There are many common problems sellers face when working with real estate agents in COLUMBIA. Learn more about what to watch out for in our latest post!
Before we get started, let us first say that there are some truly great agents out there. However, selling with one isn’t always the best way to sell a house. Every house is unique as is every situation sellers are facing. This is why there should be options when selling. Before you decide to list your house, consider all of the ways you can sell your COLUMBIA house, and then choose which method is right for you. Below are a few common obstacles sellers face when working with an agent.
The Money Up Front
When you list a house it will need to be competitive with the others on the market if you want to sell fast. Most houses will require not only repairs but also a thorough cleaning and continued upkeep. You might want to stage or pay to have some of your belonging put in storage to make the house appear less cluttered. These costs come into play before the listing agreement is even signed.
When listing a house, achieving a competitive edge in the real estate market is crucial for a swift sale. To stand out among other properties, a home often necessitates not only necessary repairs but also a meticulous cleaning regimen and consistent upkeep. Preparing a house for sale may involve additional steps, such as staging or even opting to store some belongings off-site to create a more spacious and decluttered appearance. These preparatory measures are essential to enhance the overall appeal of the property and make a positive impression on potential buyers.
It’s noteworthy that these costs and efforts are incurred even before the listing agreement is finalized. Investing in the presentation and condition of the home upfront can significantly impact its marketability and the speed at which it sells. While these initial expenses may seem like an investment, they are integral to the overall strategy of making the property more attractive, potentially leading to a faster and more successful sale. Ultimately, the goal is to position the house competitively in the market, ensuring that it captivates potential buyers and maximizes its selling potential.
Marketing and Other Expenses
Not all agents are full-service. Some will charge you additional fees on top of their commission. Or they will leave certain aspects of the marketing up to you. There are flat-rate agents who will list your house on the MLS and that’s it. You will need to show the property, handle questions, pay for additional marketing, and more. Every agent is different in what they offer. If you choose to work with a COLUMBIA real estate agent, make sure you know what services they provide.
Real estate agents vary in the level of service they offer, and it’s important for sellers to be aware of these differences. Not all agents provide full-service packages; some may charge additional fees on top of their commission or leave certain marketing aspects to the seller. For instance, there are flat-rate agents who may only list the house on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and leave the responsibility of showing the property, addressing inquiries, and managing additional marketing efforts to the seller.
Understanding the scope of services offered by a Columbia real estate agent is crucial when selecting professional assistance. Sellers should clarify what is included in the agent’s commission and whether there are any supplementary fees. This transparency ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding expectations and responsibilities throughout the selling process. Whether opting for a full-service agent or a more streamlined approach, sellers benefit from knowing the extent of the services provided and can make informed decisions based on their preferences and requirements.
Glorified Listing Prices
This isn’t true of all agents, but some will glorify your listing price in order to have you sign with them. This can hurt your ability to sell quickly as a high price will make many people look the other way. You will eventually need to lower the price, which only wastes your time in the long run. Houses that sit on the MLS get no way near as much attention as fresh listings hitting the market. This is why it is important to price your property correctly from the get-go.
While it’s not a practice of all real estate agents, some may be inclined to overstate the potential listing price to secure a client’s agreement. This approach, although not representative of the entire industry, can have adverse effects on the seller’s ability to achieve a quick and successful sale. An inflated initial listing price might deter potential buyers, as a higher price point could lead them to overlook the property or prioritize more reasonably priced alternatives.
The consequence of an initially overpriced property often involves a later adjustment of the listing price. This reduction may be necessary to align with market expectations and attract serious buyers. However, homes that linger on the market tend to receive less attention than newly listed properties. Fresh listings typically generate increased interest, and the longer a house stays on the market, the more challenging it can become to attract prospective buyers.
For sellers, this underscores the importance of accurately pricing the property from the start. Collaborating with a real estate agent who provides a realistic and well-researched assessment of the property’s market value is crucial. By setting the right price initially, sellers increase their chances of attracting a broader pool of interested buyers and achieving a more efficient and successful sale.
A Non-Responsive Agent
There is nothing worse than being stuck in a listing agreement with someone who doesn’t return your calls. A good agent will make you feel as if you are their only client. They will answer all of your calls and questions and touch base with you frequently to let you know of any developments in the selling process. You should never have to call more than once or spend time having to track them down. Remember, they work for you!
Being in a listing agreement with an unresponsive agent can indeed be frustrating and counterproductive to the home-selling process. A reputable and effective real estate agent recognizes the importance of communication and client satisfaction. A good agent goes above and beyond to make clients feel prioritized, ensuring they feel like the agent’s only client.
Responsive communication is a hallmark of a dedicated agent. This means promptly returning calls, addressing questions, and proactively keeping the seller informed about any developments in the selling process. Regular updates, whether by phone, email, or in-person meetings, are crucial to maintaining a transparent and trusting relationship between the agent and the seller.
A responsive agent understands that the selling process can be stressful and is committed to alleviating that stress by providing timely and clear communication. Sellers should never feel the need to chase down their agent for information or assistance. After all, the agent works for the seller, and a high level of responsiveness and attentiveness is part of delivering quality service. Sellers are encouraged to set expectations regarding communication from the outset and to choose an agent who values and prioritizes open and consistent dialogue throughout the selling journey.
Being Stuck In A Contract
Getting stuck in a listing agreement can be very frustrating. Most agreements will state that the agent is entitled to their commission no matter how the house is sold. Even if you find the buyer yourself, you will still be required to pay your agent. It is especially frustrating when you get stuck with an agent who isn’t working as hard as they should be. You can find yourself doing much of the work, only to have them collect their fee when all is said and done.
Selling Direct Might Be For You
For many houses in the COLUMBIA area, a direct sale can be a much better choice. There are no commissions, fees, repair costs, or marketing expenses. You won’t have to wait around for a buyer or worry about the sale falling through.