4 Qualities in an Excellent Listing Agent

The Los Angeles real estate market has been very strong for the last two years with many homes selling in multiple offers and many closing well over the asking price. From my reading, all projections are optimistic for a continued active market for the second half of 2014 and into 2015. So if you, dear home seller, are looking to make a change how do you know if the agent you’re considering is an excellent listing agent?

Beside the basics you’ll want in a listing agent like experience, trustworthiness, knowledge of your neighborhood, here are four other things you may not be thinking about:

1. Is your listing agent providing you all the necessary disclosures prior to going to market, so that when there is an offer accepted the package is delivered to the buyers right away? Some required reports can take two to three weeks to generate so if not ordered in advance this can slow down your buyer’s contingency release.

2. Is she recommending any prior-to-listing inspections or suggesting fixes for any deferred maintenance? For example: sewer lines are often an area the goes unnoticed until a buyer’s inspection. I always recommend clearing the line prior to going to market to keep escrow timelines running on schedule.

3. Does your agent hire a professional photographer and have they shown you examples of how they will package and market your property? Over 90 percent of homebuyers are starting their search online, which means that photos are really your first showing. The importance of featuring high-quality photos online cannot be stressed enough.

4. Has your listing agent listened closely to your needs and wants? Is the sales price the most important thing to you or would you rather focus on selling in a specific time frame? Sometimes we have to think outside the box to meet our needs and timelines.

There are so many factors to consider when choosing a listing agent to represent you and your home. It’s important to choose someone who is hard working, experienced in your market, one who will get out in front of any potential problems, and someone who you feel is genuinely listening to what is top priority for you. Give me a call if I may be of assistance. 

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