The most important decision you make in the selling process is choosing a realtor

Selling a home isn’t easy, but a good realtor can be your saving grace. As the person who understands all the legalities and restrictions, he or she will be the one guiding you through the process while keeping your best interests in mind. That is if you choose the right realtor. Choosing a realtor is one of the most crucial aspects of the sales process and choosing the wrong one could cost you thousands. How so? Consider the following:

They’re going to bat for you in negotiations

Your realtor’s negotiation skills are what get you the best deal possible. It doesn’t matter how firm they are with your price, it matters how your realtor works with the other agent, how much information they gather on the buyer’s ability to pay, their motivation, their insistence, etc. Your realtor should also evaluate where your home stands in the marketplace. Without a realtor who can effectively assess the market and your home’s worth, who is firm in reaching a compromise that is ideal for you, you could end up selling your home for much less than it’s worth. 

They’re going to research your home’s value

Of course, every seller is hoping to get as much as they can for their home. However, if you list your house at a price that is too high you could potentially end up selling for a price thousands less than the market price. Many realtors will try to convince you that they can sell your house at an inflated price just so they can win the listing. This is why it is important to do your homework and know what you can get for your house, within reason.

If your house is not competitively priced, people may either reject your house for larger homes that are listed for a similar price or not even consider your house because it is so far out of their price range. Overpricing can increase the amount of time your house is on the market and cause you to eventually bring your price down much too low just so you can finally sell it.

They’re going to ask you to sign legally binding documents

The home selling process is extremely extensive and an incorrect contract or a missed item can be detrimental, potentially causing the deal to fall through or costing you thousands in repairs and remedies. This is also why it is so essential that your realtor is aware, and informs you, of all restrictions within your area and the required disclosures of conditions.

Always vet a realtor before hiring

As you interview realtors to sell your home, it is important to look into their past sales. Ask specific questions and how they handle negotiations. Have them explain why they’ve reached a recommended price for your home.

If you’re thinking of selling, look no further than Encore Realty. With over 30 years of experience in Southwest Florida, we not only know how to sell your home but we will keep you informed and part of the selling process until your home is sold.