So you’re ready to hire a real estate agent to sell presumably one of your largest assets?  Do you have a plan to find the right agent for you and your home? Or do you plan on just hiring your cousin?  Or calling off of the side of someone’s car? This is a decision that needs to be thoughtfully considered. Below you will find a few questions to help you get started with the interview process.  For the record, you want to get this decision right the first time.  Don’t be afraid to interview two or three candidates and don’t be afraid to bring them back more than once. The more due diligence you do upfront, the more likely you will be to find success.

1.  Are you a full time agent and how long have you been in real estate?

Admittedly, getting a real estate license is not the most difficult process in the world and keeping your license is even less difficult.  Any Johnny Pencil Pusher can take the battery of tests  required by the Texas Real Estate Commission to get their license and then stay current with the continuing education and annual fees required to keep it.  However, in our estimation, being a Realtor is a profession. A profession that requires experience and passion.  While shopping for someone to sell your Houston home, make sure the agent has the experience and full-time commitment to complete this important job.

2.  What is your average market time vs. the market? 

There are dedicated agents and there are other agents.  Agents that are dedicated to serving their clients to the best of their ability will tend to have a lower average time on market than the market.  Not all homes are alike.  A home that is poorly placed on a street or located next to the railroad tracks might take a little extra time to sell.  However, on average, a good Realtor should sell their listings faster than the market.  This is generally achieved by competently advising their clients on how to position their home, proactively listening to prospects that tour their listings, and by quickly making adjustments to changing conditions if needed.

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