in over thier heads, and ducking adversarial relationships.

I invited 4 Realtors to bid on my last home sale listing. Thier recommended sale prices varied by $100K, with varied word jumble to justify. The local Realtor gave me the highest price, and sold it in 3 days. Any of the Realtors could have sold it at that price, they just didn't have the insight to properly price it.

Lets not forget to mention that often the top listing Realtors dont have a problem in pressuring you into price reductions. That's how they get there.

Dawson Brewer · Answer

A huge difference. Especially if you get one that works full time. With that being said, you should choose one that you can get along with. The right agent will correctly market your property, negotiate the best deal for you, prevent you from getting into any legal issues, and actively walk you to the finish line.

How much of a difference does it make in choosing a Listing Agent?

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