When buying or selling a house, the expertise of an agent will help you through the process.

When buying or selling a house, the expertise of an agent will help you through the process.

A good real estate agent is key to your success

  • By Staci Giordullo Angie’s List
  • Tuesday, May 3, 2016 5:00pm
  • Life

Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent when buying or selling a house will not only expedite the process, but it can save you money. If you have plans to move in the near future, heed this advice from agents for your best chance of success in real estate.

Hire local: Every metropolitan area has a few real estate agents who spend a lot of money marketing himself or herself to everyone within shouting distance. But if you know what part of town you want to live in, hire an agent who specializes in that locale.

Perhaps he or she even lives in the area and can tell you where to find the nearest dog park or the best BBQ joint. You want to work with someone who knows practically every nook and cranny of your desired location.

Negotiate the commission: Standard commission rates for real estate agents hover between 5 percent and 6 percent, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents — but that doesn’t mean it can’t go lower. Before you list your house, ask prospective agents if there’s any wiggle room in their commission rates.

Go it alone: You don’t have to hire an agent to sell your house. The “for sale by owner” route might take more of your time and energy, but you might save yourself a few bucks in the process if you know what you’re doing. Be sure to thoroughly research this option before you commit.

Flat fee for the listing: If you do go the FSBO route, you can pay an agent a flat fee to have your house appear on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The MLS is an online database of homes for sale, making it easier for real estate agents and potential buyers to find your property.

You catch more flies with honey: The real estate industry is unique in that competitors have to work with one another on a regular basis. If you interview a few prospective agents, one of those you don’t hire might end up bringing a buyer to the table.

The point is, be nice. Don’t bad mouth someone who might have rubbed you the wrong way because you could end up trying to complete a sale together.

Get out of the house: When it’s time for an open house or a showing, take your pets and disappear. Your presence makes potential buyers feel uneasy, and they’ll more than likely leave and never return.

Buyers are liars: It might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but the secret to a successful search might be inside you. Home buyers tend to insist on a very specific list of demands or dream beyond the budget. When in the end, what they end up buying looks nothing like their initial demands.

Take some time to really review what it is you want and a realistic budget so you won’t waste your time chasing after something that’s out of your reach.

Ask questions: A real estate agent should be an open book when it comes to showing you a house. Yes, you’re given a lot of information regarding a home’s size and tax requirements and so on, but don’t be afraid to ask questions outside of the box.

Was there ever a murder or reports of paranormal activity on the property? What agents are required to reveal varies depending on where you live, but regardless, do a little digging on your own (talk to the neighbors!) before you buy.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Sarah Jean Muncey-Gordon puts on some BITCHSTIX lip oil at Bandbox Beauty Supply on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bandbox Beauty was made for Whidbey Island locals, by an island local

Founder Sarah Muncey-Gordon said Langley is in a renaissance, and she’s proud to be a part of it.

A stroll on Rome's ancient Appian Way is a kind of time travel. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves on the Appian Way, Rome’s ancient superhighway

Twenty-nine highways fanned out from Rome, but this one was the first and remains the most legendary.

Byrds co-founder Roger McGuinn, seen here in 2013, will perform April 20 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

R0ck ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn, frontman of The Byrds, plans a gig in Edmonds in April.

Mother giving in to the manipulation her daughter fake crying for candy
Can children be bribed into good behavior?

Only in the short term. What we want to do is promote good habits over the course of the child’s life.

Speech Bubble Puzzle and Discussion
When conflict flares, keep calm and stand your ground

Most adults don’t like dissension. They avoid it, try to get around it, under it, or over it.

The colorful Nyhavn neighborhood is the place to moor on a sunny day in Copenhagen. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves: Embrace hygge and save cash in Copenhagen

Where else would Hans Christian Andersen, a mermaid statue and lovingly decorated open-face sandwiches be the icons of a major capital?

Last Call is a festured artist at the 2024 DeMiero Jazz Festival: in Edmonds. (Photo provided by DeMiero Jazz Festival)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz ensemble Last Call is one of the featured artists at the DeMiero Jazz Festival on March 7-9 in Edmonds.

Kim Helleren
Local children’s author to read at Edmonds Bookshop

Kim Helleren will read from one of her books for kids at the next monthly Story Time at Edmonds Bookshop on March 29.

Chris Elliott
Lyft surprises traveler with a $150 cleaning charge

Jared Hakimi finds a $150 charge on his credit card after a Lyft ride. Is that allowed? And will the charge stick?

Inside Elle Marie Hair Studio in Smokey Point. (Provided by Acacia Delzer)
The best hair salon in Snohomish County

You voted, we tallied. Here are the results.

The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV has room for up to six or seven passengers, depending on seat configuration. (Photo provided by Kia)
Kia’s all-new EV9 electric SUV occupies rarified air

Roomy three-row electric SUVs priced below 60 grand are scarce.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD (Photo provided by Toyota)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD

The compact SUV electric vehicle offers customers the ultimate flexibility for getting around town in zero emission EV mode or road-tripping in hybrid mode with a range of 440 miles and 42 mile per gallon fuel economy.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.