Real Estate Alliance

Choosing An Agent

6 Questions To Ask

Choosing an agent is the most important aspect in selling your home. Few people realize though that choosing one is a two-step process.  It can also be confusing if you’re not prepared in choosing the best auctioneer for your situation, and knowing what questions to ask once you have decided upon your agent.

When starting your search for an agent to sell your home there are a few important considerations and questions that you will need to investigate. First, consider that you need an agent that realizes that every seller has a unique situation.  Not only financially, but in many other ways too, such as deadlines for selling, or even times for showing your house to buyers. You will want to find an agent that not only you can work with, but also one that has your best interests at heart, and not just their commission.  It’s a working relationship, but it’s one in which they are employed by you to sell your home hassle free and for the best price.  Finally you will want an agent who knows their way around the marketplace.  It’s said that selling your home is one of the most stressful experiences that you can go through.  Just like you wouldn’t want to cross a desert without a guide or a map; you wouldn’t want to enter into probably the largest single transaction of your life, with someone who learning on the job.

Begin your search by investigating all of the different auctioneers in your area.  Keep an eye out for agents that are members of the Irish Auctioneers And Valuers Institute.  The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI) ensures all its members uphold stringent ethical and conduct standards.  All members are fully qualified, having completed a recognised Property Degree course and have approved practical experience.  Client interests come first and constant training sessions are held to stay up to speed with property market developments.

A handy telephone book with agents listing and asking friends and neighbours about any agents that they may have had experience with are two places to begin.  Remember though that one persons experience doesn’t mean that you will have the same exact negative or positive one.  After writing down a list of agents take some time to dig a little further by grabbing a local paper with property advertisements, and look for particulars.  Note how the agents list