MARKUS & ASSOCIATES

SELECTING A BROKER

Selling a home is a major undertaking. If you invest the time required to get everything ready beforehand you'll have a much easier time once your home hits the market. A good listing broker is a partner in your home search, someone with whom you'll be working closely - so spend the time to develop a strong relationship.

• ADVANTAGES OF USING A BROKER. Your broker can give you valuable insight into the market and help you set the right price for your home. He or she can also suggest features of your home that are potential problem areas and advise on possible remedies. Listing with a broker also gets your home posted to the multiple listing service - exposing the property to thousands of potential buyers.
• A GOOD LISTING BROKER IS A MARKETING DIRECTOR. An experienced listing broker should be able to effectively coordinate advertising and promotion for your home. This includes running ads in the local papers, holding open houses, and publicizing the listing to area brokers.
• CHOOSING A BROKER. You want to choose a broker with experience listing homes (this is different from selling homes) and a strong knowledge of the local market. A listing broker must be available to other brokers who are seeking information on the house and should be prepared to put in the time required to effectively market the property. With the Internet becoming more and more crucial to the home marketing effort, you may want to look for a broker with a strong web presence. If a broker doesn't have the time, interest, or commitment to develop an understanding of your needs, look for one who does.
  
• WORKING WITH YOUR BROKER. Make sure to take advantage of your broker's knowledge and experience. Start with a consultation on pricing - and be honest with your broker about specific requirements (a need to sell quickly, for example). Don't hesitate to ask the broker to suggest any repairs or improvements. While your broker may make some suggestions that are just too expensive or otherwise unfeasible, he or she can give you a good idea of what aspects of your home will turn off buyers.