Choose your agent wisely. There is plenty of inventory

Weeding through the field of Realtors vying for the job of selling your home can be daunting. Sure, you can pick the one who id a "Neighborhood Specialist" if you believe benches, shopping carts and leaflets or the one with the best glamour shot, but you need to be more selective. Here is an agent checklist to help you select

I. Give a pop spelling test such as the name of your community or " refrigerator".
II. Test the writing skills. For example all homes are " upgraded" See if your agent can come up with synonyms.
III. Ask who is taking pictures. Suggest she have a professional take the pics.
IV. Do not hire the agent who gives you the highest price opinion
V. Ask for references-from clients who the agent has worked with , not necessarily those who closed escrow.
VI. Select the best agent first; negotiate fees second.

After the interview:

Google your agent and see what you find.
Check your agent's website and blog.
Does your agent have several ways to contact her.?
Go to an open house your agent is holding and observe his/her way of doing business Is she enthusiastic, professional and informed?
Be a secret shopper : if you call, does she return your call promptly? Does she answer an email in a timely manner? Is she/he interested in YOU?
You have choices. It doesn't have to me me that you choose to represent you, but please choose wisely.