Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

Selling a home can be very stressful, but the right real estate agent can insulate you from many of those pressures. Here are some tips for enlisting a good agent:

Hire an agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and the area sales activity.

Decide on your priorities, quick sale, high offer, etc., and discuss with the agent.

Ask the agent for references and a list of homes he or she has sold in the last year.

What are the agent's fees and commissions?

How often will the agent show your house?

How will the agent advertise the sale of your house?

Does the agent have a website or national listing service?

Will the agent provide and stock a brochure box attached to the "For Sale" sign?

Ask the agent for suggestions to improve the chances of selling.

Discuss whether you or the buyer will pay the closing fees or split the cost.

How long will your contract be active?

If you are unhappy with the agent, how long after the contract expires can you hire another agent?

Will the agent offer a commission fee reduction if a friend or family member of yours offers to buy your house?

Will the agent offer a commission fee reduction if a friend or family member of yours offers to buy your house?