Do you really need an agent to sell your home? Some people think they can eliminate the middleman, but going it alone means more work, hassle, and time on the market. Here are a few ways our real estate agents can be an asset when selling your home.
- Pricing
How much would someone be willing to pay for your home? When people sell without an agent, they typically price their homes either too low, leaving money on the table, or too high, so the house stays on the market for months on end. In fact, the average price for a home sold with an agent tends to be higher than for those sold without one, to the point where, even counting the agent’s commission, you’ll still make out better than if you go it alone. - Marketing
An agent knows what it takes to sell a property. It’s their business to know. They’ll coordinate professional-looking photos for the listing, putting the house in an optimal light and highlighting its best features. They can also advise you on the best way to stage it to show to prospective buyers or for an open house. Moreover, they have the resources to get the word out effectively. They know who would be most interested in buying your home and how best to reach them, with listings on their site and social media designed to appeal to those people and draw them in. With a skilled agent’s help, you’ll have more buyers to choose from and be able to close more quickly. - Screening
An experienced seller’s agent is able not only to bring in more buyers but also to screen them more effectively to determine who’s serious and who’s not. Some people who view houses have no intention of making an offer. They just want to get an idea of what’s out there in case they want to buy at some point down the line. Your agent knows how to spot these “lookie-loos” and can filter them out early so you can focus on more serious prospects instead of wasting your time. - Negotiating
Once a buyer has been hooked, there are several details to work out. Will they take the home as-is, or do they want you to make a few repairs/improvements first? How long before you can close the deal, and when do you need to move out? If you don’t have an agent, navigating these and many other issues can turn negotiations into a maze of confusion. If the buyer has an agent and you don’t, they’ll have the advantage and can get more out of the deal than you. However, with a seller’s agent who knows the ropes, you can close more quickly while ensuring a deal that’s fair to everyone. - Paperwork
There’s a ton of paperwork involved in selling a house, including proof of homeowners insurance, inspection records, mortgage payoff statements, major maintenance records, HOA documents, and more. Keeping track of everything and ensuring it’s filled out and filed correctly can be daunting. But your seller’s agent can help you through it, ensuring you have everything you need to make the sale go smoothly.
Our agents can help you through every step of the home-selling process and ensure you get the best price possible for your home. Contact us to get the ball rolling!