IT IS ABOUT THE REALTOR MORE THAN THE COMPANY!

You have decided that it is the right time to put your home on the market...there has been a job change, there is a new little one joining the family, the kids have left the nest, etc. By far and away, no doubt about it, the most important first step is bringing the right Realtor into the fray.

First, and most importantly, notice I said "Realtor". The term means that the agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, a member of the state association and the local association of Realtors. They are held to a higher standard of care than a licensee. You have the power to bring them before the Professional Standards Panel if they do not adhere to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics, with some serious repercussions if there is a violation.

Now, you may think that the next step would be hiring the right company. Remember, Realtors are, for the most part, independent contractors. This means that, while the company may have certain expectations of the Realtors, they cannot demand specific actions. Now, certainly, the company may let the Realtor go if they do not follow their guidelines but most will not. Why would they let a Realtor go that was making them a profit?

Your Realtor should be hired by you because they reflect the desires and the ethics that you demand from your representative. You should feel a trust between you and your Realtor that brings a sense of calm to your selling experience. The last reason to hire a Realtor is because they are telling you the price you want to hear. Hire your Realtor because they have thoroughly explained the process. Hire your Realtor because they have helped you understand what you need to do to maximize your net proceeds from the sale. Hire your Realtor because they have shown you through referrals their ability to negotiate and represent your interests throughout the escrow. Hire your Realtor because they specialize in your neighborhood and understand its idiosyncrasies.

Now, there will certainly be companies that specialize in your neighborhood, and you should most assuredly go to that company, but look deeply into the Realtors that work there and find one that you truly feel you can trust.