Representing You
Selling a property in today's market presents unique challenges--and opportunities. Did you know that most optimum time in the market for you to sell a property occurs within the first 30 days of listing? Yet, many sellers cling to the belief that "I can always go down." As their price goes down so does the likelihood of a quick sell! "Price it right" is an important strategy in any listing.
What real estate agents often don't tell a prospective seller is that even if the house is not priced optimally, the agent can still do business off the house: leads from callers; meeting prospective clients at an open house; agent name recognition on the listing. In short, although any agent wants to sell the house at the highest price (just like the owner), sometimes their interests diverge. If getting a listing is an agent's top priority, then providing no nonsense market-based analysis may take a back seat to going along with the seller's (often mistaken) judgment as to pricing.
I provide a very detailed and brutally honest analysis of a home's sales value in today's market.
I view any listing appointment with a prospective client as an opportunity to educate. Providing a complete comparative market analysis is only the first step, however. Being honest about the appearance of the home and addressing potential (obvious or less than obvious) problems with the house are two other critical steps. There are just too many homes available for buyers to have to look past the unkempt, untidy and cluttered conditions.
Staging a home is very important. So, too, is getting a pre-home inspection from a very reputable company to discover--before listing--any defects that need to be corrected. These will likely be uncovered anyway by the buyer when the house is under contract, so why not give prospective buyer's one more incentive to make an offer? In the absolute worst case scenario and your home does not sell, you have a better investment and a nicer place to live!
Any prospective seller should interview at least three Realtors--from different agencies--before agreeing to list with one of those brokerage firms. And, while it may be tempting to do so, avoid friends as your potential listing agent. That person can always give you informal advice but friendship can be frayed in the business of selling a property, especially under these market conditions.
Keep in mind that the agent is also interviewing you as a potential client: Are you really motivated to sell? Do you show a willingness to listen? Do you have realistic expectations for both the prospects of selling the property and the role your agent will play on your behalf?
Working with Agent Owned--one of Charleston's top three companies in terms of dollar sales and sale volume--allows me to combine my expertise with powerhouse marketing.
Finally, keep in mind that in South Carolina, there are different type of agency relationships--legally binding agreements between the real estate broker and the seller. When you sign an exclusive right to sell agreement, you can be assured that I will provide you unsurpassed service. Agency = Empowerment!In abbreviated form, here are the different fiduciary duties I provide to clients.
| Fiduciary Duty | Client | |
CARE and DILIGENCE | Protect client from harm | |
CONFIDENTIALITY | Owe total confidentiality (forever) unless permission given by client or required by law | |
OBEDIENCE | Do anything and everything asked to do relating to real estate that is lawful. | |
ACCOUNTING | Handling documents and money in a timely fashion; keeps client informed | |
LOYALTY | 100% | |
DISCLOSURE | Must disclose any material fact that might affect client’s decision |
