Your ability to sell your home depends partly on the neighborhood and the specifics of the home itself, and partly on the real estate agent who is listing the property on your behalf. In many cases, having the right agent on the job will get you quick, favorable results. For this reason, it's a good idea to devote some time to finding the right agent. You might wish to talk to friends who have recently sold their homes to get recommendations as well as take a drive through the neighborhoods around yours to see which agents' names repeatedly appear on lawn signs. Upon developing a list of some agents, you can then talk to each agent and find out this information.

Length Of Time Homes Are On The Market

Every real estate agent who specializes in listing and selling properties will be able to tell you the average length of time his or her homes are on the market. There's no right answer here, but you want to strongly consider the agent who can quote you the lowest number, as you likely want to sell your home as quickly as possible. You should also ask if any agents can provide the average listing time for the city. Armed with this information, you can then evaluate whether the agent you're considering is below this average, which is what you want.

Percentage Of Asking Price

Agents will also be able to tell you the average percentage of the asking price that they get for the homes they sell. You shouldn't really expect that the percentage will be 100 percent, given that many homes are sold slightly below the asking price. However, the higher the number is, the better. When an agent can give you a high number, it shows a variety of important details. For example, it could indicate that the agent is a skilled negotiator who will help you get the most for you home. It can also show you that the agent knows how to price his or her homes at a competitive number.

Amount Of Business Done In The Area

You should also plan to ask the agents what percentage of their business takes place in your neighborhood and the surrounding area. It's ideal to hire an agent who handles a lot of listings in a particular part of the city. This means that he or she will have a clear knowledge of any specific area-related issues as well as an intimate understanding of how to price your home competitively.