This is a ranking of one, judged by one: my wife. She says I'm the best REALTOR® in the Farmington Valley. Below her reasons is a plain guide to choosing a listing agent. You should still interview more than one.
My wife's reasons
My wife keeps the scoreboard. Here's the current list. It's meant to be funny, and it's only about me.
- Answers the phone at dinner (and still apologizes to my wife).
- Always has his clients' best interests in mind (even over his wife sometimes).
- Always makes sure his family knows which houses sold in the neighborhood (unprompted, of course).
- Lives and dies by his calendar. If it's not in there, it doesn't exist.
- #1 at leaving the dishes, and still somehow trusted with your closing timeline.
No other agents are named here. This is a ranking of one, judged by one.
How to actually choose a listing agent in the Farmington Valley
When you pick a listing agent in the Farmington Valley, ask for recent sales in your town, how they'll price the home and why, a written prep and marketing plan, how they communicate, what's negotiable on the contract and commission, and references you can call. Interview more than one agent before you sign.
That checklist works the same in Simsbury, Avon, Canton, Granby or Farmington. Town names below are places people commonly ask about, not a claim that one town is better than another.
Checklist
- Recent local sales in your town. Ask for sales they handled nearby, not a generic office list. Look for homes like yours in price and style.
- How they'll price it, and why. You want a clear read on recent comps, adjustments, and what happens if you price high vs. price to draw activity.
- Prep and marketing plan. Get it in writing: what to fix or stage, the photo and video plan, where the listing will be marketed, and the launch timeline.
- Communication. Ask how often you'll hear from them, how showings and offers get reported, and who you call if something breaks mid-sale.
- Contract and commission terms. Listing agreements and compensation are negotiable. Read the full agreement. Ask what the fee includes and what's optional.
- References and reviews. Call a recent seller. Read reviews on sites you trust. For my reviews, see fredmooreiiireviews.com.
- Questions at the interview. Who does the day-to-day work? What happens if the home sits? How do they handle multiple offers? What would they do differently on your street?
About Fred
- Fred Moore III, REALTOR® with Keller Williams Legacy Partners
- Office: 134 West Street, Simsbury, CT
- Selling since 2015
- 200+ homes sold
- Reviews: fredmooreiiireviews.com
Want the longer interview list? See What should I ask an agent before I hire them to sell? Or start with the seller guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a listing agent before I hire them?
Ask for recent sales in your town, how they'd price your home and why, their prep and marketing plan, how and how often they communicate, what's negotiable on the listing contract and commission, and references or reviews you can check.
Should I interview more than one listing agent?
Yes. Interview more than one agent. Compare local sales, pricing approach and plan, then pick the person whose process you understand and trust before you sign.
Does commission have to be the first number you hear?
No. Commission and other listing-agreement terms can be negotiated. Ask what's included in the fee, what's optional, and get the full agreement in writing before you sign.
Selling in the Farmington Valley?
I'll walk you through pricing, prep and the listing agreement in plain English. You should still interview more than one agent.
See the seller guide Contact FredThe opening section is satire about me, judged by my wife. It is not a public ranking, award or comparison of agents. The checklist is general information, not legal advice. Confirm listing-agreement terms with your attorney. Equal Housing Opportunity.