You’ve got a good idea of the value of your home.  Now comes the time to actually HIRE the Realtor.   My advice is to pick a Realtor sooner in the process than later.  A good Realtor can guide you through the process of prepping your home – from advice on where to spend money and more importantly, where NOT to spend money.   Most homeowners are acutely aware of their home’s idiosyncrasies  … but Realtors can advise you where you’ll get the most return on your money.  Painting is by far the best bet to instantly raise your home’s game.  But pick the wrong colour … it could be an expensive mistake.  Realtors work in the market every day and they see what’s selling and what the decorating trends are.  So don’t install that new kitchen when all you need is a new countertop (is it granite that’s in? or Quartz?)  So the sooner you bring your Realtor into the fold, the more money they can save you!   Really …..

It’s all about planning, communication and coordination.  Mapping out the plan and conveying it in an easy to understand roadmap is how I find clients can better prepare themselves for what’s ahead as well as keeping everyone on track.   Stress is caused by not having a plan – or not communicating the plan.  Ever hear Sellers say .. “I have no idea when the pictures are being done” ….  That never happens on my watch.  **DIRTY LITTLE SECRET ALERT** - most agents simply fly by the seat of their pants and scramble to coordinate everything - in listing properties sound SYSTEMS are essential .... did you know 95% of agents don't have a working CRM?  In this fast paced digital world it's hard to believe .... but it's true.  I know some that are still using Outlook.... certainly not an activity plan based database.  Need I say more?

The beauty of a comprehensive roadmap is that all the activities related to the listing are planned well in advance without rushing or panic.  Newspaper ads need lead time, marketing material needs to be developed and most importantly listings go online WITH pictures and virtual tours.   I really hate it when I see a new listing without pictures…. Next….. human nature is you want to look at pretty things… lol.

Even a listing that is a go to market in a week can be achieved with a good plan.  In  my opinion a well thought out and documented plan can easily expose the professional agent from the fly by nighter.   Experienced agents already know the pitfalls and timings of listing – we do it every day, so if you have someone sitting in front of you telling you “not to worry about the details” … find another agent.  Details are what a successful sale is all about.

Better Plan = Less Stress

Next week we will continue to talk about what good agents do and how to spot a not so good one.  There’s plenty of indicators that exposes the not so good ones…. Here’s just a few areas of conversation that can help you spot them.

• What do they offer as far as services? Is there flexibility that meets YOUR needs?
• Do they have a one size fits all type of service package?
• Do they list out exactly what they are committing to do and what is your recourse if they don’t do what they say?
• Is there a way for you to keep them accountable?
• What is the Realtor’s REAL job? 
• Did you know that a Realtor’s job is not just to negotiate the sale of  your home?  Sounds weird,  but it’s to drive traffic to the home… it’s to get as many qualified potential buyers in.  So advertising, networking, door knocking, pictures ... lots of stuff that drives a buyer to your home.  You can’t force anyone to buy the house once they’re in, but if you are priced right and look great…. what do YOU think happens? 
• Do they use professional photographers/stagers?
• Ever seen those pics online done by a really lousy cellphone?  How about pics that are sideways or upside down?
• Did you know that people shop ONLINE before they ever decide to see a property.  They decide within 8 seconds of clicking on your property … if the pictures are bad, what are the odds they’ll get excited about your property?
• Staging is of huge importance these days.  The homes that look like the dream home are more likely to sell quicker and for more money.  Think like a Buyer ….
• What’s their pricing strategy?
• There are many to choose from. Which one make sense to you … it all depends on your specific situation and selling objectives
• Are they full time or part time? Why is it important?
• An agent that’s not available to you the seller or not available to answer agent questions/calls ….  That can be the difference between finding that buyer or losing that buyer.  
• What’s their marketing strategy? 
• Is it put up the sign and pray?  Or do they have a real plan that they can share with you?
• Do they do a complete complement of marketing?
• Is it only one way of marketing?  Print? Digital? Nona?
• It’s important to know their presence on MLS
• Look for samples of how they present properties and if that’s in keeping with your expectations
• Do they provide samples of their work?  How can you verify what they promise?
• Do they promise the moon and deliver …. Well, not much?  Ask to see previous examples of their marketing.  How a property is presented is just as important as the property itself.
• What’s the commission?   (that is actually the last question to ask!) 
• Agent commissions vary from agent to agent. There's full service agents and those that like to make you THINK they are full service.  Don’t solely pick an agent on commission … it’s what’s in your pocket at the end of the day that matters.   Don’t be fooled by the discounters …. It only looks like you’re saving money … but you’re not.  I can prove it. 
• What's their after market service like?  
• Do they get you to sign on the dotted line and then .... disappear?  

There's lots to cover!  I'm always happy to answer any questions YOU may have on real estate so feel free to send me an email at Cori@CoriEndrody.com!

Until next week!