7 Things You Need to Do Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent

Make the process of selling or buying a home easier by laying down the groundwork. Here’s what you need to do before hiring a real estate agent.

1. Familiarize yourself with home values in the area
   You probably have an idea of how much your home should sell for, but check comparable home values. Market conditions may have changed since you last bought property. Research will help you and the agent come up with a workable plan.
2. Check your mortgage
   Go through your loan documents and look at how much you still owe on the mortgage. Knowing the precise amount will help the Realtor formulate the right selling strategy. It will also help you determine if you should list your home or wait it out, depending on how much you still owe versus market value.
3. Pinpoint liens and disputes
   Identify any disputes with neighbors and contractors, as well as tax issues that can make a creditor put a lien on your home. If you’re selling a deceased family member’s home, make sure that the property has a clean title.
4. Increase your home’s curb appeal
   Make sure you home is in good condition by keeping it clean and doing a few touch ups on the paint. If the Realtor has a good impression of your home, they might be persuaded to give it a good price.
5. Put off home improvements
   Don’t make any costly home improvements until you’ve met with a Realtor. You might end up paying for upgrades that current buyers don’t care for in the first place.
6. Make a list of upgrades you’ve made to the home
   Did you build an extra room? Remodel your kitchen? List them all down. This will help the agent price your home accordingly.
7. Check your schedule
   Be ready to adjust your schedule during the listing process. The agent will recommend the best showing times depending on market conditions, and you should be able to tweak your routine.

To learn more about the selling process, check out our comprehensive Sellers’ Guide. You can also call 410.371.0581 and 202.483.6300 or email andy@LNF.com.

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Filed under: Blog, Real Estate Tips by Andrew Pariser
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