Mediaboss Marketing

By Paul Owers March 15, 2012 07:00 AM

That open house you want to schedule actually will help your real estate agent more than you, according to a feature in Reader's Digest.

The iconic magazine is out with a list of 13 things your agent wont tell you.

With just about everybody house-hunting on the Internet, most open houses no longer are magnets for serious buyers. The events typically attract neighbors looking to see how your house compares to theirs.

While an open house makes the seller feel good my Realtor is marketing the property! -- its primarily a chance for your agent to drum up new business by passing out business cards.

Other things Reader's Digest wants you to know: Check the contract for administrative fees on top of the commission and if your agent is new to the business, he or she might list family and friends as references. So be sure to ask the reference about his or her relationship to the agent.

In fairness, though, some of the 13 things aren't exactly state secrets. Such as: Don't skip the final walk-through, and rooms without furniture don't look bigger. Most real estate agents would be happy to share those tips with you.

OK, agents: It's your turn. What do you think of the list? Tell us about it.

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Reader's Digest: 13 secrets your real estate agent is keeping