So far, 2021 is the year of the sale. It's a "seller's market." You know homes are
selling faster than ever, with listings in short supply around the country, including right here in Prescott, AZ. The equation is simple: low inventory + motivated buyers = record home prices. If you’ve been thinking about putting your home up for sale, now is the time to do it.
OK, you’re convinced. You’ll put your home on the market. But please, don’t do it alone.
In its 2020 Quick Real Estate Statistics Overview, the National Association of REALTOR® reported almost 89% of sellers were assisted by a real estate agent, with homes, on average, selling in just three weeks. There’s a reason an overwhelming majority of sellers choose to have a trusted advisor by their side, and those reasons still apply no matter how good the market gets. Let’s review the benefits of a real estate agent:
- Real estate agents understand fair market value. As agents, we live and breathe real estate, which means we know the value of your home and what considerations affect that value. Our estimates aren’t based on emotions or nostalgia but on real market comparisons of similar homes that sold in your area coupled with our unbiased experience.
- Agents are adept at pricing strategies in your market. Even in a fast-moving market, the wrong price could mean your house isn’t sold quickly or that you lose money when you could’ve asked for more. We can lay out pricing strategies to get you the best possible price in the least amount of time.
- Agents provide access to extensive market exposure. Whether through local MLS and online listing portals, or social media, agent connections and name recognition, we have connections among the local real estate community and around the world. An extensive network allows for more eyes on your property and puts you in a great selling position.
- Buyer's agents are most likely showing homes that are also working with an agent. Honestly, agents are more likely to show homes that can make a commission versus a listing that’s for sale by owner (or FSBO). This isn’t just a business advantage. As agents, we know there won't be a real estate professional on the other end of a FSBO transaction, which could make negotiating and closing much more difficult. The only reason we’d show a FSBO is if it’s priced so low, the deal is worth the hassle of a non-professional representing the sale, which brings us back to that point about pricing strategies and losing out if you don’t use an agent … (See? It’s all making sense now.)
- Agents are expert negotiators and can find the best buyers. Agents know and understand the buying and selling process. We can recommend counteroffers and can help sellers make as much money as possible from their home. We can also explain the benefits of accepting one offer over another, if the two are somewhat similar.
- Agents know the paperwork and legal documentation needed. This prevents illegal maneuvers, and ensures all documentation and paperwork are accounted for in the transaction. A seller can be held liable for fraud, negligence, or breach of contract if they do not disclose properly—and we know how to do just that. Plus, price negotiations take finely honed skill and when it comes to the art of negotiation, agents are masters.
- Agents want to avoid emotional sales. Selling a home is an emotional experience. (We all know it!) An agent is a source of support and trust. We’re also a professional buffer, keeping sellers one step removed from the process. We put a positive spin on a potentially stressful process and reduce headaches as much as possible. We’re here for you through the good and the bad, making sure you don’t ever have to experience challenges alone.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to talk, contact me at 909-273-4542.
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