A home is a big asset. There is a lot of money on the table with any transaction. The minute your home listing hits the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), time starts ticking, so make sure that you have the right person and brokerage on your side to give your home the right exposure and selling opportunity that it deserves.
Let’s Look at a Few Things to Consider When Selling a Home
Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor – Is There A Difference?
In short YES. One only holds a license, while the other, REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Realtors are held to higher standards in the industry and must obey the Code of Ethics.
Experience in Problem Solving
Let’s face it. We all know at least one real estate agent. The hotter the real estate market gets, the more people are lured into the profession by the idea of quick and easy money. The explosion of real estate reality TV where mansions are sold with only a call or a quick showing, where buyers, sellers, and agents are seen partying and celebrating, is an all to common site nowadays. The shows are definitely fun and make for great TV, BUT the real estate reality is actually quite different when transactions are processed off-screen. Champagne doesn’t flow nearly as much, and almost every transaction hits a roadblock at some point. Things are always rosy at the beginning when an offer comes in. The price looks great, the terms are good, and both buyers and sellers are happy at the moment. However, this euphoria can quickly disappear when problems arise during the inspections, escrow process, buyer’s financing, and even when cash offers are involved. When things go wrong, and emotions run high, your agent’s and their team’s ability to resolve all the issues is critical. That’s when experience and training matters!
Take the Emotion Out of the Transaction
It may be easier said than done. After all, it’s your house, but your goal is now to sell the house, so keep the transaction as businesslike as possible. That’s where a good agent will come in handy. The real estate agent is a third party brought into the transaction. They have no emotional connection to the house or its belongings. However, your agent will have to be able to work under pressure, when emotions do run high due to circumstances. It’s similar to the nurses and doctors who work in the ER. While there is chaos around them, their clear thinking and staying on task often saves the life of the patient. They can not cave under pressure. Your agent needs to be able to navigate the process while staying cool and thinking quickly. Knowing what to do under pressure will move the sales process forward, no matter what may be happening at a given step.
Get the House in Order
As a Seller, once you decide to put your house up for sale, you should start making preparations to declutter, pack, clean, and if necessary paint, and prepare your home for showings. A home that’s clean and tidy, will be inviting to potential Buyers. Depersonalize the home as well. Take personal pictures and trinkets out of the home. The goal is to make the home ready for the new owners and allow them to visuali
