I jumped in late here but would like you to know that there are agents who really appreciate marketing unique properties, sometimes more than the cookie cutters. How boring would the job of a Realtor be if every house was the same? Aside from finding the agent who will effectively market your home, indeed you need a good comfort level especially in this market when selling a home is no easy task and the frustration level can sometimes be the same for homeowners and their agents. You and your agent must be a team. You want a Realtor who you can trust to give you brutally honest feedback if necessary when your house is not selling, as well as one who shares positives thoughts about your property. If the rapport is not there then it becomes awkward, conversations are minimal and productivity is lost.

Whatever you do, before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that the agent can back up their words with evidence. Check their resume! All too often they will simply tell you whatever you want to hear. Remember, rapport is the con man's stock in trade!

Dear Special
The truth is that a great Realtor asks enough questions to be able to formulate a tailored marketing plan to meet your needs. Even if the property is "cookie cutter", seller's situations (timing, moving, required net, etc.) are rarely identical.

The best Realtor for your home is the one that you believe not only understands your home and your situation, but also can convince you that they have a plan that will result in a smooth move for you and your family.

An example would be if you plan to re-locate out of area, does the Realtor analyze both your current home sale, but also the transition to your new home? How is the market where you are moving? I had some clients that were very concerned about the sale of their home in Glendale, and dragged their feet getting ready for market and the market began to decline. At the same time the market in their destination city was going UP, so they ended up losing on both ends, buying and selling.

If you would like a referral to a pre-screened agent, you can contact me through my Trulia profile - no cost nor obligation to you.

Good luck.

Dear Specialkny,
When you meet with your agent the first time and show your home, you should get a good feeling from touring your home with the agent, how the agents reacts to the special features of your home and then discuss with him/her how it will be marketed, advertised, what the brochure will read and look like etc. Just get a good feeling for how the Agent sees the advantages of your not so cookie cutter home.

Good luck to you!
Edith Karoline YourRealtor4Life!
Working always in the very BEST interest of her clients
EdithSellsHomes@gmail.com

It is very important for the agent you work with to understand all that your home offers. It is also very important for you to trust in the ability and expertise of the agent you have chosen to work with.

First I'd like to address the Rapport Issue. When you are listing your home for sale or selecting a buyer's agent to work with remember you are HIRING someone to represent you and your interests. Therefore you need to interview the agents much int he same way you would interview any one you plan to hire. If you never had to hire someone, think of the interviews you have been on or ask a friend or family member to assist you with the hiring process.

The biggest mistake a Seller or Buyer can make is to hire someone that simply tells you everything you want to hear. You want to hire someone is is honest, articulate and has proven results. 80% of all agents do little to no business in a give year. This means that you have a good chance of finding more unqualified agents that qualified.

Now as far as "Cookie Cutter" profiles. What is it that works for you? What needs do you require? Once you know what YOU need, it will be easy to find an office or agent that can accommodate these needs. There are more independent offices than you can imagine. So if you find that a Franchise can not accommodate what you need, you can look past the franchises. Others like what a franchise can bring to the table. Just remember that YOU have the choice, but YOU have to ask the right questions to find the right office and agent to hire.

The most important thing to look for in an agent...above all...is a rapport. No matter how good a Realtor they might be, you have to like them to hire them.

If you have not found what you are looking for, don't stop looking. If you would be interested in a referral? Let me know...would be happy to refer what I consider to be a Realtor worth working with. Gail@GailGladstone.com

Yes there are, in fact I am one. What you need is someone who understands marketing and is willing to work to sell your house. Even in todays market too many agents feel that putting the listing on the Multiple Listing Service is enough.I activley market all my listings to local agents and buyers through an extensive e-mail data base. and if the property is unique enough I have over 8000 agents I can market to in the New York City market. Call me let's talk

Jeff Eraca
Keller Williams Realty Team
845-380-5162

Very Important.. The agent you use is most important..