What to Expect From a Listing Agent

You already know that the best way to sell your home, and for the most
profit, is to hire a listing agent. The fact is that people who sell using a real
estate agent make more profit and have a smoother transaction than those
who try to do it themselves. Yet often consumers don’t know everything the
listing agent does. Listing a home properly entails so much more than
putting a lockbox on the front door and slapping a sign in the yard.
The listing agent is your advocate and partner in the selling process. They
help guide you through the transaction, negotiate on your behalf, and work
with the buyers’ agents to get you the best deal possible. A good listing
agent will provide you with regular updates and input from showings. The
most important thing is to discuss and set expectations at the beginning.
Some sellers ask that their agent attend all showings. This is typical with
luxury properties, for example. But often they do most of their work behind
the scenes, encouraging offers, negotiating counter offers, working with
lenders and appraisers, handling loose ends and hiccups.
Once in a while, things don’t go well. The partnership becomes difficult or
impossible. Since almost all listings involve a reasonable time limit, you
may feel trapped or hopeless that there is a solution. In this case, you do
have options. First, if your agent works for a brokerage, call the managing
broker who can mediate, or if necessary, reassign your listing if needed.
Your agent is your partner. Be honest and open with your needs and
expectations. In this way, you can work together to sell your home quickly
and for the best price and terms possible.