One of the biggest financial decisions most of us make involves buying and/or selling our own home. Since, for the vast majority of people, their home is their greatest asset, doesn’t it make sense to proceed with care, a plan/purpose, and an understanding of what is involved/needed? This article will review seven of these considerations, or steps, that a homeowner needs and deserves from the real estate professional they hire. Don’t just make a sudden decision based simply on friendship, personality, etc. Rather, after more than a decade as a licensed real estate salesperson in New York State, I urge homeowners to carefully interview agents, listen carefully, ask questions, and get a sense of whether they will want to Work closely with that person. . Use these 7 steps to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
1. Justification of the suggested listing price: While it’s always your final decision, when it comes to what price to ask for your home, doesn’t it make sense to hire someone who can effectively explain to you what your determinations should be based on? Insist on seeing the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)and ask why the specific properties were selected compared to. What did they have (or lack) that your house includes (or doesn’t)? Compare conditions, days on market, curb appeal, features, real estate taxes, area of town, etc. This should give you a range, to start the very important process.
2. Things to address: Will the agent make suggestions that could improve your home in terms of display? These factors include: curb appeal; distractions, such as cracked pavement, overgrown shrubbery, peeling paint, odors, clutter, etc. Is staging indicated for your home and why?
3. Marketing plan: You, the owner, need to be on the same page as the agent you hire! Review the marketing plan, which may include advertising, e-explosionsmarketing within the industry, commission considerations, open houses, etc.
4. Easy to show: Simple rule to follow: make your home as easy to show as possible, because the more qualified buyers that view your home, the better your chances of successfully marketing it. Contact your agent and design a plan that works for both of you!
5. Control expectations: Sometimes the real estate transaction process can feel like an emotional roller coaster! Homeowners and agents must have compatible personalities and emotional makeup! Expectations must be controlled, to adjust to reality, in a positive and productive way.
6. Communication: Only when the agent and the owner work as a team, the best results are obtained. This requires quality communications and a plan that schedules open, available and comprehensive discussions and communication!
7. Talks: One of the reasons your choice of agent is crucial is in the most important area of negotiations! Discuss trading strategy, etc. Beware of an agent who avoids the commission discussion and simply offers a low rate. Understand, this is often not in your best interest, and you can say, if an agent is unwilling or unable to deal on her own behalf, how can she do it for you?
Real estate professionals owe a lot to their clients. These seven should be mandatory!