How to Choose a Seller's Agent in Today’s Market!

The spring Vermont Real Estate market is right around the corner. While we anticipate slower price growth this year compared to last, sellers are very likely to remain in the driver's seat; homeowners who decide to sell will be able to take advantage of an aggressive seller's market. It may seem like listing your home on the MLS and waiting for the phone to ring is all you need to do to sell a home, but that is very far from the truth. Even in a seller's market, selling your home for the highest value takes organization, marketing know-how, excellent negotiation skills, and trust. 

If you're thinking about selling your home, you want to make sure you have the right agent by your side. These days, it's not so much about if your home will sell; rather, are you selling your home on your terms, at the right price, and at the right time? 

Here are a few things you should know!

What Does A Seller's Agent Do For Me?

A seller's agent, also known as a listing agent or selling agent, represents you, the seller, and owes a fiduciary duty to keep your best interests in mind. A seller's agent will:

• Guide you through the selling process
• Find interested buyers
• Competitively price your home
• Hire professional photographers to stage and showcase your home
• Execute strategic print and digital marketing of your home
• Host open houses and private tours
• Organize, evaluate, and advise on offers
• Lead contract negotiations
• Organize and submit paperwork associated with selling your home
• Communicate with and coordinate all parties to ensure a smooth closing process

And more!

What's more, according to the National Association of REALTORS®  Research Group, homes sold by REALTORS® sell significantly higher than homes sold by owners.

So, what should you think about when looking for someone to sell your home?

Find An Agent Who Is Organized

In this hot market, showings are overbooking, and home sellers are finding themselves in multiple offer situations. You want a listing agent who can receive a dozen or more offers and present them in a way that's digestible and easy to understand. In a climate where offers are coming in with minimal contingencies, flexible terms, and different financing options, you're going to want to make sure you clearly understand which offer meets or exceeds your real estate goal. 

You also want an efficient agent. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it's that technology can make your property accessible to more people than ever before. That's why we invest in the latest digital platforms that enable our agents to maximize their time to sell your home. From industry-leading customer management software to cutting-edge scheduling apps, our agents are equipped to sell your home stress-free!

Find An Agent Who Can Price Your Home Competitively

Reading the market is like reading tea leaves; it takes experience, nuance, local knowledge, and some number crunching to determine a valuation that maximizes the current real estate climate. When you meet with a prospective listing agent, have them walk you through their pricing strategy. Sure, a high number will blow you away. But beware of the seller's agent who aims high without the methodology to support it. If the market doesn't bear a high price point, the listing will risk getting stale. Buyers will see the property linger and wonder if something is wrong. Then, as months go by, buyers will be motivated to bring low-ball offers that are lower than another listing agent's more reasonable listing price.

Find An Agent Who Can Market Your Home

The best seller's agents understand what it takes to get your home sold on your timeline and in your price range. A listing agent who understands that the location of your home is everything will position it accordingly. This ensures that buyers who highly value what your home offers are first in line at the open house. If your home has great bones and charm, a great seller's agent can save you money by suggesting you hold off on a fresh coat of paint and improvements that might normally be necessary in a buyer's market. Additionally, good seller's agents know what buyers are looking for and will know how to get the word out about your listing. That’s when the marketing fun comes in.

Getting your house in front of the right people is a numbers game. In 2022, attention spans are short. If you don't have high-quality photos and video, the buyer of your dreams is likely to swipe left. If you don't have your home on the right platforms, they won't even have the chance. NAR’s 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reports that 95% of buyers use the internet to search for their next home. At Vermont Real Estate Company, we work hard to market our listings across the web, email, social media, and print. Take a look at some of our numbers from 2021:

Find An Agent You Can Trust

Your listing agent will be your most valuable asset when it comes to selling your home…so make sure you like them! Look for the qualities that are most important to your process. For example, are you looking for a listing agent who's more of an analytical or creative thinker? When you sit down with a prospective agent, ask them about their communication style and if it complements your own. At Vermont Real Estate Company, we prioritize agent-client relationships. Meaning they are your main point of contact, as it should be. 

When you call, the Vermont Real Estate Company agent who knows your property best is the one picking up the phone. 

They’re also the ones managing paperwork, scheduling inspections, providing showings and hosting open houses, and getting your home sold. 

When you close, your Vermont Real Estate Company agent is the one by your side. 

As your selling representative, you want someone you can rely on. 

-------------------------

Our team at Vermont Real Estate Company provides real estate services for homeowners across the state. Are you considering selling your home? Our knowledgeable and friendly agents are highly experienced on both sides of the transaction and are happy to help you every step of the way. Get started today!