Tips To Get The Most Value From Your Real Estate Agent
Homeowners are often surprised to discover just how complicated the process of selling a home can be. Not only is the actual act of preparing and marketing a house both tedious and complicated, but dealing with potential buyers can add legal hurdles that are difficult to overcome without experience and expertise. For these reasons (and many more), homeowners commonly choose to work with a real estate agent rather than selling their homes on their own. If you have decided to go this route for your home sale, then these tips will help you to make the most of this relationship.
Choose the Right Agent
When you select a real estate agent to help you sell your home, you are essentially entering into a business partnership. In the coming days, weeks, or months, your agent will work with you to make sure that your home reaches the right buyers and fetches the best possible price. In practical terms, this means that the process you use to select an agent is perhaps the most critical step you will take while selling your home.
When choosing an agent, always look for personal recommendations, if possible, and make sure that the agent you select is familiar with your local market. Real estate markets can vary drastically even within the same state, so having a local agent who knows what local buyers are looking for can often make a significant difference in your final sale price. This is not a relationship to enter into lightly, so don't be afraid to interview multiple agents before making your decision.
Work With Your Agent to Create a Listing
Real estate professionals know what goes into making a successful listing, but that doesn't mean that they won't occasionally miss subtle pieces of information about your home. Allow your agent to create a draft listing for you, but ask to review it before they post it. While considering this initial listing, be sure that it represents your home in a way that makes you comfortable. Don't be afraid to make your opinion known if there are valuable features that you feel are being left out. Your agent may disagree, but having this discussion is vital so that you can settle on a final listing that works for you.
Allow Your Agent to Handle Difficult Negotiations
Your agent will have experience in dealing with buyers from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of different personalities. While you can (and should) involve yourself in the negotiation process, it is best to allow your agent to sit in the driver's seat. They can help you to come to terms with buyers who may be difficult or who may be unwilling to make compromises or meet you at an acceptable price. Even more importantly, your agent will be better able to judge if a buyer is too stubborn, helping you to cut your losses and move on before wasting more time. When you do find the right buyer, your agent's skill and experience at negotiation will give you the best chance of receiving an offer that meets or exceeds your expectations.