Ask the Expert: How to select an agent?

George Hackett
President & COO of Coldwell Banker Pittsburgh

Hiring a Realtor should be a business decision and it should be driven by hiring someone who indeed understands the business principals of today’s market. Selling your home can be a time-consuming experience and working with a professional will make the process much more efficient. With the current market conditions, pricing your home right is also very critical. You need to choose a Realtor who understands today’s real estate market.
Since most consumers spend a fair amount of time with their Realtor, it’s important to choose one who makes you feel comfortable, and one who is responsive to your needs. The following questions will help you decide if a particular Realtor is right for you.

• Does the agent demonstrate an understanding about today’s real estate market?


• Does their company provide any advanced technology to assist with getting your home sold? Does the Realtor have a good working knowledge of that technology?


• Does the agent provide you with a market analysis or absorption rate calculation to assist you in determining the most effective price for your property?


• Do they ask you questions to determine your specific needs and listen to your answers?


• Do they return your phone calls or emails?


• How quickly do they receive email inquiries on your property? Are they equipped to quickly respond to those emails?


• Does their company have a relocation department to assist you with finding out of town buyers?


• Does the agent suggest specific marketing strategies?


• Do they explain things clearly?


• Do you feel comfortable spending time with them?

These are just a few questions that can help you make this decision. You also want to choose an agent who provides truly remarkable service. Coldwell Banker agents are experts in listing and selling homes for the best price and in the shortest amount of time and they understand the business principals of today’s market.