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How to Choose the Right Listing Agent (So Your Home Sells Quickly & for Top Dollar)


Have you ever wondered what really makes a home sell fast—and for the most money? It starts long before the sign goes in the yard. It starts with the person you hire to lead the process.

I’m Liz Opatic with RE/MAX SunQuest, your Jenison/Grandville/Hudsonville/Byron Center neighbor & Realtor®. Cheering you through life’s biggest moves—one milestone at a time. My belief? It’s not just listed—it’s marketed.

Let’s walk through how to choose a listing agent who will protect your equity, minimize stress, & get you results.

1) Experience you can feel in the process

Think surgeon, not hobbyist. An experienced local agent has already navigated the quirky appraisal, the tricky inspection, the timing shuffle between closings, and the delicate back-and-forth of offers. That muscle memory shows up in calmer negotiations, fewer surprises, and a cleaner path to closing.

Ask:

  • How many homes have you sold in this area?
  • What challenges have you solved recently for sellers like me?

2) A real marketing plan (not just a yard sign)

Great marketing creates demand—and demand drives price. Your agent should walk you through a step-by-step plan that includes:

  • Pro photography that flatters every room (angles, lighting, sequencing).
  • Video & short-form reels to stop thumbs and spark showings.
  • Property website & MLS exposure so buyers can find, save, and share your home.
  • Targeted social ads & retargeting to stay in front of the right buyers.
  • Email & local network outreach to match hot buyers already looking nearby.
  • Purposeful open houses (strategy over show).

We’re not “just listing”—we’re launching. Big difference.

Ask:

  • Can you show me examples of your marketing from a recent listing?
  • How do you measure what’s working and adjust during week 1–2?

3) Credentials & continuous improvement

Designations don’t sell a house by themselves—but they signal a commitment to mastering the craft. Look for agents who invest in education and systems that protect you at the negotiating table.

Ask:

  • Are you a Realtor®?
  • What additional courses or certifications have you completed recently?

4) Reputation that stands up to a phone call

Reviews tell a story. References confirm it. You want an agent known for straight talk, steady communication, and getting the work done without drama.

Ask:

  • Can I speak to a couple of your recent sellers?
  • How will you keep me updated once we hit the market?

5) The power of a team (yours)

Behind the scenes, a strong support crew keeps your sale moving: photography, staging, marketing ops, showings, paperwork, timelines. When the “machine” runs smoothly, you feel it in your calendar—and in your net.

Ask:

  • Who does what on your team—and how will we communicate?

Your Interview Checklist

  • Are you a Realtor®?
  • How long have you been in the industry, and how many homes have you sold locally?
  • What’s your full marketing plan for my home (pre-launch, week 1, week 2)?
  • Can you show me live examples—photos, video, property sites, ad dashboards?
  • How do you handle pricing strategy, feedback, and mid-course adjustments?
  • Who else is involved in the process, and what are your communication touchpoints?

Why hire me

I’m a hyper-local Realtor® who treats your equity like it’s my own. I combine clear strategy, clean presentation, & steady communication—so you always know the next step and why we’re taking it. From pre-list prep to launch day to negotiated finish, my approach is simple: protect your time, protect your peace, and maximize your net.

Remember: Sometimes the difference between “for sale” and “sold” is just the right strategy.


Ready for a proven plan?

Get my full Listing Marketing Plan & resources here: https://wallinestates.com/savvy-seller-course-page

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