The time has come for a change in your life, and selling your home is part of that transition. However, the real estate market has shifted in recent years, and prospective buyers are proceeding with caution. As a seller, you need every advantage if you want to make the most of your sale. Where do you start? Your first step is to find a local real estate agent you can trust to negotiate on your behalf and represent your best interests. In this article, I’ll give you some valuable tips on how to know if an agent is the right one for your situation.

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Competent and Current

In a changing market, a real estate agent must be able to strategize and think fast on their feet. Nowhere is this competence and industry experience more important than knowing how to prepare and price your home. For example, if you want to earn the highest amount possible, you will likely need to make certain upgrades. 

  • Deep cleaning and decluttering are the foundation of preparing your home for a stunning first impression.
  • A fresh coat of paint is a simple project that can do wonders.
  • Cleaning up the yard, making sure the lawn is maintained, and some well-thought-out decor can add significant perceived value to your home.

Updates like these often cost very little and can help you maximize the value of your sale. What about tearing out the carpets and investing in hardwood floors? Or putting in a new addition? Major overhauls can sometimes pay off. Other times, you’ll invest far more than you’ll get back once your sale closes. It depends on the market, and it depends on the home itself. 

Pricing your home effectively is another critical component of a successful sale. If your pricing strategy doesn’t fit the current market, your home could take longer to sell. Homeowners are often tempted to overprice their property, believing it leaves room for negotiation. However, setting the price too high usually results in selling for less, not more. 

On the other hand, the perfect list price attracts the maximum attention from buyers, giving you the best chance of success. 

A real estate agent who is up to date on the current trends can save you time and stress while ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.

Getting your initial listing price right is too important to leave to chance. Book a free, no-obligation home evaluation right here.

Approachable and Consultative

Selling your home can be a stressful experience. You’ll have a million things on your mind, and it can be hard to stay focused. But when you don’t know what to do next, your real estate agent is just a phone call or text away. The right expert will be honest, trustworthy and approachable. You can expect a fast and accurate answer whenever you have urgent questions.

While the final decisions are always yours, your real estate agent is there to guide you every step of the way. How do you know if an agent you’re considering will take this consultative approach? The first sign is how quickly they respond to you when you ask a question. Another indication is how you feel when you talk over the phone or face to face. Do you feel listened to and respected? The right agent provides you with the data and information you need to decide your next steps, without ever pressuring you into an action you’re not ready to take.

What’s it like to work with me when selling your home? Find out more about my finely-tuned process right here.

Knowledgable About the Local Market

Being highly competent means knowing up to the minute how the real estate market is performing, not just as a whole but in your particular neighbourhood. For example, it could be a buyer’s market everywhere except for a few pockets where houses are in high demand. Your real estate agent should know these micro-neighbourhoods so you can position and market your home with every possible advantage.

You should also work with someone who has successfully navigated all markets, not just when conditions are ideal. For example, an agent with three years of experience or less may only know how to handle a busy seller’s market. But someone with ten or more years behind them can help you sell your home successfully, no matter what the market is doing.

What should you expect when selling your home in today’s market? Find out right here.

Comes With a Built-In Marketing System

Even when the market favours sellers, you still want to promote your listing extensively to attract the highest number of qualified buyers. Does your real estate agent know where these buyers are and how to reach them?

The most comprehensive marketing plan will combine offline and online methods. Since most buyers turn to the Internet to start their search, you want your listing to rise to the top. Your real estate agent will list your home on the MLS®, but that is just the beginning. They will pull out all the stops to get your listing in front of the maximum number of buyers, including.

  • Extensive social media promotions
  • Advertising on Realtor.ca and other real estate websites
  • Email blasts to buyers searching in your area
  • Beautiful feature sheets
  • Networking through real estate boards and other local agents
  • 3D Matterport tours using stunning photos and videos

Once you’ve found the right real estate agent to represent you, every other part of the transaction flows. Your selling experience becomes far less stressful, and you become more empowered for the next step in your journey.

Do you have questions about selling a home in the GTA? This has been my area of expertise for over 20 years, and I’m happy to provide you with honest and unbiased guidance. Reach out today at damir@damirstrk.com or call 416.884.7925 to get started.