How to Choose a Realtor in Northwest Wisconsin: 7 Easy Tips

When you’re selling a home in Northwest Wisconsin, picking the right Realtor makes a big difference — both in the final price and in your overall experience. At Northwest Wisconsin Realty, we make the whole process as easy as possible, from getting your home on the market to negotiating the final sale price. 

It’s vital to work with a local Realtor who understands your needs and respects your wishes — and has the qualifications and experience necessary to give you every advantage during the sale process. That’s why it’s worth the time to choose a Realtor who will truly work for you. 

Whether you’re selling in Hayward, Stone Lake, or beyond, you’ll want to educate yourself before choosing a Realtor. Let’s look at seven factors you should take into consideration during your search for a Realtor.

1. Choosing a real estate agent to sell your home: what’s important to you?

   One of the most important things you need to know when you’re entering into a relationship with your future real estate agent is simple: what you want to get out of a real estate agent. Communication is perhaps the most important of all of the key factors on which you’ll need to see eye-to-eye. 

   For example, how do you prefer to communicate with your agent? Does a potential agent’s contact style mesh with yours — text, email, phone call? If it’s important to you to make a quick sale, you’ll want to look for an assertive, no-nonsense real estate agent. Are you the type of person who wants someone to take control of the sale from start to finish, or would you like to be more involved in the process? 
   

2. Get selling agent referrals from someone you trust

   Even if you’re a search engine whiz, it’s not enough to look for the top real estate agents in Northwest Wisconsin anymore — search results are full of paid ads and nationwide sell-your-home-fast conglomerates. In the real estate business, word-of-mouth is key. In fact, almost half of sellers find their real estate agent through a referral. 

   That’s why one of the best ways to choose an agent is to simply talk to a friend, co-worker, or family member. If you know someone (or know someone who knows someone) who’s sold or purchased a home in Winter, Cable, or another town nearby, why not get a firsthand recommendation?
   

3. Research real estate agents online

   While the Internet may not be the first-choice method for finding a real estate agent, it’s a great way to get the information you need without the hassle. When you’re researching potential agents online, look for some of the following stats:
   

   -Amount of experience selling homes in your price range

   -The ratio of sale-to-list price

   -Average days on market

   -Excellent online reviews from past clients
   

   Once you’ve taken a look at potential agents’ numbers, get a feel for their personalities. Take a look at their online presence. That includes their website, their property listings, any social media presence, and more. And don’t forget to Google! 
   
   

4. Check out who’s selling (and sold) local listings

   Another way to take the temperature of local real estate is to simply take a walk or drive through your town. Who’s listed on the signs you see? And more importantly, who’s got a “SOLD” sign hanging beneath it? Take note!
   

   Attending open houses is another way to interact with agents in an informal setting. How do they talk about the property? Are they knowledgeable about the property and the local area? How’s the vibe? Would you trust them with your home? 
   
   

5. Talk to the Realtors you’re interested in working with

   Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, set up a time to talk with your candidates. Selling a home is a personal thing, and you should feel comfortable with the agent you decide to work with. 

   Start your meeting with an overview of your home — basics like where it is, the square footage, the number of beds and baths, any remodels completed and repairs needed, and its unique features. Talk about your financial goals for the sale and your ideal timeline. You’ll also want to ask a lot of questions. Here are a few to start with:
   
   

   How long have you been working as a Realtor and do you have experience selling property like mine? 

   In general, you’ll want to look for someone with at least five years of experience selling in the area — but preferably more.
   
   

   How well do you know the area? 

   It’s vital that real estate agents in Hayward, Cable, and other towns in Northwest Wisconsin have a firm grasp on the local area and can market your property to potential buyers in a natural, knowledgeable way. 
   
   

   What’s your selling strategy? How do you market homes?

   Be sure you’re on the same page with your agent regarding practicalities like open houses, lead times on showings, timelines, and pricing. 
   
   

   What does your fee include, and is it negotiable?

   Full-service agents provide a wide range of offerings that can boost your listing’s exposure and appeal — think staging, moving, and more. Ask if the agent offers any discounts on these services. 
   
   

   Do you have any certifications or specialties?

   While it’s obvious that you should only work with a licensed real estate agent, you may also want to look for an agent with a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) certification to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sale.
   
   

6. Listen to your gut

   Once you’re armed with all the facts, take a second to consider how each potential selling agent made you feel. Are you comfortable with them? Do your communication styles mesh? Do they demonstrate real local knowledge when it comes to selling your Cable, Stone Lake, or Hayward home? The answer to all of these questions should be an enthusiastic yes! However, make sure that you’re not ignoring any red flags based on personality alone! You want the best of both worlds — a personable, experienced professional.
   
   

7. Make your final selection and get your listing on the market

   You’ve done your due diligence, and you’re ready to make a selection. But if you’re still waffling, our best advice is to choose a real estate agent that you trust. You’re entering into a contract with someone who will be orchestrating one of the biggest financial events of your life — make sure that you feel confident in your Realtor’s ability to sell your home

Northwest Wisconsin Realty Team: Let’s sell your home!

Whether you’re selling your home in Cable, Hayward, Winter, Shell Lake, Birchwood, Stone Lake, or beyond, put your trust in the agents of the Northwest Wisconsin Realty Team. We don’t just sell here — we live here, too. That means we have decades of experience and the inside scoop on selling real estate of all types, whether you’re looking to sell a cabin on Long Lake or hunting land in Spooner. If you’re looking to sell real estate in Northwest Wisconsin, reach out to the pros at Northwest Wisconsin Realty today!