From the Desk of the Interim CEO: Know Your Why (Part 1)

Do you know your WHY? Can you, off the top of your head, explain why a person looking to sell their home needs you, a professional Realtor? If not, my advice is to continue to read this article and then prepare your personal statement articulating your value.

We are still working in a market where multiple offers are the norm, especially with homes that fall in the “sweet spot” for a particular town. Would-be sellers are being contacted directly by interested buyers, or by relatives and friends who know someone interested in their neighborhood.

Educating consumers about the value of working with a Realtor is important. There are consumers who might perceive Realtor services as an additional expense or believe that they can handle the process independently, underestimating the complexities involved in real estate transactions.

Here are the key reasons why a seller should consider working with you:

Pricing Strategy: Determining the right price for their property is crucial for a successful sale. HGAR Realtors have access to comprehensive market data through membership in OneKey MLS and can perform a comparative market analysis to help them set an optimal listing price, factoring in recent sales, market trends and property condition to ensure the home is priced competitively.

Marketing and Exposure: Realtors have the expertise and resources to effectively market the homeowner’s property to potential buyers. Realtors can create professional listings with high-quality photos, virtual tours, floor plans, and compelling descriptions, utilizing the multiple listing services to promote the property to a wide network of buyers and other real estate professionals. These connections and marketing efforts can help maximize exposure and increase the chance of a successful sale.

Negotiation Skills: Negotiating with buyers can be challenging and emotionally charged. Realtors are skilled negotiators who can represent the interest of their clients and work to secure not only the best possible price, but the best terms. They can handle offers, counteroffers and navigate through any potential issues that arise during negotiations.

Time and Convenience: Selling a property involves numerous tasks, from listing preparations to showings, paperwork, and facilitating the entire selling process. By hiring a Realtor, sellers can offload many of these responsibilities saving them time and effort.

Market Expertise: Realtors stay updated on current market conditions and trends, enabling them to provide valuable insights into the local market. This knowledge allows sellers to make informed decisions and adjust their selling strategy accordingly.

Contract and Legal Guidance: Selling a property involves complex legal documentation and contracts. A Realtor can guide their client through the paperwork, ensuring all necessary disclosures, contingencies, and legal requirements are met, protecting their client’s interests throughout the transaction.

Professional Representation: A Realtor provides a layer of professionalism and impartiality during the selling process. They act as advocates and can handle negotiations, communications, and any potential conflicts with buyers and their agents.

Before I conclude this month’s article, I would like to share a recent personal experience that involved the pending sale of my mother’s home in a 55-and-older community. Multiple people approached my family when they heard my mother was moving. As much as my siblings wanted it over and done with, I insisted on listing it with a Realtor who could get an accepted offer and see the deal through closing with the least amount of stress for us and for the highest price for my mother. Five offers later, and a sale price above asking was the result. Worth every penny of the commission paid.

Overall, using a Realtor when selling a property saves a seller time, helps them to achieve a competitive price, and navigates the complexities of the transaction with expertise and guidance. In my personal opinion, we are priceless.