Which of these Realtors do I use?

Question

I am listing a duplex in Langford, a secondary city close to Victoria, BC. I spoke with six Realtors. I want to list with one Realtor who I am confident will market the property most effectively and work the hardest, however, he has less experience selling tenanted properties, and has listed fewer properties than the more experienced Realtors I interviewed.

Jonathan Greene · Answer

I would definitely consider the experience in this equation, but also how they are going to market the property. To maximize your sales price on a multi you need an agent who will prepare a multi-tiered PDF with true rental comps (multis only, no apartments), sale comps to assess value now, and potential value adds that can be done in the future. You also want them to be clear about existing leases and whether the tenants want to stay so you are marketing to the best buyer and not one that will expect it empty when that won't happen. But also in the end, it has to be the one you trust the most to get it done, coupling that with reviews and social proof.

John Warren · Answer

Account Closed I would focus a lot on the experience of the agents you spoke to, and I also would ask how many 2-4 units they have sold. The main thing is to make sure you get the pricing and the marketing right. Make sure they are planning to take professional photos (ask how many, etc). Ask them how they will conduct showings with the tenants as well. You would be shocked by how little thought some agents put into these details.

As someone who is both a land lord here in the Chicago suburbs and an agent I understand how to show 2-4 unit properties without totally ruining the landlord/tenant relationship you have going on. In an ideal world, you want someone with that type of experience. Ask the agents you interviewed if they own property, etc.

Jon Shoop · Answer

I agree with Mr. Greene here. However, I would ask for these documents and details from all realtors. Then I would ask what #marketing they bring to the table. Then ask them for their channels and compare notes on what they said they do for marketing each property, and with what they actually do for marketing each property. There will most likely be some glaring discrepencies with what they say and what they actually do. In Dallas when selling my home, I found that certain realtors will say they deal with all aspects of social media and constantly post. Then I got their handle and checked them out. Guess how many of them in DFW actually did what they said they do marketing-wise? Not many. Since then I've entered this industry, I've been able to get connected with tons of great realtors in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Realtors worth their % are out there, you just need to do some digging and hunting. Which also may make sense why you're leaning towards a realtor with less experience... they're HUNGRY for those sales. Hopefully any realtor your find, they're going to pull out all the stops and do all the marketing that needs to be done in this day and age.

Sometimes it's the new kid on the block, sometimes it's the tried and true OG realtor that's been able to pivot and get with the times to their advantage.

Which of these Realtors do I use?

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