If it’s your first time selling a home (or it’s been so long since you sold you’ve forgotten how it works), here’s what to watch for when hiring a Realtor.
Ask friends and family for referrals
If you don’t already have a Realtor, ask your friends and family to recommend an agent that they’ve worked with previously. You could also read reviews on Google and Facebook but getting a recommendation from someone you know is your best bet.
Talk to three potential Realtors before choosing one. One of them could be the niece/neighbour/brother-in-law that just got their real estate license, one should be the referral, and one should be a top agent in your area.
Ask for a listing presentation
Contact each of these Realtors and tell them you’re considering using them to sell your home and ask them to do a listing presentation. A listing presentation is where a Realtor comes to your property and tells you how they’ll price and market your home. Ask lots of questions and listen to what your intuition is telling you. Go with the agent with the most comprehensive plan and that you trust the most.
Watch out for agents buying your listing
“Buying a listing” is an industry term for overpricing a property during the listing presentation in hopes of securing the listing.
Say you interview three Realtors and two of them tell you your home should sell for around $1.2M within 90 days. The third agent says they’ll get $1.35M BUT you’ll need to commit to a one year listing contract. The third agent is trying to buy the listing by promising you more money than their competition.
In an up market, the agent is betting on the home appreciating to their price within the year. In a down market, the agent will come back to you with negative buyer feedback to grind you down on the too-high starting price.
If a Realtor tells you they’ll get WAY more money for your home than anyone else, ask him/her to show you their work and explain how they can justify said higher price.
Be an active participant in the process
Your Realtor will get professional photos and videos done. They’ll advertise the property. They’ll organize open houses. They’ll handle the bulk of the hard work but as a seller, you still have some responsibilities.
Nobody wants to buy a dirty house so keep your home clean and tidy. Pick up after kids and pets and fix anything that breaks.
If you get a last minute request for a surprise showing, do everything you can to accommodate. It’s important to let as many people as possible see the home, even if it’s at an inconvenient time.
Go away during viewings and open houses. If buyers feel like they’re being surveilled by a seller, they’ll rush through the home. Sellers should leave the home and give the buyers and their Realtor as much time as they want. The more seriously they’re considering your home, the more time they’ll hang around.
Don’t leave junk in the house
Your house is sold and you’re getting ready to move out. Whatever you do, don’t leave anything behind. Buyers expect to move into a clean house that isn’t cluttered with a bunch of junk or random furniture. Best case scenario, junk at the house creates unhappy buyers. Worst case scenario, you could find yourself in court being sued for the cost of having the items disposed of.
Hear/Watch/Read the full podcast
Check out my August podcast if you want way more detail on selling your home with a Realtor.
🎙️ Subscribe to the interview on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you download podcasts.
📺 Watch the the complete interview on YouTube.
📰 Read the full transcript on my website: https://www.teamtrueblue.ca/blog/73387/how-to-sell-your-home-with-a-realtor
FOR SALE: 1127 Malcolm Creek Road, Roberts Creek, BC - $1,599,000
Big, beautiful, and next to brand new, this 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom custom home sits on 1.25 private acres in sought-after Roberts Creek on BC’s Sunshine Coast.
The open concept living space on the main level boasts cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in a forest view. The kitchen has stainless-steel appliances and a walk-in pantry.
The basement has two bedrooms, a second kitchen, and a huge covered patio. Use this level as additional living space or as a mortgage helper.
FULL LISTING: https://t.ly/1127MalcomCreekRd
This gorgeous luxury home is move in ready and all you need to do is unpack. Hurry and call Realtor Tony Browton today! 604-418-2695
FOR SALE: 302 Shoal Lookout, Gibsons, BC - $1,349,000
Build your dream home on this panoramic, oceanfront lot in Gibsons on BC's beautiful Sunshine Coast.
302 Shoal Lookout is a 0.36 acre, build-ready lot situated on Gibsons’ prestigious Bluff. Located in a quite cul-de-sac, this property provides spectacular 180º views, which include Shoal Channel, the North Shore Mountains, and neighbouring islands. The lot has had over $150,000 of site improvements, including house plans and geotechnical reports. There’s also the potential to build your own private steps that would lead down to the ocean.
FULL LISTING: https://t.ly/302ShoalLookout
This is a rare offering in Gibsons most exclusive neighbourhood. Call Tony today and request your info pack. 604-418-2695
FOR SALE: 301 Shoal Lookout, Gibsons, BC - $1,995,000
In a quiet cul-de-sac on top of Gibsons’ prestigious Bluff, this stunning log home provides an unmatched ambiance and picturesque ocean views. The property also boasts a large 2-storey detached guest house, previously licensed for short term rental. There are gorgeous hardwood floors, a large wood burning fireplace, multiple decks and even a private backyard pub. Enjoy picturesque ocean vistas from all levels including the garden and listen to the waves lapping on the beach below.
A serene location makes this home one of the most desirable living spaces on BC's BEAUTIFUL Sunshine Coast.
Call Tony today to request your info pack: 604-418-2695
FOR SALE: 317 Shoal Lookout, Gibsons, BC - $999,000
Located on Gibsons’ highly sought-after Bluff, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home is priced to sell. Spacious and bright, this home is perfect for those willing to do some updates to make it their own.
The house boasts views from various locations both inside and outside the home. A detached garage provides ample space for parking or projects and even has its own 3-piece bathroom. Gardens and a greenhouse offer a tranquil retreat after a long day.
317 Shoal Lookout is priced to sell and you don't want miss out on this incredible opportunity! Making improvements inside and doing some landscaping outside would reinvigorate this family home in one of Gibsons most desirable neighbourhoods!
Call Tony today to request your info pack: 604-418-2695
Call Tony today!
If you’re not already working with a Realtor, call me when you’re ready to buy or sell and I’ll guide you through the competitive real estate market on BC’s BEAUTIFUL Sunshine Coast.
Tony Browton - TeamTrueBlue.ca
Personal Real Estate Corporation
RE/MAX City Realty (Gibsons)
Mobile: 604-418-2695
Email: Click here to email Tony
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This newsletter and its contents are not intended to cause or induce breach of any existing agency agreement.