UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT
Well, it's no secret that the real estate market is BOOMING for sellers. These are historic times where the average value of a home has risen over 9% in some areas in just under a year. But it's important to remember the value of the real estate agent you choose to represent you, even if you think it's a stick a sign in the ground and get 10 offers kind of market. Below are some things to consider when selecting your agent.
STEP 1: PRESENTATION
Presentation is a vital and key component in the recipe for success with selling your home. Many people may think 'who cares' what the pictures look like, there are so many buyers that someone will definitely buy my home! This may be somewhat true, but we don't want to just capture 'someone,' we want to capture multiple interested parties. Multiple interested parties ultimately drives your net profit higher and creates a buzz around your home. This begins online. The presentation of the home online is EVERYTHING. You want to make sure that you are using a qualified professional real estate photographer to capture the essence of the lifestyle your home offers. It's been proven that homes with better pictures generate more views online and lead to more in-person showings which results in more offers. The second thing that is equally as important is staging. Choose a team that will go above and beyond to stage your home to attract the attention of qualified buyers. Our team personally runs around the house at every photo shoot and stages every single room so it showcases the best features of the home, and sometimes we bring items to supplement!
STEP 2: MARKETING
Now that we have these beautiful images of your home, what is next? Marketing! Technology gives us the ability to target market buyers for your home. And don't forget traditional forms of marketing also! Make sure your agent has great relationships in the community and the real estate world, and can promote your property in all channels. The more people your agent can get your home in front of, the better success you are going to have, and the higher profit you are going to net.
STEP 3: NEGOTIATIONS
So you spoke with Jim who does real estate part time and says 'I'll only charge you X-%' and you think, geez, I could buy myself something nice with the difference! But what you're not realizing is that picking the agent to represent you is so vitally important in your overall profit. If Jim immediately devalues himself by cutting his commission, will he do the same with the value of your house? Will he have your best interests in mind? You want to be sure to go with an agent with a proven track record of getting their clients top dollar. You may save some % on the commission, but does that matter if you're accepting an offer $10,000 less than what a better agent could have gotten you? It is proven that great presentation, excellent marketing and masterful negotiations get our clients the most money.
STEP 4: SUPPORT SYSTEM
And lastly, the final step, your support system. Beyond accepting a great offer on your home, you then have to get through many obstacles over the next 6 weeks or so. The hard work has really just begun! Be sure to choose an agent that is extremely responsive, in constant communication and keeps you updated throughout the ENTIRE process, and even beyond! Choose a team that makes you a part of their family for life, not someone who you hear from once in a blue moon.
