Selling Steps 1-2: Finding a Realtor® & Comparing Services
Step 1
Many homeowners start the selling process by looking at sites such as Realtor.com, Zillow, or Redfin to see what similar properties have recently sold for in their neighborhood to determine the current value of their home. That’s fine and understandable, but keep in mind:
- The sites aren’t 100% accurate as listings that were never listed in the NWMLS, or For Sale By Owners, will be missing.
- The information on the online sites is often out of date or not accurate as NWMLS. Therefore, a property might show that it’s still Active on Zillow, even though it sold 9 months prior.
- When professional appraisers conduct an appraisal, they only take into account homes that have sold in a particular neighborhood within the last 90 days. It’s not possible to sort the data by date on the online sites so it’s difficult to only look for properties that have sold within the last 90 days.
Therefore, Step 1 to buying a home should be to interview REALTORS® to represent you and ask them to provide you with a CMA (Comparable Market Analysis).
Find a Realtor®
How do you find a really good REALTOR®? Hopefully, you’ll contact us at 360-734-6479 or andi@andidyer.com so we can see if we would be a good fit. Remember, not all REALTORS® are right for all people. It would be best if you found someone who is not only great at his or her job, but someone you like and trust as you’re putting a big piece of your financial future in their hands. Ask friends and family for referrals. Contact those Realtors® and set up initial phone screenings with them. Notice how quickly each REALTOR® responds to your initial phone call or email. The REALTOR® should get back to you within 24 hours; if not, that’s a bad sign. This business moves fast, and deals can be lost if your REALTOR® doesn’t respond quickly on your behalf to showing requests, offers, inspection negotiations, etc.
Initial Phone Screening
During the initial phone screening, find out if the REALTOR® knows your neighborhood and if they’ve ever helped a client buy or sell property in your neighborhood. Ask about their experience. If your gut reaction says this person might be a good fit, ask them to do a CMA on your home and set up a time to meet with them in person. Be prepared for the REALTOR® to ask questions about your home, how much you owe on your mortgage and if any repairs are needed as they need this information to do an accurate CMA.
Meet In Person and Review the CMA
When you meet with the REALTOR® in person, ask them our Interview questions for hiring a REALTOR (see the next article we send). You will go over the CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) together and evaluate your competition. Ask them not only what they think your home is worth, but what the average days on market (i.e. the number of days from when your home goes on the market until you have an accepted contract) are in your area. If the REALTOR® doesn’t know this, move on. Ask them what they charge, how much the closing costs will be, and what approximately you’ll net if you sell your home for X price. Most importantly, be honest with each REALTOR®. If you need to sell your home for a certain amount of money or in a certain time frame, tell them. Only when REALTORS® have a complete picture can they come up with the best strategy to fit your situation. Lastly, trust your gut.
Sign the paperwork
Once you’ve picked a REALTOR®, expect to sign a Listing Agreement authorizing that REALTOR® to represent you. That starts the ball rolling to get your home on the market.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a REALTOR®
Selling your home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a transition. It’s where life unfolded, memories were made, and your future now begins. We honor the story of your home while executing a strategy that gets you the highest return with the least stress.
🔑 PROVEN SUCCESS AT A GLANCE
250+ Successful Closings
18+ Years of Combined Experience
Master Certified Negotiation Experts (Top 1%)
Faster-than-Market Average
100% Client Satisfaction
(Ask for Testimonials!)
1. Are you a Real Estate Broker or REALTOR®?
We are both full-time REALTORS® and Managing Brokers, bound by the highest professional and ethical standards.
2. What do you know about this area?
Katie was born and raised here, and I’ve called Whatcom County home since childhood. With generations of family experience in the area and a legacy of real estate in mine, we’ve built a deep local network that gives our clients a strategic edge. We know how to position your home to attract serious buyers.
3. Are you a full-time REALTOR®?
Yes. This is our full-time profession and calling. We are fully committed to every client.
4. How long have you been in real estate?
Together, we bring over 18 years of combined experience with more than 250 closings to our name.
5. How many clients have you worked with this year?
We keep our caseload selective so each client receives concierge-level service. Our focus is on delivering quality, not churning volume.
6. What are your average Days on the Market?
Our listings routinely sell faster than the market average thanks to pricing precision, pre-market preparation, and exceptional marketing.
7. What is your average list-to-sales price ratio?
We consistently outperform local averages through strategic pricing, negotiation, and targeted exposure.
8. What tools do you have especially for Sellers?
We specialize in selling the lifestyle of your home and community. Through professional staging consults, high-end photography, drone footage, cinematic listing videos, and customized digital marketing, we highlight what makes your property exceptional.
9. How do you prepare my home for sale?
We assess condition, recommend improvements, connect you with trusted vendors, and manage a strategic launch timeline to maximize buyer interest from day one.
10. What is your pricing strategy?
We analyze recent sales, market conditions, and property features to set a compelling price that attracts offers and maximizes your return.
11. What areas do you primarily work in?
We specialize in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. While we have clients across Western Washington, these are the markets we know best and where we can offer the greatest impact.
12. How do you handle offers and counteroffers?
We break down all terms, timelines, and contingencies. Whether you're fielding one offer or ten, we help you understand your leverage and position.
13. How do you negotiate deals?
We’re in the top 1% of REALTORS® nationwide with Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) credentials. We use proven tactics and data to advocate fiercely for your bottom line.
14. What kind of communication should I expect from you?
Exceptional. With two of us on your side, there’s always someone available to respond quickly and clearly. Our clients appreciate consistent updates and ability to reach us when it matters.
15. What support do you provide in the final stages of the sale?
We attend the buyer’s home inspection and final walkthrough to ensure everything aligns with the contract and your best interests.
16. How do you feel about dual agency?
We avoid dual agency to provide undivided loyalty and clear representation.
17. What qualities differentiate you from other REALTORS®?
We offer a rare blend of strategic insight, empathetic guidance, and relentless advocacy. Our clients trust us for our deep market knowledge, elite negotiation skills, and personalized attention.
Our Proven 5-Phase Seller Process:
1. Strategic Consultation & Goal Alignment
2. Pre-Listing Prep & Vendor Coordination
3. Professional Marketing Launch
4. Negotiation & Offer Management
5. Final Execution & Walkthrough Support
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
