Oftentimes, a home-selling strategy is only as good as the Realtor working to develop it; however, it’s not uncommon to find sellers who have gotten so lost in the process of cleaning, painting, and prepping their home that they forget to ask some of the most important questions.
While your overall strategy and list price may vary depending upon the season and other variables indicative of the current real estate climate, as you get closer to finalizing your listing, it’s important to ask your agent the following questions.
What is the most I can ask for my home based upon the current market?
Location obviously plays a huge role in how much you can ask for your home, especially since it’s clearly something that cannot be changed. With that, unless you plan on undergoing a full-scale remodel before you list, chances are good that your number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage will remain relatively static. With that being said, it’s important to make a point to discuss a proper listing price with your Realtor and to trust that, given the current market, they will do what’s best.
Based upon the current market and my asking price, when can I expect to field a serious offer?
Clearly, your Realtor cannot see the future, but it’s worth asking for their opinion on how long they think you’ll have to wait for a buyer. If you’re looking to list your home at the top end of your asking range, you may have to wait longer, so it’s good to understand this dynamic in advance.
What is your strategy regarding open houses?
Just like all markets are different, all Realtors are different, as well. While some agents refrain from staging open houses in favor of viewings, others feel that open houses are a great way to get your home seen by a lot of potential buyers.
Before assuming that your buyer will conduct business in a certain way, make a point to ask them how they develop their strategy and why they choose to do it that way.
In the end, as with most things in life, communication is key. If you have questions, it’s important to speak up! The Realtor/client relationship is just that—a relationship—and most of us understand that healthy, successful relationships are dependent upon open and honest dialogue.
A Realtor’s job is to serve the client, so it’s important to make sure that the handling of your home is done in a way that aligns with your interests. If you’d like to learn more or would simply like a bit of advice, I’m always available to help.
Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789
