When you are looking for a home or selling a home, you always want the best real estate agent. When it comes to dealing with probate, you need a great Probate REALTOR®. There are nuances and intricacies associated with probate that a qualified Probate REALTOR® is familiar with.
As a seller, you know that you will need a real estate agent to sell your property, but some simply go to the first REALTOR® they know. Although this might avoid hurting feelings, it could bring unnecessary challenges and complications in your probate transaction.
Here are 7 simple tips to keep in mind when looking for a qualified Probate REALTOR®:
#1 Look for Good Communication Skills
When you have an experienced real estate agent, it typically means that they have top communication skills. Not only should they have good communication skills, but you also want to make sure that they communicate well with you!
#2 Probate Training
Your REALTOR® should also have probate training. This is because probate is completely different from other types of real estate practices. They may know how to sell a home, but they may have no idea about how to work with probate.
#3 Get References
Although you should not use someone as your real estate agent simply because your friend told you to, you should ask for references. You need to know about their integrity, honesty, and directness with people who have worked with them before. You can also look online for references. Find out what kind of service a REALTOR® provides, and if their clients were happy with the results.
#4 Interview Different Agents
When you have multiple real estate agents on your shortlist, you can interview them all. Ask about the probate situations they have gone through in the past. Are they kind and seem interested in what you are saying? This is a telltale sign about how they will do business with you.
#5 What is Their Communication Plan?
This is incredibly important. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, ask about how they plan to communicate with you and future buyers. Will it be via email, phone, text, or some other means of communication? How often they plan to keep in touch is also important. Ask if they will be in contact weekly, monthly, or on an as-needed basis.
#6 Ask About Their Marketing Strategy
All real estate agents will tell you that they plan to market on the MLS, but there should be a lot more than just MLS marketing. Any REALTOR® can put a listing on the MLS for free. Good real estate agents should have your listing on their profile, social media, with local buyer’s agents, and more. Ask about open houses, the broker’s opens, and photos. Will there be a listing flyer and a video? Consider all of this and discuss it before you agree to use them.
#7 How Will They Negotiate?
Some real estate agents want you to spend thousands of dollars before your listing goes on the market, which can reduce your bottom line. Other real estate agents will have you wait for a buyer’s inspection to point out the faults (if at all). Great real estate agents should address the issues before listing and tell you which items you can wait on. Do not let them deceive you.
Have More Questions?
If you have any more real estate questions or regarding probate, contact us today.
