Choosing a realtor?

These seven rules for choosing a realtor will help you make a sound decision:

1. Choosing a realtor is a business decision.
   Your home is probably your number one financial investment. Your choice of a real estate professional should be based on performance and expertise - not friends, family or fuzzy feelings. In a law case, you'd jump at an opportunity for F. Lee Bailey to represent you for the same fee as someone just out of law school. In real estate, all brokers charge essentially the same rate, so choose a realtor with the credentials and performance to protect your financial future.
2. Choose a top performer for your area and type of property.
   A successful sale demands knowledge of neighborhoods, trends and demographics. It also requires a keen marketing sense to position a property for the right type of prospect. Choose a real estate professional with the marketing expertise and sales experience to deliver proven results for your type of property.
3. A relocation specialist can deliver out of state prospects.
   A high proportion of home sales are made to newcomers to the area. If you choose a realtor who is certified by every relocation company that brings buyers to Atlanta, you can exponentially increase the number of prospects who are exposed to your property.
4. Choose a realtor whose track record consistently exceeds expectations.
   Ask realtor candidates about their track record with homes similar to yours. You can't argue with numbers. Proven performers are disciplined and focused in order to deliver maximum return with minimum hassle in the shortest possible time.
5. Choose a realtor with the marketing resources needed for success.
   It takes more than a sign to make a sale. Your realtor's job is to deliver the maximum number of prospects to your door. Ask realtor candidates what their business plan is for your property? What marketing resources do their firms have to reach the largest possible market, including national affiliations, relocation conduits, online exposure, advertising, networking and more?
6. For Sale by Owner can diminish your market impact.
   Don't hurt your opportunities with a do-it-yourself sale. "By Owner" can limit your exposure to bargain hunters and drive-bys who expect a price reduction when no realtor is involved. A real estate professional can expose your property to the widest possible market.
7. Choose a international leader.
   The Sotheby's International Realty brand was established to connect the finest real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Today, our network boasts more that 10,000 sales associates located in over 500 offices in 35 countries and territories, sharing many thousand referrals around the world.