When you decide to sell your home, one of the first things that often comes to mind is whether you will use a real estate agent or handle the process yourself. Many people think that it will be cheaper to do a “for sale by owner” or FSBO, and when considering the commission to pay the agent, this can seem attractive at first, especially when there seem to be so many “success stories” on TV and online.
However, once you understand all that goes into preparing, marketing, and staging, and selling a home, that initial attraction fades. Even the best Internet research can fail to rival real-life experience and market contacts. A good real estate agent will do more than just show up with potential buyers, talk up the house, and take care of some paperwork. They are familiar with all aspects of buying and selling homes.
Having a knowledgeable Stillwater agent who knows Minnesota, as well as your needs and wants is invaluable. Here is a quick rundown of the five main factors to consider when deciding whether to use an agent to sell your home.
You Have Enough On Your Plate
Selling a house is a full-time job. You will need to determine what sort of advertising you will need for open houses, and then be at the open houses to interact with those in attendance to answer questions about anything and everything you can imagine. You will need to field constant calls from interested parties and potential buyers, both during and after business hours. The list goes on and on.
This is all easily managed by a quality agent. They are always able to be reached, or at least can return calls quickly. If you are at work during the day, are you going to want to return several, or possibly many calls, once you are off the clock and trying to get home and enjoy your evening? Most likely not.
An experienced real estate agent manages these tasks continuously, day in and day out. They will easily find the best ways to advertise, vet potential buyers to ensure they are qualified, and be quickly available to answer questions about the listing. While all of this would be extra for you, it is their job and their specialty.
Real Estate Agents Have Invaluable Experience
Unless you are in the unique position of selling houses as a side job, you likely do not have the wealth of practical experience of a professional real estate agent. This experience can be the difference between a quick sale and a house that now has a history of price reductions because it has been on the market for too long.
Not only have they trained for this, but they have also taken and passed exams to prove their competency. They make their living from knowing how to quickly and effectively sell and buy homes.
When you are debating on using an agent, keep in mind that you will be doing a lot of “on the job training,” while they have already been there and done that, and have a track record of success.
As an example, Wendy has experience specifically with staging as well as buying and selling luxury homes. This skillset and experience just can’t be found with all Stillwater realtors.
Agents Are Skilled Professional Negotiators
Selling a house can be quite an emotional rollercoaster for the sellers. Your house is your home, and it holds memories and sentimental ties. This can be particularly true if you have done a lot of work in the home and yard. That sweat equity can also have an emotional attachment, which can cause you to get stuck in the negotiation phase.
Your agent is removed from that. Their goal is a quick and effective sale, resulting in the best deal possible for both the buyer and the seller. They will not be stopped from making a good deal with emotional ties. Of course, they will not finalize any deal without your approval, but they will be able to give better advice because of their sentimental detachment.
Real Estate Agents Understand Contracts
At one time, in the past, selling a home was a simple task. However, it is now a more complicated process mired in federal and state regulations, inspections and disclosures, and contracts. Closing a real estate sale has the potential to get overwhelming quickly.
It is not uncommon for a buyer to have their own agent, trying to get them the best deal, of course. You will almost certainly want someone on your side, looking out and negotiating for your best interest as well.
Occasionally, there will be a last-minute issue that comes up just prior to closing. For someone not familiar with the stress of orchestrating a closing, this can cause the deal to fall through. A real estate agent will know the best course of action to take should this situation arise. Having an agent to expertly navigate the contracts and closing process is vital to a successful sale.
Agents Can Provide Valuable Insight Into Pricing
Pricing your home can be difficult for someone with an emotional attachment to the home. The impartial advice of a professional agent can be the reason you get many interested parties. Your agent will know the neighborhoods, schools, comparable homes, and market values, and all the factors that lead to an effective selling price. They will be your advocate during pricing and negotiation.
Selling your home is not nearly as simple as some people think, and having a real estate agent as a member of your team during the process will take countless burdens off of your shoulders. It puts all of the “hard stuff” in the hands of someone who is experienced and motivated to help you reach your goal.
Wendy Gimpel, Top Stillwater & Minnesota Real Estate Agent
As you think about who to hire as your real estate agent, you’d be smart to call Wendy Gimpel. Wendy has the experience, knowledge, and personality to help you find what you’re looking for as well as sell your existing home. Wendy works out of Stillwater, Minnesota, and she services all of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Give Wendy a call today to learn more!
