When you are selling your home, there is nothing more important than finding the right real estate company to do the job.

The company that you choose to work with can make all the difference in whether or not your home is sold in the time frame you would prefer and at the price you need.

What you're looking for is personalized service. Selling your home or property is a major transaction for most people and that responsibility should be taken very seriously.

If you are still looking for a real estate company to choose, here are some tips that may be helpful:

Get Referrals

While everyone has their own opinion, t's always wise to ask your friends for referrals. Reading up on local reviews is also helpful to get details on the experience of different customers.

Past Results

It's a good idea to find out what other nearby properties the agent or broker has worked with and know the results of those transaction. Did they get the price they were looking for? How long was the home on the market? Getting specific details on similar properties may help you get realistic expectations.

Communication Skills

Your agent needs to be easily reachable by phone, email, or in person. If you have been in the middle of other real estate deals, you may have experienced bad or lack of communication. Nothing is more frustrating when you're getting the run around or waiting around for people that don't show up. Although changing plans with a prospective buyer happens all the time, your agent or broker should be able to keep you in the loop at all times.

Experience

During the initial consultation, ask questions that will help you gauge their experience level. Afterall, a good broker will know their stats off hand. If they cannot answer these questions, it is a red flag.

Here are a few questions you should ask about their experience level:

  • How long have you been a real estate agent? Try to find an agent with at least two years of experience in selling homes. This is plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of the industry and the area where you live.
  • How many homes did you sell in the previous year? Ideally, this number should be in the double digits.
  • What is the percentage of your listings that are sold? The percentage should be somewhere between 60 and 80 percent.

Inquire About Your Home's Worth and Their Reasoning

Either during or before the listing presentation, agents will usually ask to walk around the home. This gives them the chance to take some notes and see what they will potentially be selling.

It can also help them to come up with an asking price that is suitable, in their opinion, for the current market conditions and your goals.

You likely have an asking price already in mind. If the real estate company disagrees with your price, you should ask them for their reasoning. After all, you want an agent who will support you but is also realistic about the process.

Ask About Their Marketing Plan

Real estate is all about marketing. The better the company is at marketing their properties, the sooner your house will sell. You want to make sure that the company will provide a vigorous marketing plan.

This will allow the right group of buyers to see the listing. Their marketing plan should involve both online and offline tactics. The plan may also involve postcards, professional photos, virtual tours, open houses, and more. Talk to them about their marketing plan and ask to see examples of marketing materials.

Commission Rate & Fees

Before you sign any papers, be sure to ask their exact commission rate and what other fees may apply. This way, you can learn exactly what you will be charged and the services you will receive in return.