Planning to sell your home? How will you find the right agent to represent you? What traits should that person exhibit?

When choosing an agent, expect excellence! That's right - "excellence". An individual who consistently outperforms others as a real estate representative will display certain characteristics or traits, all of which add up to real estate excellence.

What are those traits? Commitment, superior knowledge, empathy, enthusiasm, consistency and stick-to-it-iveness are but a few. Here's why they are so important when selling your home.

Commitment is evidence of the desire to achieve an objective. When you list your home for sale, the objective is a favorable sale. Would you want anything less than your agents total commitment to that objective?

Superior knowledge is the direct result of two things: 1) Formal education, and 2) Daily contact with buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, title companies, fellow agents and others directly involved in real estate. Look for an agent who regularly pursues additional training and who is active in the local real estate market.

Empathy and enthusiasm can be found together in the successful agent. Look for a person who listens carefully to what you say, and responds with energy, a good attitude and a smile. Such an agent will attract buyers too.

Consistency and stick-to-it-iveness can usually be found together also. Look for an agent willing to repeat the same tasks over and over without quitting. Locating a buyer for your home is not a simple task. It is accomplished through the exercise of determination in the face of rejection. It means not giving up - no matter what.

When choosing an agent to sell your home, ask questions - lots of them. Look for the traits mentioned here, and you can enjoy the benefits of an early sale at a favorable price.