Deciding to sell your home is no small feat—it’s a thrilling feeling, but let’s be totally real for a second: it can also have your stomach doing back flips over and over again. The golden ticket and magic pill, you might ask? Well, partnering with the right listing agent who’s got your back from start to finish and possesses the proper set of skills for the job. When we talk about a listing agent (sometimes you’ll also hear folks call them a seller’s agent), we mean the superhero who markets and champions the sale of your home, standing by your side throughout the entire real estate journey.
So, you might be wondering, how can you be so sure you’ve teamed up with the right person for the job? Here are our three non-negotiable skills your listing agent should absolutely rock and what you should look for.
Your Listing Agent Should be Utilizing the most current market data; together, with their guidance you’ll determine the optimal price for your home.
While it may be tempting to pick the agent who suggests the highest asking price for your house, that kind of strategy may honestly cost you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when you see a bigger number and those dollar signs beside it, but overpricing your house can have consequences you might not have even anticipated. It could mean it’ll sit on the market longer or, worst comes to worst, it might not even sell just because the higher price is actually deterring potential buyers as per comparison with other properties around.
Instead, you would want to pick an agent who’s going to have an open conversation with you about how they think you should price your house and why. A great listing agent will base their pricing strategy on research solid real estate data. They won’t throw out a random number just to win your listing. Instead, usually, they’ll show you the facts, explain the reasoning for their pricing strategy, and make sure you’re on the same page. As NerdWallet explains:
“An agent who recommends the highest price isn’t always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.”
Having superior negotiation skills is paramount.
Selling your house can stir up a whirlwind of emotions, especially when it’s a place you’ve once called your cherished home and made countless memories in. It’s totally understandable. This emotional connection can sometimes cloud our judgment during the negotiation phase. This is exactly why having a reliable expert by your side is invaluable.
A seasoned and tenured listing agent remains unflappable even in the most intense negotiations. They serve as your advocate, navigating those tough conversations for you. With them at the helm, you can rest assured, knowing that someone passionately represents your best interests every step of the way.
A proficient problem solver is what they are
At the core of the real estate journey, the primary mission of a listing agent is to ensure your home finds its next owner with ease. A top-notch agent remains steadfastly focused on this objective, always putting your needs front and center. Should they spot any crucial actions you should undertake, they won’t hesitate to let you know and share their insights. Their unwavering dedication to your triumph ensures they stand by your side, navigating challenges and brainstorming inventive solutions to any surprises that might emerge.
As described by BankRate, the concept is laid out as follows:
“Just as important as the knowledge and experience agents bring is their ability to guide you smoothly through the process. Above all, go with an agent you trust and will feel comfortable with. . .”
In Conclusion
Whether it’s your debut sale or you’re revisiting the familiar journey of selling a home, the right listing agent makes all the difference. Reach out to the McT Real Estate Group Team, and let’s team up so you have a seasoned San Diego pro with all the right characteristics guiding you at each turn.