Sellers Need to Know
First and foremost: get a real
estate agent that you trust. AGAIN, YOU TRUST!! Best bet is a referral from
your friends and family as they worked with them and got the first-hand
experience. Look at their reviews on Zillow, Yelp and other online reviews so
you have an idea who you are dealing with.
Let me tell you a story: I once
had a client referred to me by a previous client. We had meetings; I answered
all their questions and concerns then we proceeded to preparing their home for
sale. Suggesting what needs to be done as to renovations, etc. I visited
multiple times to see where we were in the process. Few weeks more and the
house should be ready. I received an email stating they hoped I did not get a
wrong signal that they guaranteed me the listing. (Huh??) They asked me to
answer a series of questions as to my experience, numbers and why they should
choose me as an agent. I was offended and appalled because this took place
after our first meeting and we were already at that stage when they would sign
a Listing Agreement and put the house in the market. Obviously, they talked to
other realtors. I’ve been to those seminars and I already knew where we are
heading. I did not hear back from them and after a few days, the house was in
the market with another realtor. I cannot work with anybody if there is a trust
issue because that is the first thing we need to earn in any relationship.
Sellers play a big role crucial
to the sales of their homes. Agents can guide you and assist in preparation but
still the decisions are in your control. Take these tips before you put your
house in the market:
Stage your home for potential
buyers; not for you. Your precious wooden big spoon and fork by the kitchen is
nice but it may be a turned off to the buyer (get the picture?) Or your pink
bathroom is cute but not for the buyers. Try to stay neutral as to paints,
furniture and designs. It has to look cozy and homey.
Do not hide anything from the
agent – mentioned all the house flaws that need to be fix as to leaking faucet
or A/C not working properly. Everything will come out eventually and it is very
important that you and the agent work on these before it is out in the market.
Honesty is still the best policy. You may need to repair or replace some stuff
and it may cost you few hundred bucks but it’ll be worth it. Trust me!
Do not expect all pricey
renovations will get your money back. Maybe and maybe not. You need to know
which renovations will pay off or you just put the most expensive stuff to the
next owner that you did not enjoy. Ask professionals before you proceed to do
one.
Do not overprice. Your property
might be why other properties are being sold, because they are more reasonably
priced than yours. You will reduce the price eventually and time has gone
already. Now, potential buyers offered much less as it shows you are now
desperate. Exception is if the seller has less equity in the house; there are not
much room for reduction and more supply than demand. Postpone the sale of your
house in this case.
Be patient – your house is not
selling not because your agent is not good; but there are a lot of houses for
sale in the neighborhood and you do not have the capability to reduce the sales
price as to not much equity. Better to take it off the market and wait for the
right timing.
Clean every day before you
leave for work as if guests are always coming. Some agents and buyers just
passed by and saw the sign. They will call you or your agent to show at that
very moment. You don’t want to miss every opportunity and you don’t want to
show also if the house is not ready.
Do not take it against your
agent- if your agent relayed the message from other agents or potential buyers
what they don’t like about the house; a low-ball offer or comparing your home
to other homes for sale. Remember, agents are there for your best interest and
both of you have the same goal; to sell the house in the best price as
possible.
Don’t forget the front and back
of the house. Remember the curve appeal strategy as the first impression.
“HONEY STOP THE CAR!”
Do not think that your agent
puts the house in the market and just waits for it to sell. We have our own
system aside from multiple websites offering all homes for sale that can be
seen by everyone. Most agents spend a fortune for these websites for maximum
exposure aside from their system itself. Some hire stagers and minimum $1,000
staging fee. They do open houses which may not be necessary. They have been
contacting other agents they know in case they have potential buyers. They go
to their contacts trying to get potential buyers.
Selling a home is a team effort
even when you hire a real estate agent. The cooperation and partnership is very
crucial to achieve both of your goals. Remember, agents are only getting paid
once you go to the settlement table. Who does not want to get paid?
Note: Jocelyn Porteria is a Realtor® licensed in VA. Top Producer
of Fairfax Realty and earning Five-Star Reviews on ZILLOW from her clients. She
is a Certified Expert Negotiator and also earned a designation as an Accredited
Staging Professional; ABR, Accredited Buyer’s Specialist; CDPE Certified
Distressed Property and Short Sale Expert, For more info, visit her website
at www.jprealdeal.com and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/realdealconsulting. Call her at 571-432-8335 or email at realdealconsulting@yahoo.com for free confidential consultations.
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