Are you ready to list your home? Doing so in a seller’s market can lead to multiple offers—not to mention more money in your pocket. The mistake some sellers make is assuming that when conditions are in their favour, they can handle their sale alone.
The truth is, some people do sell their homes without assistance from an agent. That said, many underestimate the time, energy, and expertise it takes—even when the market is hot. While the decision is ultimately yours to make, there are some distinct benefits of selling with an agent.
Here are six reasons to consider listing your home with an agent in a seller’s market…
1) Neighbourhood Knowledge
When a buyer looks at a home, they want to know what life in the community is really like. If you’ve been a local for a while, you’ll likely be able to answer some of their questions—but not all of them.
Whether they’re a growing family or a young professional, the ‘buyer profile’ should should determine which neighbourhood features you highlight. A skilled local agent will know who your probable purchaser is, what they’re looking for in a community and all the questions they typically ask. They can also use recent local sales data to justify the price you set, which is a major advantage during negotiations.
2) Pricing Expertise
Speaking of price, settling on the right asking price can lead to a far better result. Pricing too low means undervaluing your home, while opting for an amount that’s too high can turn buyers off—even when demand is high.
An experienced agent will help you strike just the right balance. By looking at recent sold prices for comparable homes and factoring in current market conditions, they’ll help ensure that you attract buyers while maximizing your potential return.
3) Marketing Know-How
While you may have no trouble generating buyer interest in a seller’s market, attracting the right home hunters is crucial. The last thing you want is to spend time showing your property to people who are very unlikely to commit.
An agent with a strong selling track record can help you target the right buyers with a mix of polished marketing materials. No matter the market, your home needs to make a great impression on those who are well-positioned to purchase it.
4) Help Assessing Offers to Purchase
If you’re lucky enough to have several offers roll in, you may be tempted to take the highest one right off the bat. Just remember: there’s more to a bid than dollars and cents.
When you’re deciding whether to accept, reject, or counter an offer, you should know all the potential implications of the choice you make. An agent can help you see hidden pitfalls and opportunities to achieve a better outcome.
5) Negotiation Expertise
A seller’s market puts you in the driver’s seat. Your home is a hot commodity, and you can leverage your position. Of course, few people are natural negotiators, and even fewer have the hard-won real estate expertise required to deal with a buyer represented by an agent.
Luckily, a professional who knows the local market and has advanced negotiation skills can help you secure the results you deserve.
6) One Word: Experience!
The selling process can be complicated, and there’s no shortage of obstacles that may arise along the way. It’s nearly impossible to plan for them all if you don’t know the process inside and out.
From putting your property on the market to wrapping up the closing details, a true real estate professional can help ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Are you ready to take the first step?
Interested in learning more about our selling process? Get in touch. We’re happy to answer all of your questions—and help you put your property on the market if the time is right!
