Many factors go into a successful home sale, and they all revolve around the most critical element of all: hiring a great Miami Beach real estate agent. While many agents work in the dynamic South Florida market, they’re not all the same. That’s why it’s important to find the right one to help sell your luxury condo or waterfront single-family home.
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To begin the process, research several agents who focus on the Miami Beach real estate market and then begin to winnow your list to those who can best handle your specific transaction. There are several ways to identify top agents, including getting personal recommendations from friends, family members, and co-workers who have recently sold homes. If they were happy with the job the agent did for them, add that agent’s name to your list.
Once you have a handful of names to work with, visit their websites, read testimonials from satisfied clients, and check out their sales stats. That will help prepare you for the interview process when you can get specific details from the agents themselves. There are many questions to ask, so don’t be shy. Selling your home is going to be a big transaction, and there could be some twists and turns, so look for an agent who can communicate well and gives off a strong sense of trustworthiness.
Finally, ensure the agent has your best interests in mind and doesn’t view you as just another sales stat. Keep track of the answers from each interview and compare them as you decide which agent to hire. Here are the questions you should ask.
Once you have a handful of names to work with, visit their websites, read testimonials from satisfied clients, and check out their sales stats. That will help prepare you for the interview process when you can get specific details from the agents themselves. There are many questions to ask, so don’t be shy. Selling your home is going to be a big transaction, and there could be some twists and turns, so look for an agent who can communicate well and gives off a strong sense of trustworthiness.
Finally, ensure the agent has your best interests in mind and doesn’t view you as just another sales stat. Keep track of the answers from each interview and compare them as you decide which agent to hire. Here are the questions you should ask.
What is your experience in this market?
Miami Beach is a unique place with some of the most desired luxury real estate in the world, including, perhaps, the residence you are selling. Find out how long an agent has been helping clients list Miami Beach homes for sale and how familiar they are with the current market dynamics.
Press a little further and ask if they specialize specifically in Miami Beach. Some real estate agents work in many communities, but you should be looking for one who focuses solely on Miami Beach. It will be a significant advantage to have a local expert on your side who knows how fast homes are selling and what the pricing trends are. They also know what features and amenities buyers want in luxury homes.
How many homes did you sell last year?
Ask each agent to discuss in detail their recent track record of success going back two years. Find out how many homes they sold and how long each one was on the market. Ask about the price range of the homes they sold and what types of homes buyers were looking for.
What was the average difference between the listing price and the selling price?
An agent’s answer will illustrate how well they did in setting a competitive price from the start and how good of a negotiator they are. It will also show how well they know the market for Miami Beach homes for sale and give you an idea of how good of a job they will do in selling your home for the biggest profit.
How will you market my home online?
This is one of the most important questions to ask because most homebuyers begin the process by viewing online listings. The agent you pick should be an expert at using various websites to market your home, including their own website and the Multiple Listing Service. They should also be amplifying those listings with social media posts. Ask how they put together sharp-looking online listings using many photos taken by a professional, as well as video tours and virtual tours.
Ask each agent to show you examples of listings on their own website and other sites, plus postings on their social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Ideally, their website will also include blogs and other informative posts that will attract buyers.
Will you be the point of contact for buyers?
If you are interviewing someone from a firm that employs several agents, ask if they will deal exclusively with buyers who are interested in your home. This will ensure that the sales process is in the hands of an agent who is familiar with your home and is motivated to make a sale.
How do you set the listing price?
Finding out how the agents arrive at the fair market price of a home is important. Ask how they will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to compare your home with similar homes that have recently sold to come up with a competitive price. Setting the right price from the start will help you avoid having the home languish, forcing you to drop the price.
How can I prepare my home for a successful sale?
A smart, experienced agent will be able to look at your home and come up with a list of suggestions to make it more marketable to the kind of buyers who favor luxury Miami Beach homes for sale. This will include suggestions for improvements that will increase the home’s value and attractiveness and any cosmetic or minor repairs to make the house more presentable. Ask if you should hire a professional stager.
How do you determine if buyers are qualified?
This is an important factor in the luxury market. Some agents require buyers to have a letter of pre-approval from a lender before they even schedule a private showing to prove their financing is solid. Likewise, many agents don’t schedule open hoses for luxury homes because they often draw curiosity seekers rather than motivated buyers.
Hire a great agent
Asking the right questions is important in finding the best agent to represent you. Once you’re ready for expert help with your Miami Beach real estate, partner with Mariana Garber to benefit from her experience and unique approach in the luxury market.
