You Need Help: Understanding The Need For A Real Estate Agent
A lot of people nowadays assume that they can go it alone when it comes to selling their home. The reason that they know their home and their neighborhood better than any real estate agent would, and they think they'll be saving money on commissions to boot. While selling your home may appear to be simple, it is likely far more complicated and troublesome than you think, and having a good realtor on board only makes it look easy. Read on to learn more about some common situations that call for having an agent to guide you through the process.
Understanding pricing: There's a lot more to setting a selling price than just evaluating what you think it's worth or talking with your neighbors about it, and an error here, either way, could end up being a major problem. If you set the price too high, your home will sit unsold and if you price it too low, you could leaving money on the table. There's a lot of research to be done before a price should be set, and a professional agent understands the market, comparable selling prices in your area and exactly how much those expensive granite countertops are worth to a buyer.
Understanding renovations: It's easy to assume that buyers are looking for "barn door" closures and "feature walls"; that is if you believe the home renovation television shows. Perhaps you think that a bathroom needs a gigantic shower instead of a bath and shower. Before you make those potentially expensive mistakes, speak with a local agent that shows homes to buyers all the time, and can give you tips on making home improvements that local buyers are really looking for. Home renovations cost plenty of money, and you would be wise to speak to an agent before you call that contractor.
Understanding staging: No, you are not about to mount a musical show in your home, but you should make it show-worthy at the least. Staging involves rearranging, editing, and showcasing your furniture and accessories in a manner that lets your home and its assets really shine. Buyers are actually not that interested in your family photos or the exercise equipment you've put in your spare room; they want to be able to visualize themselves in your home instead. Real estate agents know what buyers want to see when they look at homes and can advise you on getting your home ready to show.
Understanding the time commitment: Most people do have day jobs, and a lot of people work any hours they can. If you think that selling your home is something that can be accomplished in your off hours, you may be in for a rude awakening. Buyers want to view homes on their schedule, and having an agent to help with showing can free you up to work and go on with your life as usual.
