I see so many articles on how to prepare your home for selling. I have even written some of them! With the popularity of HGTV, I believe sellers are aware that there are several things you can do to prepare your home and maximize the price.
Interview Your Broker
I believe sellers are also savvy enough to know to ask for a broker’s credentials.
If you interview several realtors with similar credentials working in the same area how do you choose? Trust is a big one. You are most likely parting with your biggest asset. You need to believe that an agent not only has a proven track record but that they are going to follow through on everything they say they are going to do.
Communication Is Key
How often should you expect to hear from your agent? Do they answer your calls or call you back within a reasonable time period? Do you prefer email or texting? Can your agent accommodate your preference?
But How Does My Agent Price My Home?
There are lots of little nuances in the Boston market. Prices can vary greatly from street to street within a neighborhood. Your agent needs to understand those nuances.
Several items to take into consideration:
- Location
- Condition
- Square footage
- Number of beds and baths
- Outdoor space
- Parking
We use MLS to track recent sold properties using the above criteria. No 2 properties are alike but, using this method, your agent should be able to reasonably price your condo.
We typically only go back 6 months as an appraiser will only use recent information.
With the current market conditions favoring sellers it’s also important to look at properties that are under agreement. The market is moving up with the lack of inventory and high number of buyers. If a property goes under agreement in a few days it’s a reasonable assumption that it went at or over asking. If there is a trend in your neighborhood: even better.
Occasionally, we come across a property that has unique features that increase the value. It takes experience to price these properties. If your property is superior to recent sales in the neighborhood we will take that into consideration when pricing (knowing that an appraiser will too.)
