Method Sellers Used to Find Agent

1
Method Sellers Used to Find Agent
Referred by (or is) a friend, neighbor or relative 40
Used agent previously to buy or sell a home 24
Referred through employer or relocation company 5
Visited an open house and met agent 5
Personal contact by agent (telephone, email, etc.) 5
Referred by another real estate agent or broker 4
Saw contact information on For Sale/Open House sign 3
Direct mail (newsletter, flyer, postcard, etc.) 3
Internet website 3
Walked into or called office and agent was on duty 3
Newspaper, Yellow Pages, or home book ad 2
Advertising specialty (calendar, magnet, etc.) 1
Other 5
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What Sellers Most Want from Agents
Help price home competitively 22
Help find a buyer for home 21
Help seller market home to potential buyers 19
Help sell the home within specific timeframe 19
Help seller find ways to fix up home to sell it for more 10
Help with negotiations and dealing with buyers 5
Help with paperwork/inspections/preparing for settlement 3
Help seller see homes available to purchase 1
Other 1
3
Most Important Factors in Choosing an Agent to
Sell Home
Reputation of agent 36
Agent is honest and trustworthy 21
Agent is friend or family member 16
Agents knowledge of the neighborhood 13
Agent has caring personality/good listener 6
Agents association with a particular firm 4
Professional designations held by agent 1
Agents commission
Other 3
4
Would Seller Use Agent Again or Recommend to
Others?
5
Method Used to Sell Home
2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Sold home using an agent or broker 79 83 82 85 84 85 84 85
For-sale-by-owner (FSBO) 13 14 14 13 12 12 13 11
Sold to home buying company 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Other 7 3 3 2 3 2 2 3
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Sales Price Compared to Listing Price
Less than 90 23
90 to 94 21
95 to 99 35
100 15
101 to 110 3
More than 110 2
Median Sales-to-Listing Price 95
7
Incentives Offered to Attract Buyers
None 58
Home warranty policies 21
Assistance with closing costs 18
Credit toward remodeling or repairs 6
Other incentives, such as a car, flat screen TV, etc. 3
Assistance with condo association fees 1
Other 5