Four Additional Services You Can Get Through A Seller's Agent
Many home sellers are hesitant to work with an agent because they don't want to pay the associated fees. But seller's agents do more than just show homes and list them on the MLS -- they work hard to present and market the homes. Here are a few of the additional services that you're usually paying for when you work with a seller's agent.
1. Advice on Upgrades and Repairs
Does your home need some work? Your seller's agent will know the market value of your home and its projected value -- and will be able to tell you whether or not it's worth it to actually make these upgrades and repairs. Sometimes your home is already priced at the top of the market, so investing more in upgrades and repairs isn't going to increase the amount of money you can command for it.
2. Professional Staging and Photography
Many seller's agents are experts at staging and photography. They know how to make a property look attractive to buyers and exactly what is necessary to make it look more like a "home." For example, staging usually involves accent pieces like paintings, but it avoids using photographs -- personal photographs usually make it harder for a person to envision their own family in the house.
3. Online Listings
Sales today aren't just happening through the MLS. Quite frequently, properties are now being found through online classified services. Real estate agents maintain their own set of online listings and list on all the popular online listing services. They also operate as the main point of contact for these listing services so you don't have to feel overburdened by the communication.
4. Professional Price Comparisons
As a seller, you know how much you need to sell your home for. But you may not know exactly what it's worth. Though a professional appraisal can give you a good idea, a real estate agent has a much better picture of how houses are moving through your current market. They will be able to tell you how to price your house so that it sells faster and how other houses within your neighborhood compare.
A seller's agent generally earns their money. Not only will they improve upon your property values, but they'll also help you in selling your house faster than you could otherwise. You can contact your local real estate agents to find out exactly what services they provide.