Selecting the Best Agent

Dear Marlene~
How do I find a really good real estate agent? Stan S. in South Kansas City.
Ummm, well, how about by reading a real estate blog on your computer? (hint, hint!) Another way might be to check with friends and family. Don’t have any of those around? Try driving around neighborhoods that you think you might want to live in – check out the yard sign. Look at the fliers – are they color? Nice? Informational? Is the “flier holder” empty or full of fliers? Look for “directional signs” from major intersections? If the sign is well-kept, and the flier bin is full of great-looking fliers, and you see directional signs leading you to the house – then you most likely have a real estate agent who (a) knows what they are doing; (b) cares about their job; and (c) will do the same for you. You might also want to check out the MLS listing on the house, or better yet, call the agent up and ask them to e-mail you a couple of their MLS listings. Did they fill in the elementary, middle and high school information? Is the room information complete? What do the remarks say? What do the pictures look like on the site? It makes a huge difference if the agent took the time to properly advertise that listing on the MLS! If there’s a lot of missing information that people might search for (i.e., a particular neighborhood, or school, or type of basement, etc.), then the agent failed to take the time to properly list the property. How long did it take the agent to call you back or fill your request to e-mail you the link to a couple of their web listings? Right away (like I always do), or did it take a long time?
Did you notice I didn’t say look around your current neighborhood for signs? It would sure concern me if an agent who was listing my house, also had a house down the street, or a similar house on the next block that might be in direct competition with selling my home. Can you say possible conflict of interest? Split loyalties?
You think because you see the agent’s signs all over the place that they must be the best? Well, you might want to re-think that. If a real estate agent has 10, 15, 40 or even 50 listings, how much individual attention is that agent able to give your house? I personally will not take a listing in the same neighborhood if I already have a similar house listed in the neighborhood – I don’t want to be forced to split my loyalties among my clients. Many agents don’t care – they’ll never turn down a listing no matter what. However, many agents do care. Make sure your agent cares.
Also, ask your perspective agent specifically what they will do to market your home and try to sell it. Listen carefully. Ask them to show you some examples. Go with your gut feeling, and remember – this is a business decision – just because they are a friend or family member doesn’t mean that they should be the one to sell your most expensive asset, or assist you in buying your most expensive asset.
If you have a specific question you’d like answered, please e-mail me at: MAlley@infinityrealtysells.com or visit my website at: www.MarleneAlley.com

Until next time, happy home hunting!
~Marlene Alley

Cooking Up a Sale

Dear Marlene~
If you could suggest one room that I put a bit of money into before I put my home on the market, which one would it be? Janice B. in Lee’s Summit.
The kitchen – without question. The best chance of “cooking up a sale” is in your kitchen, according to numerous real estate studies. The Kitchen is an area where looks and functionality are equally important. People have numerous uses for kitchens.
I have to begin the kitchen make-over with my usual recommendation: paint the walls – an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up a room. Second, make sure those countertops shine! If you have dingy grout – replace it. If your countertops are old, with cuts and stains – replace it. It’s really not that expensive. Make sure it is neutral. This is not the time to try out the lime green or royal blue tile or coloring!
Make sure your flooring isn’t worn or scratched up, either. Shine up a hardwood floor or replace damaged vinyl flooring.
Check your kitchen sink faucet. Is it old and outdated? Get a fresh new one!
Obviously, get rid of the knick knacks and clutter. The cleaner the counters – the more space it looks like you have.
Are you ready for a showing or open house? Bake some choco chip cookies or banana nut bread. The smells make your house a home – immediately!

Look Who's Blogging!

Welcome to my new blog! Please use this forum to ask me questions regarding real estate in the Kansas City area. The blog can be used to discuss topics of interest related to real estate or anything that's on your mind! I look forward to using this as an easy and effective way of communicating with my clients and potential clients online!