Prelude to a Listing

There have been some thought provoking questions posted today and over the last few weeks about what you should be asking your prospective listing agent in the interview.  The following are my answers. 

* What is your guarantee?  I guarantee to provide a written marketing plan, follow that plan and provide regular updates as to the status of the transaction.  You will be provided with multiple ways to make contact in the event you have questions or concerns along the way and will receive prompt response.

* Do you personally answer all phone calls on the property?  Property information is on hand at or office and available online.  In the event a buyer or agent needs additional information I will provide those answers personally.

* Can we cancel the listing if we're not happy?  In the event you are displeased with the services you are receiving we would appreciate notification.  Should not be able to rectify the issue to your satisfaction, you may cancel the listing.

* Do you have a personal assistant?  I have a full staff including licensed assistants, an appraiser and CPA.  We also keep an attorney on retainer that would be pleased to provide additional assistance.

* If you don't call me back within 24 hours will you take $50 off the escrow?  If you are displeased with the services you receive, we will be pleased to cancel the listing.

* May I see your personal Internet web site?  I encourage you to review the corporate site I have designed for my company.  Additionally, all of my marketing materials are available electronically and can be emailed to any location.

* What systems do you have in place that will keep you in constant contact with me during the listing and the transaction?  You will have an office as well as cell phone number to reach me via phone and an email address that I can access by computer and Blackberry.  Additionally we will provide regular reports on a schedule that you require.

* Are you fully automated with your own personal computer, FAX machine, copier, pager, voice mail, etc.?  Yes.

* What is your average market time vs. other agents' average market time?  I sell traditionally as well as at auction so my time to closing is a little faster than you would expect at about 50 days.  I do not keep track of other agents.

* What professional designations do you have?  I have two designations as an appraiser, have graduate auction academy credentials and am working towards a CCIM designation. I have held real estate licenses in two states, auctioneer licenses in seven and have conducted transactions in over 20, plus abroad.   In addition I have been qualified as an expert on real estate and asset marketing in both State and Federal Courts and regularly act as an officer of the Court in asset sale transactions.

* I want to give my home the advantage of the latest marketing strategies. How much time & money do you invest each month in professional training?  Over the past 11 years I have spent tens of thousands dollars streamlining my asset marketing processes.  Recently, most of my educational time has been spent as an instructor.

* Can you give me a list of your clients who have closed escrow and can I call them?  I would be pleased to provide references on past transactions.

* Why are you personally motivated to sell my property?  This particular question has had many answers over the years.  When I started, I had all sorts of reasons that I could quote.  Later, I decided that the clients I was going to work with, and would want to work with me, deserved nothing but straight answers.  -- Selling property is a business transaction and is ultimately about money and net return for both of us.

* Why should I list with you rather than any other agent who is calling?  If we have gotten past the last answer then you agree that this is a business deal and will see that our interests are aligned.  We are partners in a financial transaction.  With me, you are going to get the truth and not a sales pitch.  If that is the type of relationship you are looking for, I believe you have found it.