How does one choose a Real Estate Company to sell your house?

I am not wondering about individual agents per se but the companies themselves.  Is Caldwell better than Weichart (or vice versa) or does the company really not make any difference if you choose a good agent?  

IMO, it’s much less about the agency than it is the agent.

conandrob240 said:

IMO, it’s much less about the agency than it is the agent.

This. 

For the Essex Co area used Sarah Macyshyn (I hope I got her name right, I’ll double check it later when I get to my computer) and she was awesome. During the selling process we discovered that our house had a major structural defect and we had to drop the selling price significantly, but she kept giving our home the same attention and kept us updated thorough the whole process.  Were I to sell again in this area I would use her in a heartbeat, regardless of whether or not she was still with the same agency 

Full disclosure. I’m an agent, not naming company or myself, but my opinion is that the agent is the most important aspect, however the agency plays a role depending on what support and advertising they can provide to their agent. 

Thanks to all for the solid advice.

spontaneous said:

conandrob240 said:

IMO, it’s much less about the agency than it is the agent.

This. 




For the Essex Co area used Sarah Macyshyn (I hope I got her name right, I’ll double check it later when I get to my computer) and she was awesome. During the selling process we discovered that our house had a major structural defect and we had to drop the selling price significantly, but she kept giving our home the same attention and kept us updated thorough the whole process.  Were I to sell again in this area I would use her in a heartbeat, regardless of whether or not she was still with the same agency 

When I was selling my house several years ago, she was the first person I called, at the suggestions of quite a few people.  She never returned my call.  Business must be good!

I think that showing online videos, slideshows and sometimes 360-degree images of the properties is important, so in the interview process I'd ask a prospective agent how they've managed it for others

I have found it extremely helpful to click around on GSMLS. You can get a rough idea about the competition near your house, and explore how properties are being marketed.  (You can also see plenty of Benjamin Moore November Rain.)

Pictures are important too.  I've seen some online listings where it looks like they're trying to scare people away from the house.

mumstheword said:

spontaneous said:

conandrob240 said:

IMO, it’s much less about the agency than it is the agent.

This. 




For the Essex Co area used Sarah Macyshyn (I hope I got her name right, I’ll double check it later when I get to my computer) and she was awesome. During the selling process we discovered that our house had a major structural defect and we had to drop the selling price significantly, but she kept giving our home the same attention and kept us updated thorough the whole process.  Were I to sell again in this area I would use her in a heartbeat, regardless of whether or not she was still with the same agency 

When I was selling my house several years ago, she was the first person I called, at the suggestions of quite a few avpeople.  She never returned my call.  Business must be good!

I believe that according to MOL jottings she is either about to or already has moved to St. Petersburgh

Thank you so much  Spontaneous  !!  You made my day,  really.   Working with you and your family is  why I love what I do.  There were some difficult circumstances but its great when everyone can work together for the best possible outcome.  Selling a house, at it's most successful, is a partnership between the homeowner and the agent.   I've worked for a variety of agencies, and while the support an agent gets from their parent company is important, it is really all about the agent.  My advice to anyone selling a home is to find an agent you feel comfortable with and who you feel will work hard for you. And then take that agent's advice about preparation, timing, marketing and pricing.  Also, if you can, start talking to your real estate agent as soon as you start thinking about selling - a year ahead is not too early.  While advance preparation is not neccessary, it will make a big difference in the price you achieve.   By the way, I'm still here.  I am moving to St Petersburg, I have a home there, but I am in SOMa through the season.  I've got 36 Roosevelt Road ( a fabulous house) listed and open on Sunday, and 368 Clark Street in South Orange coming on the market soon.  

author said:

mumstheword said:

spontaneous said:

conandrob240 said:

IMO, it’s much less about the agency than it is the agent.

This. 




For the Essex Co area used Sarah Macyshyn (I hope I got her name right, I’ll double check it later when I get to my computer) and she was awesome. During the selling process we discovered that our house had a major structural defect and we had to drop the selling price significantly, but she kept giving our home the same attention and kept us updated thorough the whole process.  Were I to sell again in this area I would use her in a heartbeat, regardless of whether or not she was still with the same agency 

When I was selling my house several years ago, she was the first person I called, at the suggestions of quite a few avpeople.  She never returned my call.  Business must be good!

I believe that according to MOL jottings she is either about to or already has moved to St. Petersburgh

I dont know who you are, but  I do try to return every phone call.  If I didnt return it I must not have gotten it.  Sorry - I hope it turned out well. 

Difficult circumstances?  That's putting it mildly.  But you were awesome and kept us sane through it all

sarahzm said:

Thank you so much  Spontaneous  !!  You made my day,  really.   Working with you and your family is  why I love what I do.  There were some difficult circumstances but its great when everyone can work together for the best possible outcome.  

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You have to look at the agent's beliefs.  When I sold my house in Maplewood, one of the realtors believed that it should be listed at a very low price in order to get a quick sale, and then he projected that the buyers would bid the price upwards to its real value.  It's a good thing that I rejected his way of thinking.  I didn't like his approach.  Others have an attitude/feeling about the house, and I believe that you have to screen that, so that you don't get someone who represents you who believes that your house isn't worth much for whatever reason. No house is perfect, and the facts are the facts, but your attitude toward the shortcomings matter a great deal.  What does the agent emphasize and with how much enthusiasm. Another well-known realtor was willing to list my house for a higher price in the middle of the housing downturn when I had not made many upgrades to the home yet than when the subprime crisis was over and one with. I concluded that he wanted to be on the buyer side and in fact he did bring a buyer and he connected me with my realtor; he recommended him!  He was arrogant plus, and he lived to regret it.  The individual who sold my home not only offered to list it at the highest price, but he got me three offers and he also got me a higher price than he offered to list the home for.  He was invested in the home.  All the realtors were very nice people, professional and hardworking; the difference was their attitude.  PM me if you want my realtor's name.