Top tip - it all involves a little bit of trust, transparency, and communication!
When you’re thinking of selling your home, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right broker. The perfect broker isn't just about flashy marketing or promising sky-high prices—it's about finding someone who will set realistic expectations and prioritize your best interests. At The Gene Team, we believe that a good broker should be transparent, trustworthy, and an excellent communicator. These qualities ensure that you’re not just hearing what you want to hear, but what you need to know to make the clever decisions.
With over 82,000 active salespersons and nearly 50,000 active brokers in New York State alone in April 2023, the choice can feel overwhelming. Nationwide, these numbers soar even higher—talk about a sea of suits and ties! But not all brokers are created equal. The right one can make a significant difference in your home-selling experience and outcome. Let's take a look at the key elements that will help you select a broker who can truly maximize your home's value. Spoiler alert—if you couldn’t already guess, it involves a little bit of trust, transparency, and good old-fashioned communication!
With over 82,000 active salespersons and nearly 50,000 active brokers in New York State alone in April 2023, the choice can feel overwhelming. Nationwide, these numbers soar even higher—talk about a sea of suits and ties! But not all brokers are created equal. The right one can make a significant difference in your home-selling experience and outcome. Let's take a look at the key elements that will help you select a broker who can truly maximize your home's value. Spoiler alert—if you couldn’t already guess, it involves a little bit of trust, transparency, and good old-fashioned communication!
1. Understanding your needs
Before you start your search, you need to identify what you need from a broker. Are you looking for someone who specializes in condo units in Williamsburg or Greenpoint? Do you need a broker with a strong track record in achieving top dollar per square foot? Knowing your priorities will help narrow down your options—and make your process smooth sailing.
2. Transparency and trustworthiness
A good broker will always be honest, even if it means delivering news you might not want to hear. They should be able to provide a clear, realistic assessment of your property's value and the current market conditions. Like with everything in life, transparency builds trust—which is needed for a successful working relationship.
3. Communication skills
Ever heard that communication is key? It’s the cornerstone of everything that happens in real estate. Your broker should keep you informed at every stage of the process, from listing to closing. They should always be responsive to your questions and proactive in providing updates.
4. Experience and track record
Experience matters. According to HomeLight’s data in May 2024, the top 5% of real estate agents across the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent. When considering brokers, examine their past performance—always. How many deals have they closed in your neighborhood? What is their average sale-to-list price ratio? Etcetera, etcetera. Stats speak volumes, so let them do the talking!
5. Market knowledge
Your broker should have a deep understanding of the local market. This includes knowing the best time to list a house and how to maximize your sale price. For instance, in NYC, timing is everything—where spring and early summer months are often the best time to list homes for sale, with increased buyer activity leading to higher prices.
6. Client reviews and references
Reviews and references are invaluable. Look for brokers with top-rated client reviews and ask for references from past clients. This will give you a looking glass into their performance and see if their past customers can vouch for their services.
7. Licensing and professional associations
Make sure that your broker is licensed and a member of professional associations like the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). As of April 2023, there were 82,171 active salespersons and 49,317 active brokers in New York State, with approximately just 60,000 being members of NYSAR. This membership is a sign of professionalism and commitment to ethical standards—which you should think about when making a decision. Remember, not all realtors will be a part of this association, but will be of another. Do you research and do a bit of digging on who you will be working with. Trust us—it’ll be worth it.
Above all else, just talk it all through
Choosing the right broker is the biggest part of your selling process. By thinking about transparency, trustworthiness, and good communication, you can guarantee a smooth and successful sale.
At The Gene Team, we're proud that we don’t just get the job done—we care about answering any questions and discussing any concerns you may have. Thinking of selling your home? Why not chat with us and get the ball moving by talking it all through. Contact us today, and let's start your journey towards a successful sale. It’s the season for selling, and with the right team, you can win big on your square footage!
At The Gene Team, we're proud that we don’t just get the job done—we care about answering any questions and discussing any concerns you may have. Thinking of selling your home? Why not chat with us and get the ball moving by talking it all through. Contact us today, and let's start your journey towards a successful sale. It’s the season for selling, and with the right team, you can win big on your square footage!
