Be Prepared To Discuss These Topics During Your Initial Listing Appointment
When you're ready to sell your home and have hired a real estate agent to represent you during this process, you'll typically have what is commonly referred to as a listing appointment. This in-person meeting will give you a chance to talk about your expectations for the sale of your home, as well as get professional insight on the process from your agent. This meeting gives your agent an opportunity to understand what you expect from the time the home goes on the market to the time that it's sold, so be prepared with an answer for these topics.
Urgency To Sell
Every seller has a different degree of urgency when it comes to wanting to sell their home. Some people need the home sold immediately, while others might not be in a rush — they may be content to leave the home on the market to see what degree of interest in generates. Generally, it's a good idea to know which group you belong to, as identifying your degree of urgency can impact how the real estate agent prices and markets your home. For example, if you're not in a rush to sell, the agent may advise pricing the home a little higher. Conversely, someone who is eager to sell will likely be advised to list the home at a very competitive price.
Flexibility On Price
You can also expect that your listing appointment will include a discussion about your flexibility on the price of your home. This includes a discussion about the initial listing price, as well as the amount of money that you'd ideally like to get when the home is sold. Some sellers price their homes with very little wiggle room; for example, they list the home at $175,000 and don't wish to take less than $170,000. For others, it can be advantageous to list a little higher and then negotiate when a buyer is interested.
Interest In Making Changes
If you're not in a big rush to sell, your real estate agent may identify some areas in your home that could be improved. Putting some time and money into fixing up a bathroom or changing the floor in your master bedroom can often make the home more desirable. This can lead to a quicker sale and an ability to get more money. Your agent will want to hear your level of interest in making changes; some sellers are eager to fix up their homes as much as possible, while others want to essentially sell as-is. The more your real estate agent understands you, the better he or she can represent you.
