By ROBERT RADCLIFFE | Special to the Palisadian-Post
Part 3 in a Series
MARKETING
Most homeowners believe all agents do basically the same thing. If this were true, then all homes would sell.
Additionally, most homeowners believe that by meeting one agent from one company means that is all that company has to offer.
I hear frequently from potential home sellers, “I am already meeting with ABC Real Estate Company” or “We are currently working with someone from ABC Realty” or the common, “Our friend has a real estate license. We thought we would give him/her a try.”
Be aware that all agents are not alike, even within a brokerage house. Companies give agents boilerplate methods of how to market a home, but it is up to the individual agent to master and create custom marketing plans that enhance the home’s marketability.
The difference in representation and agent’s responsibility in marketing your home can either help you or cost you by not selling or possibly worse, not selling for the highest price.
CONDITION
A “show-ready home” is absolutely crucial to getting top dollar. This is another reason why pricing a home correctly is beneficial. Constantly having to clean up a home and having to make everything look its best for every showing or open house is an inconvenience.
Being absent during the showings and leaving the realtor to figure out what to do with the dogs, for example, is also a problem.
Therefore, getting a home sold in a faster period of time is easier and financially beneficial.
Having a show-ready home from the beginning is crucial. Please consult with a talented and forthright agent who will explain and counsel you on how to get your home in the best condition for “staging the sale.”
Remember that the way we live in a home and the way we sell a home are two totally different matters.
COMMUNICATION
Having a clear understanding of the client’s wishes and communicating to the brokerage community and buyers all the information on a home are incredibly important.
It is very frustrating when representing a buyer client and requesting information from a listing agent, only to hear the listing agent say, “I do not know, you will have to check that out.”
I have witnessed buyers lose interest in a home because of the lack of knowledge and communication from a listing agent about a home.
On the flipside, I have seen buyers benefit by an agent sharing too much information. Any of these mistakes can be costly and / or result in home might not sell.
TERMS
Sometimes the simplest things can prevent a sale. For example, it can be a matter of timing. If a buyer needs to close in 30 days, but the seller will not or cannot move out for 60 days, it can create an issue that may not be resolved.
I have witnessed unsuccessful negotiations because of this small yet important issue.
As you can imagine, there are many other terms that can get in the way of a transaction.
The best advice for navigating favorable terms is to be as flexible as possible with potential inconveniences while always keeping in mind the main goal: to sell for the highest price possible.
To read the remaining reasons a home will not sell and to find all of my credentials, along with the advantages my team and I can offer you with the sale of your home, please visit www.robertradcliffe.com 310-255-5454.
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