My wife accepted a job in Tampa, FL and we need to sell our Georgia home. We are looking for a top producer to sell our home. I have, unfortunately, had difficulty in getting agents to call me back to discuss listing our house.

We would prefer to work with someone with several years of experience and who consistantly is a top producer. You need to have a solid marketing plan and it would be nice if you are familiar with the East Cobb County area (Barnes Mill Road/Roswell Road area).

Can anyone help?

Have heard of Southerners moving slowly - but, didn't think that would apply to Real Estate Agents!
Wish I knew a Realtor who I knew who would be able to help you. Unfortunately, I don't! Whose signs have you seen in your neighborhood? Do you know former neighbors who recently moved? Who did they use; were they satisfied? Check local "Homes" magazines and internet presence - what agents work in your area? If you are just phoning agencies, chances are the person answering the phone may be the one with the least amt. of experience in the office.
Just be cautious when looking for a top producer. You truly want someone who has experience, but not necessarily the office's top producer. Most top producers these days (at least in my area) have a "team" of agents (mostly new, inexperienced ones) under one person. The "team" would probably be handling your listing. I, personally, operate my business without an assistant. However, my office staff will make appointments for showings, type contracts, etc. This works for me; therefore, I am the only one who is accountable for your transaction.
So, pls. consider this when selecting an agent:
How many listings and sales did an agent personally have in the last 3 yrs.? How does that agent intend to market your home? Is the price the agent recommending based on similar homes in your area? How "reachable" is that agent--cellphone, email? How long will it take to sell your home?
Hope this helps you.

Thanks for the reply. A few homes in the neighborhood have been on the market for a long time and I'm not sure that speaks well of the agents.

No one I know has recently sold a home, so no chance for a good referral there.

In the two years we have lived here, I have never met an agent who was walking the neighborhood, nor have I received any postcards/flyers/mailings. It really doesn't seem like anyone is doing many, if any, of the often repeated suggestions for farming in my area. I don't get it.

Your suggested interview questions are helpful. Any suggestions on some selling techniques to get maximum exposure? We are considering offering a higher commission % for the buyer's broker. Does this help get buyer's agents interested?

i sent you an email.

I would suggest calling the Weichert Realtors Office in your area. Their number is (678) 222-1200. They can have an agent come out and do a Doors Presentation for you that will tell you exactly how they intend to market home to include all print advertising, web advertising and open houses. I work for them in SC and this has been a great tool for my sellers to understand exactly what we will do for them. Also, in our office we almost always give a higher commission % to the buyer's agent than we get.

how about do a search on the net for local agents

My office is in Alpharetta... Give me a call. Greg Sargent 678-624-3970

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have interviewed several agents and have located one that really seems to have a marketing plan and is motivated. As it turns out, she is with Weichert.

I have to admit I remain disappointed with most of my experiences with other agents. Several never contacted me. One who did come over to look at my house did not have any specific ideas of how to market it, but did want 7%. Additionally, she wanted to know if I was a Christian and seemd disappointed that I am Catholic. Uh, other than unethical, isn't it illegal to ask questions about religion?

Greg - Sorry I didn't get your information sooner. I'll keep your number in case things don't work out with this agent.

Best of luck, Auburn! It's hard to imagine what the consumer experiences with some (hopefully, not most) agents. Although I am a Christian, I agree that that was totally unprofessional, unethical, and against the law for an agent to ask your religion. Was there a plaque on your wall that prompted the ques., or did the ques. just come out of the blue? Doesn't really matter, but, on behalf of all of the professional Realtors and all of the Christians (of which you are one), I apologize.
Just a side note: If I go out on a listing presentation and do not leave with the listing, and the Seller chooses someone else, I would call the Seller. I'd explain that I am always looking to better myself and my business and would ask why the Seller didn't choose me. (Haven't had to do that for a long time, thankfully.) So, if that unethical agent happens to call, make sure you tell her your reasons. However, sounds like an inexperienced person, and I doubt if you will get a call.

Suz,

No need to apologize for someone else's error. While mildly offended, it didn't ruin my day and made our decision easier.

Her question came out of the blue. We were standing in front of my house after I had walked her around and showed her the place. I asked about how she would market the listing, and then she asked about my religion. I don't know if it is some type of sales tactic, but I certainly don't want someone selling my house to screen potential buyers based on their religion...hey I am an equal opportunity seller!

i doubt she will call you, i forwarded the information on to her.

Kassie,

I am unsure why you assume the agent asking religious questions is the one you referred to me. Has this been a problem in the past?

Good luck, Auburn.. Call me if you need anything.

Auburn,

I am glad that you were able to find someone you feel confident in, and am pleased that you chose a Weichert agent. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Please keep us updated on how it goes!

i meant that i let her know that you chose another agent. whether or not she spoke to you regarding religion, is none of my business. sorry if i confused you.