So You Want to Sell Your House.

February 18, 2013
You have been hearing in the media that home prices have increase a whopping 20% since this time last year. WOW! Maybe it is time to sell. Where does a homeowner start? On the Internet? Talking to friends and relatives? Looking up the value of your property on Zillow.com? Or the old fashioned way of contacting a local real estate agent?
All of the above may be useful ways to inform oneself about the current real estate market. However, my bias is obvious. I believe that serious sellers need to contact a local real estate agent. It could be the one who sold them the house. It could be one whom a friend refers because of a good past experience. It could be one who has the most ads in the local print material. Whatever way the serious home seller chooses to find an agent, an agent who works in and knows the local market will be the best  choice to market your property.
For as long as I can remember, editorials about selecting a real estate agent have advised potential sellers to interview three agents. Why three? I really do not know. These advisers do not always give a check list of what questions to ask or what answers will decide the best agent for you. I would suggest that asking for reference from their past clients might be a helpful step recognizing that folks generally do not like to give negative reviews.
In the end, selecting an agent who was recommended by a friend whom you know and respect may still be
a wise choice.