Advice from industry experts

By Melissa Borgerding & Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Trying to sell your house without the help of an expert is like trying to do your own dental work, says Realty Times, the Internet’s leading real estate news site.

Unlike the average homeowner, a good real estate agent has the training and experience to get the job done right and get the best results. But with an estimated two million people nationwide licensed to sell real estate, how do you find the agent who’s right for you and your house?

Industry experts recommend that you start your search the same way you would locate a good dentist, doctor, or even a mechanic— ask a friend.

Get a recommendation
Forty million Americans move each year, reports CNNMoney.com. With such a large number of people buying and selling their houses, chances are that you have a friend, a family member, or a neighbor who has recently worked with a real estate agent.

Ask about that person’s experience. Would he or she work with that agent again? Why or why not? You can also find listings of local agents online.

No matter how highly recommended an agent comes, don’t settle until you’ve met with more than one person. The real estateagent who sold your daughter’s house might not be the right fit for you.

Interview your agent
“Plan to interview more than one realtor—two or three would be best,” says Mary Wolfe, a licensed realtor and personal moving consultant at Fox Run in Novi.

According to Wolfe, a good agent will arrive at your house with a professional marketing plan that shows careful thought and research. Moreover, that person should seem genuinely excited about your property. That excitement will only encourage potential buyers.

Knowledge of your particular area is also crucial. “Find someone who is familiar with your neighborhood,” Wolfe says.