The Key to Successful Selling

I am regularly asked by friends and associates for advice on the key to successfully selling their property. The advice I give them is very simple; choose the right real estate agent. This is never quite as simple as it should be, especially in San Antonio where the area is saturated with real estate agents.
 
 First, make sure the REALTOR® you hire to sell your property is licensed. Almost anyone can operate as a real estate agent in the US with no formal qualifications or training. Its little wonder real estate agents in this country have such a poor perception in the public’s eyes. In my opinion any reputable real estate agent who values their professional integrity will be affiliated with a voluntary governing body such as NAR (National Association of REALTORS®), TAR (Texas Association of REALTORS®), SABOR (San Antonio Board of REALTORS®), GRI (Graduate REALTORS® Institute) or ABR® (Accredited Buyer's Representative). In order to join these organizations the individual will have to adhere to a set code of conduct and members of the organization will have to generally attend training plus pass industry related exams at the state & national level. These governing bodies also give the general public a system for formal complaints that have serious repercussions for their members.
 
 One thing that never fails to amaze me is the way some clients decide to hire a real estate agent based on the fact that they have offered them the lowest commission. In essence you are employing the services of a real estate agent to offer the very best price and sales terms for your property. Anyone who is totally unable to negotiate their own terms of business successfully is surely not the right person to be negotiating terms on your behalf. I am not suggesting that clients should not try and negotiate on agency fees, just be wary of anyone who is too quick to reduce their commission by a significant amount or is openly offering a reduced commission. If a REALTOR® provides excellent customer service and has a first rate reputation they will probably not need to work for a lower commission than their competition.
 
 Make sure you interview several San Antonio REALTORS® in order to make sure they're up for the task at hand. When you make the decision to sell your home find out how much the REALTOR® knows about your property, and the surrounding area. Professional San Antonio REALTORS® will do their research before attending an interview and, they will know what is currently on the market in your area, and should know when you purchased your property along with how much you paid for it. They should have comparables of what recent properties have sold for in your area or around the area. If the REALTOR® has not done their homework before coming out to your property, it says little for their attention to detail and their ability to provide you with an accurate valuation. To find out just how competent an agent is ask them more detailed questions about your property. If they impress you with their knowledge, chances are potential home buyers will also be impressed.
 
 Previous track records are always a good indicator of the REALTORS® suitability. How many properties have they sold in your area or San Antonio? When was the last sale? Did the client provide a testimonial relating to the service provided by the REALTOR®, if so ask to see it and any other testimonials they may have from other recently satisfied clients. If someone you know has recently used the services of a REALTOR® and was impressed with their professionalism and customer service then that is definitely cause for consideration. The finest compliment a REALTOR® can ever receive are referrals from friends and clients.
 
 These days the internet is undeniably the biggest sales tool for the real estate market. Make sure the San Antonio REALTOR® you choose knows how to use it to their advantage. I use a professional digital camera to ensure the quality of the photos I use on the internet. You are potentially paying your REALTOR® a large sum of money; make sure they are providing you with a professional service. If you go on to any real estate search engine it will be clearly obvious the agents that used professional images and those who did not. Floor plans are invaluable in the San Antonio market. Most potential buyers in this market are very busy, and they do not have the time or the inclination to spend it looking at unsuitable properties. Your REALTOR® should be providing potential buyers with all the information needed if not more, this will hugely reduce the amount of wasted time. Additionally, make sure your REALTOR® advertises on all websites available in the market place to ensure adequate exposure.
 
 The last piece of advice I can give potential clients is trust your instincts. The person who lists your property is an ambassador for the company they represent. If they turn up late, get lost en route to the appointment, is poorly dressed, presents you with little or no information about the valuation of your property, or the company they represent, your instincts should instantly tell you to think again.
 
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