Clark Kent or Superman?

You have decided to sell your home. You realize that, in this market, you need the skills of a real estate professional. You are about to start interviewing. You know what your goals are:

  • Get the house sold
  • Get the best price possible
  • Sell the house in a certain timeframe
  • Sell it with the least amount of hassles
  • Coordinate the the move to your new home

You wonder – What is the most important skill I should be looking for in an agent in order to accomplish these goals? The answer is simple.

The number one skill an agent can possess is the ability to negotiate in today’s extremely volatile real estate environment.

Why, you may ask. Let’s list just some of the people and entities your agent may be required to negotiate with on your behalf:

  • The buyers – Whether the buyers are represented by an agent or not, your agent must decipher their wants and needs to guarantee that you will get the best deal.
  • The buyers’ agent – Obviously, your agent will negotiate the deal in coordination with the other agent.
  • The bank or mortgage company – You want to make sure your buyers are qualified before entering into contract.
  • The closing attorney – Things might come up at closing that need to be handled.
  • The home inspector – Often the deal has to be renegotiated after this report.
  • The appraiser – Even under the most recent appraisal rules, the agent may be able to help you contest an appraisal if necessary.
  • The buyers’ buyer – If your buyer has trouble with the deal on the house they are selling, it might require renegotiating certain aspects of their sale.
  • The seller of the home you are buying – If there are challenges on your sale it might require you renegotiating certain aspects of your purchase.

You can see how important negotiating is to the transaction. Make sure you hire a great negotiator.

Warning: If the agent buckles on commission rate or duration when negotiating the original listing with you, do not hire him/her. At that time, they were negotiating for THEMSELVES and THEIR families. If they didn’t negotiate well then, they will not negotiate well for you and your family when they are in front of the people mentioned above. If they were Clark Kent in front of you, they will not magically turn into Superman when you need them.

--from KCM Blog, 8/11/2010

Selling:  Setting Yourself Up for Success

For most families, a home is one of their biggest financial assets, and deciding to sell is an important decision that involves a lot of preparation.  When you're ready to sell, an experienced real estate professional can be your key to success.  They will handle the miriad of details involved in your transaction including heading off problems in advance, and ensuring you get top dollar in a minimum time frame.  They keep themselves educated not just in current market conditions, but in a host of other areas that affect the selling process. They work with--and if needed can refer you to their network of proven and trusted professionals who will also look out for your best interests.

 What About Selling Your Own Home?

In a tight economy it only seems to make sense that you might save money by NOT hiring a Realtor.  You may even have previously sold your own home with great success as a 'FSBO'.  However, in today's extremely competitive market you need to give yourself every advantage possible.  Did you know that today nearly ALL people start their home search on the internet?  Listing with a skilled Realtor immediately maximizes your home's web presence and puts it in its best light.  In essence, it enlists thousands of other agents, who are already working with qualified buyers, to assist you in getting your home sold.  Be aware that the longer your house sits on the market, the less likely it is to earn you top dollar.  Therefore it is important to price it correctly from the start.  Ask me why; I'll be glad to explain this strategy to you!  I have the experience and right tools to set you up for success.  Before listing your home yourself or under a limited service agreement, contact me.  I will help you to weigh out all of your options to make a well informed decsion that's right for you.

            I have a great success rate in helping turn former FSBO's into SOLD properties!

 As a professional REALTOR, I know how to handle every aspect of the sales process - from strategically marketing and showcasing your home to making sure everything is signed, sealed, and delivered by the closing date.  Providing you with comprehensive, high-quality listing service is my top priority. So if you are considering selling, need to sell, or have been trying unsuccessfully to sell, contact me for a no obligation consultation. You'll be glad you did.

The following articles are a great place to start if you're looking for information about the sales process and how you can get more for your home when you decide to sell.

The Basics of Marketing Your Home How to Set a List Price for Your Home
Get Your House Ready to Show Buyers Why Use a Realtor when Selling a Home