We're not discount agents. This means that we will occasionally pass on working with potential clients. Some clients are only willing to pay for discount service - and we understand why they make that choice. Sometimes the cost seems lower, at least on paper and in the moment. Smart shoppers are learning that discounts often claim to provide additional value, but not always. Here's a story about how retail discounts are mostly theatre. I think this is true in real estate too, and worse, I don't think it really is cheaper either. Here's why:
- Discount brokerage often means unresponsive service, and unresponsive service leads to missed deals. Rather than coming up with solutions to problems - driving towards closing and making it work, discount agents are often reactive.
- Discount agents are often willing to price a house however an owner would like. We are not willing to do that, because it's not in the best interest of the client - whatever they might think.
Why? Because when you list a home above its value, you lose time. Houses sell highest when they sell quickly. Well priced homes - even when listed lower than an owner might like, will sell for more money than when listed too high. This is because it won't sell until the price is lowered - and as homes age on the market, there is less negotiating powers available to sellers. If you want to sell at the highest possible price - you have to price the home properly to start.
We're also willing to have the hard conversations - about reducing prices, updating elements, cleaning up, and otherwise getting your house in the best possible condition. We're not afraid to speak openly and honestly with you because this is a major financial transaction in your life, and you deserve experts who help you even when the information is hard to hear.
We will tell you what your home is worth, and will work with you to list it close to its value. And when you do:
It will sell faster.
A well-priced home not only captures the attention of potential buyers, it also prompts interested buyers to act. The sooner they act, the more likely one of them will make an offer and get the process underway.
You’ll target the right buyers.
If the price is right, your home will attract the right buyers who can afford your home.
It will sell for closer to its list price.
When a home is priced well interested buyers will see its value and may submit an offer at or close to your list price. In some areas, a well-priced home may even set off a bidding war among interested buyers!
There are many buyers on the market right now, so if you are interested in selling your home, NOW is the time to do it!
For the buyers, another word of advice: Don’t obsess with trying to time the market and figure out when is the best time to buy. Trying to anticipate the housing market is impossible. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it. Real estate is cyclical, it goes up and it goes down and it goes back up again. So, if you try to wait for the perfect time, you’re probably going to miss out.