According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report, a whopping 89 percent of sellers list their home with a real estate agent. The sellers surveyed listed trustworthiness, responsiveness, local market knowledge, a good reputation in the community, and a strong sales track record as the most important attributes in a top-notch agent. A great real estate agent can make a huge difference in many aspects of your selling experience, from your stress level to your profits. Read on to explore the top 7 benefits of selling with a local agent.
Tip #1: List At The Right Place
Realtors understand the market better and can typically list the house at the correct price. They have access to a comprehensive list of comparable homes and understand the value of homes in your area. Taking into consideration the current market conditions, they can strategize ways to craft the optimal selling approach, with the goal of earning the highest possible return on your home. This gives home owners an advantage over listing the property themselves. Zillow and other methods of getting a home estimate online are rarely accurate. For example, in Kansas City, a Zillow estimate is only correct 10% of the time. Realtors ensure better pricing.
Tip #2: Better Home Presentations
Presenting a home matters now more than ever. Realtors make sure that these presentations go smoothly. They can provide recommendations for staging your home and hire a professional photographer to take great listing photos. Creating an enticing listing description of a property is an art form, and a skilled agent can call out features local buyers are looking for. They also list your property on the MLS and online real estate sites like Zillow. In fact, agents have access to more listing outlets than sellers who are listing on their own. An agent will host open houses and showings, physically showing your home to buyers. They serve as a buffer between you and all potential buyers, fielding calls, answering questions, and scheduling showings. All of these services will improve your home’s presentation to potential buyers.
Tip #3: Get More Buyer Exposure
Buyers often contact a real estate agent before looking at properties. This means there are many buyers in every market that will only be looking at homes listed by an agent. Your home will get more showings and offers by listing with an agent. In addition, an agent talks to other agents about your home, positioning it as a match for their buyers. This will bring more serious buyers your way.
Tip #4: Higher Offers From Buyers
Higher offers come in when you list with an agent. An agent help to make sure your property is seen by more people. They also make sure that all aspects of the buying process is handled in a professional manner. Having an experienced real estate agent can dramatically impact the offers you receive from buyers.
Tip #5: Negotiates Inspection Results
Inspections can impact the sale of your house. Having a real estate agent gives you an expert in your corner as you handle this aspect of the sale. They understand local housing codes and can point out any red flags on your property that buyers (and their home inspectors) will find. They can also recommend the specific home improvements that matter most to buyers in your area.
Tip #6: Speeds Up Time To Close
There is a lot of paperwork that has to transpire throughout the closing process. Professional real estate agents keep an eye out for deal loopholes and unusual requests, and read all the fine print. In a multiple-offer situation, they’ll help you identify the pros and cons of each offer, making your decision easier. They’ll also recommend when you should counteroffer and when you should accept the deal.
Tip #7: Home Sells At Top Value
Ultimately, you can sell your home for more money when you list with an agent! They can guide you to setting the right price for your home, one that will allow you to both pocket as much money as you can while selling in a timely manner.