The Real | Wausau Real Estate Show | Austin Solomon · Austin Solomon

Selecting an Agent to Sell Your Home

·13 min·1 clip

Why trust is the most important factor when selecting an agent to sell your home over a process that can last years.

This episode provides a framework for choosing a real estate agent when selling a home, hosted by Austin Solomon of The Solomon Group at Coldwell Banker. Solomon is a local Wausau-area agent drawing from his professional experience to guide sellers. He structures the advice around five positive selection criteria and three common mistakes to avoid. The first criterion is selecting an agent you trust and feel comfortable with, given a sale can last from 30 days to several years. He emphasizes choosing someone who works well with other professionals like lenders, title companies, and other agents to avoid negative transaction effects. The second factor is evaluating the agent's specific marketing plan for exposure, including professional photography and accurate home documentation. Solomon notes that without a formal process, marketing is often the first task cut in a busy, urgent-driven business. The third point is to hire a local and reputable company, ideally within an hour of the property, as larger firms may have bigger marketing budgets. Fourth, the agent's knowledge and experience are critical, with Solomon citing his own experience through 550 deals where novel problems still arise. The final criterion is considering the commission cost in terms of overall value, where a lower rate might save 1% but cost more in reduced marketing and fewer offers. Solomon claims the sale price of a home is not fixed and will differ if sold by owner, by one agent, or by another. He suggests a limited-service online brokerage where you don't deal with a person requires caution. A key insight is that the agent who proposes the highest listing price often wins the job, which is problematic as overpriced homes can sit and eventually sell for less. He argues that saving on commission might cost you extensively in marketing, potentially reducing showings and creating a single-offer scenario. The host advises against hiring a friend or family member as your agent unless they genuinely meet all five selection criteria. The tone is educational and advisory, delivered in a straightforward, conversational monologue. It is styled as a practical guide from an industry insider aimed at informing potential sellers. This episode is ideal for homeowners in the Wausau area or similar markets beginning the process of selling and seeking a structured, experience-based approach. Listeners purely interested in market trends or narrative-driven real estate stories might find it too instructional.

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