When selling your home, you want to avoid big mistakes that could cost you time and money. There's a lot of questionable advice from “personal finance experts” on TV or from friends and family. They tell you to interview 3 or 4 5 agents, then pick one. But when someone says that's what they're going to do, the next logical question should be:

“What criteria will you use to compare, judge, and pick one?”

Many admit they don't know.

They plan to spend several evenings interviewing different real estate agents, with no pre-determined way of picking the one they will ultimately trust to handle one of their life's most significant financial events!

When a company decides to hire someone for an important job, let's say one that costs the company $100,000 or $200,000 a year, it has a pre-determined set of questions—set criteria—it will use to judge the people it interviews. It knows in advance what it is looking for. They NEVER interview a bunch of people and go with the one they “like” or rely on, “He or she seemed nice.” No. It uses reason and logic.

To do otherwise is to play ‘Blind Archery,' and that's dangerous!

You are hiring someone to do an essential job for you.

It would help if you did NOT play ‘Blind Archery.'

You need to know in advance the kind of agent you want, the things that are most important to you, and the intelligent questions to ask.

For example, is the agent's track record at getting top dollar more or less important to you than the commission they quote you? Is the fact that they are a lone wolf and may be constantly and immediately accessible to you more important than their ‘success percentage'—the percentage of listed homes they sell? And so on.

Make sure to know what you want in an agent.

Most importantly, you must set your criteria before interviewing agents. Because choosing the right agent can make a huge difference in your home-selling experience.

Here are some tips to help you avoid big mistakes when selecting a real estate agent:

Determine What's Important to You

Make a list of qualities and skills that matter most to you. Is it the agent's experience in the San Jose real estate market? Their marketing plan? Their communication style? Knowing what you value will help you make a better choice.

Ask the Right Questions

Prepare a list of questions that will help you gauge each agent's ability to meet your needs. For example:

• How many homes have you sold in San Jose real estate market?
• What is your average sale-to-list price ratio?
• How will you market my home?
• Check References and Reviews

Look for testimonials from previous clients. Real estate sites like Realtor.com or Zillow can provide reviews of agents in the San Jose area.

Consider Working with a Team

Sometimes, working with a real estate team like Trade My Home can offer more resources and support than a single agent.

Avoiding these big mistakes can save you time and ensure the best possible outcome when selling your home.

At Trade My Home, we specialize in helping San Jose homeowners sell their homes quickly and for top dollar. Our team understands the local market and can guide you through every step of the process.

Don't leave one of your life's most significant financial decisions to chance. Contact us today to learn how we can help you sell your home.

Ready to avoid big mistakes and sell your home with confidence? Reach out to Trade My Home now!