Hi Jennifer -

1. You're marrying an agent for the listing period, not the company; you'll be welded to them and that will be your point of contact for everything so the company flag doesn't matter at that point. However...You should REQUIRE any agent to brief on their personal marketing approach and see how they use the company assets. If you have an agent come in an all they show you is the company blah blah blah then challenge them, ask what they will do above and beyond. Also, and very important: agents love talking about "we do this, we're #1 in that"....again, REQUIRE that specific agent to give you their three year performance track record, that takes about 30 seconds to do. Who cares about the company nonsense - what does that agent do? Ask for that and many will start to stammer.

I disagree with Josh, I think company exposure is an excellent "extra" as big firms have deeper pockets and there's no argument that they just have a bigger footprint - remember, the net has changed real estate. Now, your buyer may be sitting in NY and relying only on local MLS for exposure isn't getting it done. Don't forget either, relocation to Atlanta is off from the highs, but we (Prudential) still do a significant amount of it and that network has proven to be an advantage.

Your home will get traffic and sell when three keys line up - PRICE / EXPOSURE / APPEAL. Price it right, ensure it's out there and presented in the best manner and make it appealing for visitors. If any one thing is off, the house will sit.

Oh, and if your agent isn’t extremely responsive to inquiries you’re in trouble as well – this is the land of instant gratification.

2. Commissions are of course negotiable. I would caution you though; if you shop with cost as a major factor you will likely regret it. While this certainly isn’t rocket science it’s also no longer a part timer’s job. The agents working through this mess have to be full time pros and with that comes a level of skill and experience the discounters and flat fee crowd cannot match. There are a pile of reasons why, but you seem to be inquisitive to the point where you’ll understand all of this.

3. Distressed homes are typically listed in the MLS; they can be specifically searched as well. A lot of buyers cruise Realty-Trac but that site often has shaky info.

You’d do well to interview a few agents right off Trulia; we’re all effective agents that do this full time. I’d also invite you to have a look at how we operate – http://www.hankmillerteam.com

Thanks –

Hank Miller, SRA, ABR
Associate Broker & Certified Appraiser
Prudential GA Realty
678-428-8276

1. NOPE! Most agents are independent contractors so it should just be the best agent, period. Not company.

Home Traffic and ultimately home offers are a result of pricing it right and to a lesser extent marketing it right.

In this market more than ever (like someone's new slogan) you need a high octane, full time Realtor that can get the job done.

One test might be to do a search like you are doing in Roswell, and do the same thing in Dacula, who has the most exposure. That person might be one of the best people to interview!

2. There is no standard commission, it's all negotiable. You'll find agents that will work for food and some that will charge you an arm and a leg. ;)

3. MOST all homes are represented on the MLS. There are a few homes that may or may not be for sale that do not appear there. Primarily AUCTION style homes may or may not be there, but for the most part homes are listed.