I Want to List With a Large Real Estate Company in Destin Florida
I got an email today from a potential client who was interviewing agents for a condo listing in Destin Florida. He had originally contacted me because of my online presence and reputation. He was one of the partners in a group who want to sell a gulf front condo. I sent my typical list of testimonials, pages of them, to be frank. He also asked for references. I blindly gave out two of my sellers’ email addresses, not even alerting them that a new potential seller would be contacting them. Terrific news! The Destin condo seller received fast responses from my former clients and they gave me glowing reviews! The seller then told me he would make arrangements to discuss finalizing the listing with the out-of-state partners.
Fast forward a few days… The potential seller said his partners are considering listing with a large franchise company instead, never having spoken with me.
My question is – is the real estate company more important than the real estate agent when it comes to selling your Destin Florida condo? According to the National Association of Realtors study in 2013, over 80% of realty firms are independent companies, not part of a franchise.
When it comes to selling your property, you should be listing with an “agent”, not a company, however large or small that company is. I responded to the seller that there are good agents and poor agents at large franchises as well as at independent brokerages. The most important things to consider when picking a real estate agent are:
1. Whom are you personally most comfortable with selling your home?
2. Is the real estate agent experienced? How long have they been in real estate sales? Are they full time?
3. Do they communicate with you in a clear manner? (If not, think about how you will be represented to others)
4. Are they direct and honest, even telling you what you may not want to hear (such as a price point or recommendation to improve the property)?
5. Do they have a track record of success?
6. Can they provide references?
7. How often will you hear from them before and after a contract?
These are important questions you should pose before making a decision to list your Destin Florida condo. Don’t jump for the shiny franchise logo, but base your decision on the individual agent’s abilities and your personal comfort level. Give that real estate agent an interview and go from there.
It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: [email protected]
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, has been featured in “Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine” and “Florida Realtor Magazine”. Wendy Rulnick sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Panama City Beach.
