Investors make money when they buy smart and when they sell smart.  Finding the right real estate agent to market and sell your property can help secure substantial profits; however, their services come at a steep cost, usually ranging from 4-6% of the selling price. 

Remember, time is money.  Getting your investment property sold quickly for an above market price should always be the number one objective.  A great real estate agent can help achieve this goal for a savvy investor. 

As with all real estate professionals, an investor should conduct a rigorous screening process before settling on one real estate agent.  Investors should interview at least three agents and focus specifically on each agent’s marketing plan, valuation assessment, personal fit and commission.  For more information on questions to consider when interviewing real estate agents, please see the download section of the site. 

Many sellers do not negotiate commissions.  Everything in real estate is negotiable and every dollar saved on fees and commissions goes directly to the bottom line.  Maximizing value means getting the best services for the lowest costs.  Note, this does not mean sacrificing excellent service to simply save a few dollars.  When choosing a professional it means choosing the person that can achieve your goal at a fair price.   

Real estate marketing should go beyond putting up a website and an MLS entry.  Excellent real estate agents have a stable of potential investors they have worked with in the past and connections with other agents that represent active real estate investors.  They should also be able to do a walkthrough of your investment property and provide helpful suggestions to maximize value.  Putting in as little as $500 worth of finishes could increase the value of a home by $5,000 simply based on presentation. 

Always remember the goal is to get the property sold quickly and for the highest possible value.  Investors should communicate this goal with their agent during the interview process.  Additionally, any real estate agent should be able to provide an investor with time on the market data, comparable properties currently in the market and recent sales comparables.  A great agent will also know more detailed information about the recent sales and the comparable properties in the market currently.  They should be able to comment on the finishes in comparison to your property and provide a comprehensive analysis for their pricing suggestion.   

After choosing a real estate agent, trust their instincts and be responsive.  An investor should not expect quick and timely performance from their real estate agent if they are not quick and timely in their responses back to the real estate agent.  Furthermore, a great real estate agent should know the market at least as well and hopefully better then you.  Be vigilant, but trust their pricing, marketing and negotiating guidance.