Selling a house can seem deceptively simple, at least at first. If you’re ready for a move, slap up a “For Sale” sign and wait for the offers to pour in. Soaring demand for housing over the last few years has contributed to the idea that this is all there is to it. However, the experience is very different once you get started.
The to-do list never stops growing, and everything needs instant attention all at once. If you work, it can feel like a full-time job on top of your job, and there is a good reason for that.
Selling a house is a very involved process and often requires that you be constantly available whenever a buyer has questions or wants to schedule an in-person visit. Then the negotiations begin, which can take years of experience and training to do well.
Bringing in a professional is the wise thing to do when listing your home in any market, particularly one that changes so quickly. But what do you look for, and how do you choose between the many types of agents available? The following guidelines will help.
Full-Time and Current
Somewhere along the line, people got the idea that they could sell homes as a side hustle while working full-time at their “real” job. A fast-moving market where nearly every house sells quickly helped to fuel this illusion.
Depending on demand, you could list with any agent, full or part-time, or even no agent, and your house would probably sell. But what kind of results would you get?
There are countless details to understand and manage throughout any real estate transaction. Miss them, and you might be appalled at how much money you’re leaving on the table once your sale closes. You do not want to come up short, especially when searching for your next home in a competitive market.
When every dollar counts, having the right expert guiding you through the process matters. An experienced, full-time agent with their feet on the ground has an instinct for what will improve your results in any market.
Looking for even more resources to help you get the most from your sale? The articles below might give you some inspiration:
A Positive and Professional Attitude
When you watch TV or browse the Internet, you might see a few real estate agents who stand out as superstars, but be careful.
The last thing you need during this stressful time is an egomaniac who believes they are a one-person show. Earning the highest possible amount from your sale with the least amount of stress is a team effort. Surrounding yourself with experts and specialists who will work relentlessly for you is the key to getting the best results.
But no one is an expert in all things, and a true professional values and nurtures their connections in the industry. Ego and a dramatic performance might allow an agent to become a local celebrity. But courtesy, professionalism, a hearty work ethic, and a dedication to client service get results you can take to your bank.
Why do these personal qualities matter so much? They allow your agent to build a network of professionals they can call on anytime. Often, making a few upgrades will help you earn more money when selling. A well-connected agent has reputable tradespeople at their fingertips, as well as a host of other experts, including mortgage brokers, real estate lawyers, cleaning services, and moving companies.
Full Service and Acute Attention to Detail
A discount brokerage can get you on the market. Soon, you may even proudly display a “sold” sign on your front lawn. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for, and it’s surprising how much of a difference a full-service team can make.
- First, the process becomes far easier and less stressful. You have a local expert on standby to handle all aspects of your transaction, from preparing the home and creating a marketing strategy to negotiating with buyers and facilitating the close.
- Secondly, this focused attention to detail produces results that can be shocking. The home transformation a full-service team provides can add significant perceived value to any property.
Before signing on with a real estate agent, ask how involved they will be in preparing your home for the sale. This is a fair question in a world where appearances are everything, and proper presentation can add thousands of dollars to your bottom line.
We have seen “discount services” where the home preparations consisted of a bottle of Windex and air freshener on the bedroom dresser as a last-minute touchup. No paint. No staging. In the end, the house sold, but for far less than it would have earned had it been prepared properly.
But isn’t the commission higher when you go for a full-service team? Maybe, but so is your final selling price. To put it in perspective, you might pay .5% more than you would for a discount brokerage. And you will have a dedicated team that will leave no stone unturned to get you the results you’re looking for.
What happens once your sale is complete? If you plan on reentering the market as a buyer, the following resources will help:
- What Can You Buy in Etobicoke for Under $1 Million?
- Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying A Home In Etobicoke
- Etobicoke Real Estate Then and Now
Think of the Buyer’s Experience
If you want to earn the best results when selling your home, try to think of it from the buyer’s perspective. Even if you had the skills to prepare, price, and market your listing effectively, most potential buyers simply aren’t comfortable with the homeowner present.
Setting the buyer at ease is why many real estate agents will actually hire other professionals to sell their homes, even though they are fully qualified to handle the transaction themselves. By leaving it to a third party, potential buyers feel free to ask more questions and voice their concerns. Negotiations become more effective, and the chances of an offer increase. In short, bringing in a full-service real estate team helps you get the best results while creating a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
Do you want to know more about what a full-service Realtor® can do for you? We are happy to get you started by answering any questions you have about selling in the current market. For more information, reach out today at contact@thompsonsells.com or give us a call at 416-450-5900.
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