Well, you could just hire me, because no one takes representing you to the best of his or her ability more seriously than I do! But if you're out of my marketplace, start by asking friends, family, neighbors or co-workers for referrals. Invite the agents they refer over and use the following questions to get the conversation started...

• Make sure they are full-time, experienced, work for a respected company, do business in your marketplace and can prove it. Don't even consider using someone who doesn't take this business seriously enough to do it full-time.
• How much business do they do in a year? How many homes did they sell in each of the last 3 years? How many in your area? What's their average sale price? Bigger is not necessarily better - sometimes the mega-producers end up pushing you off on an associate because they're too busy to give individual service, but I wouldn't use someone who only does 2 or 3 deals a year either.
• What's their marketing plan? Is it in writing? Do they have samples for you to review? Studies show that less than 5% of homes are sold as a result of print advertising. While there is a place for print ad's, this medium should not be the focus. Studies also show that over 85% of today's home buyers start their search on the internet, so be sure this part of the presentation is strong.
• Do they offer a "Listing Guarantee"? I do. As long as we're not in contract negotiations, my clients can fire me if they don't think I'm doing what I said I'd do.
• How often will they communicate with you? In what manner?
• What happens if your home doesn't sell right away?
• What do they feel is their biggest strength? Weakness? What do they feel sets them apart from the competition?
• What are their fees? Did they provide you with a net proceeds estimate, in addition to a Comparative Market Analysis?
• Do they have concrete suggestions on what you need to do to get the house ready to sell? Do they have staging experience, or will they bring in a staging professional?
• Do they provide references you can call? They should! Here are some quesions you can ask...
  • How long was your home on the market?
  • Do you feel the agent priced it realistically?  Did it sell close to the asking price?
  • What type of marketing did the agent do?
  • Did they keep their promises?
  • Were you kept informed along the way?
  • Did the closing process go smoothly?
  • What did you like most about the agent?
  • Was there anything you didn't like?
  • Would you use this agent again?

List your home with the agent who has the best marketing plan, NOT the one who tells you the highest price or offers the lowest commission!!!

Agents should compete for your listing — not bid for it! Be wary of an agent who doesn't truly know your market area, or who promises you the moon and stars, even if it was what you were hoping to hear!

Be wary of an agent who will readily give up commission — how hard will they work to protect your largest investment? Most reduced commissions are accompanied by a decrease in the amount offered to the buyers agent, thereby discouraging the very people you're trying to attract! Be sure the agent you choose has the resources and tools they need to get the job done and go the distance in the changing Bucks County real estate market.