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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 26, 2024 18:29:17 GMT
I’m interviewing 2 realtors (I don’t want more) - both are very knowledgeable and experienced. Both really want my business lol.
I met with both - each gave the their market analysis and went over project plan for selling, reviewed typical days on market, pricing strategy etc.
Can you think of any specific questions to ask before I decide?
One charges 5.5% but pays for staging.
The other charges 5% but I pay for staging. But she just offered to credit me $5k back to pay for part of staging.
If it’s a double ended deal it will be 4%.
I really, really liked both.
This is so hard to make a decision…
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,036 
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Post by used2scrap on Jan 26, 2024 19:33:34 GMT
I recall asking 2 realtors we were considering how many listings they had active at the time…I wasn’t looking for a number, but the one we would have been his only listing seemed dejected and didn’t answer in a positive way, ie something to the effect that he could solely focus on our sale etc. vs the very busy realtor who made it clear that even though we were one of many she was focused and would get the job done quickly and for top dollar. Basically it was a trust your gut kind of situation (which worked out quite well at the time).
Oh I also like to know their philosophies on open houses.
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tenakee
Full Member
Posts: 223
Aug 9, 2014 2:05:19 GMT
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Post by tenakee on Jan 26, 2024 20:03:14 GMT
Following the convo as we're planning on selling this fall and have been chatting about using a realtor and how to choose one if we do!
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Post by busy on Jan 26, 2024 20:06:43 GMT
I'm assuming they already shared info about photography, if not, I'd ask for details about that. Ditto staging. Do they work with the same provider for most homes? What do you think of their "portfolio?"
I'd ask how many properties they've sold in your zip code at your approximate price point in the last quarter, and last year.
Were either a referral from people you know and trust?
With Bay Area prices, 0.5% can be a lot - is that amount in line with what would actually be charged for staging, given the size, style, and value of your home?
Bottom line, it really is a gut decision. Do both plans seem realistic, or is either overly optimistic?
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
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Post by samantha25 on Jan 26, 2024 20:09:56 GMT
Consider their response of emails and if there's consistent typos, because you want someone thats sharp with contracts and deadlines and discussions and negotiations on your behalf.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jan 26, 2024 20:10:16 GMT
Ask their philosophies on open houses. Do they have other homes for sale in your area. Do they have clients looking for homes? They they both price your home close together in price? Do they have suggestions on ways to improve your home for re-sale. When we sold my Dad’s h9me here years ago the market was slow. Our Realtor was not motivated and did not have suggestions for us. When the listing was up my Brother interviewed another Realtor. She offered suggestions. We had new carpet and linoleum installed. We painted upstairs and downstairs and did repairs. We also put the dining room air conditioner in the garage. My Brother staged the house with furniture he had. The new Realtor brought her own client that was looking for a home for his two Daughters (it had a suite in the basement) and a garage without windows to store his business supplies to see it. He offered full price and someone offered ten thousand less. Also ask how the market is and what time of year is best to sell. We are seeing signs on homes here that say “coming soon”. Often, they were sold within a year ago, renovated then sold for $200,000 more
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 26, 2024 20:42:59 GMT
More info - I am really struggling with this:
Both come highly recommended by friends
Both are very local (one is my neighbor)
Both work with dedicated stager
Both came up with very similar pricing for house
Differences:
Realtor A:
- Bigger: she did $80m last year and the other realtor did $40m
- says I will get a ton of marketing -she is with Sothebys
- very high end, high priced (higher than mine) listings (this might be negative) but she seems super eager to work with me
- offered to credit back $5k and with 5% listing I come out ahead here
- I really liked both her and her assistant
Realtor B:
- Big but not as big or high end (but still high end)
- my neighbor, very involved in neighborhood and community
- I really liked her, but didn’t love her stager.
- also with large company but not quite as visible as Sothebys
Thought??
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Post by busy on Jan 26, 2024 20:46:15 GMT
More info - I am really struggling with this: Both come highly recommended by friends Both are very local (one is my neighbor) Both work with dedicated stager Differences: Realtor A: - Bigger: she did $80m last year and the other realtor did $40m - says I will get a ton of marketing -she is with Sothebys - very high end, high priced (higher than mine) listings (this might be negative) but she seems super eager to work with me - offered to credit back $5k and with 5% listing I come out ahead here - I really liked both her and her assistant Realtor B: - Big but not as big or high end (but still high end) - my neighbor, very involved in neighborhood and community - I really liked her, but didn’t love her stager. - also with large company but not quite as visible as Sothebys Thought?? I’d go with Agent A for a number of reasons, but especially because she is not your neighbor. Even though you are moving, I try to avoid doing business (at least important business, like financial and legal) with people I have personal relationships with. |
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
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Post by samantha25 on Jan 26, 2024 20:52:27 GMT
Yeah, didn't you ask for recommendations from frends,, so yeah, they'll give you them. Not sure about their sales as a crteria, depends on what your price point of your home like millions of dollars? I did not consider that when selecting my realtor. Are they giving you good advice? Do you need a stager in your market? If you get rid of your junk and house has good bones, not sure you need to pay for staging. Could be an unnecessary expense and motive to get your business.
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
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Post by samantha25 on Jan 26, 2024 20:56:37 GMT
Of course all are eager to work with you. That's their job.Eagerness is not a sign of competency.
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Post by workingclassdog on Jan 26, 2024 21:00:20 GMT
I know you can't ask about specifics like 'is this area a good area' type thing. Unless my realtor is just over anxious about certain things. She says realtors aren't supposed to give opinions on certain things. She could be overzealous.. I don't know really.
Another thing is do you really need staging? Depending on the price point I feel as long as you declutter and make as empty as possible, to me staging can be an unnecessary thing to do. If you have decent furniture/fixtures I would consider that. My area and price point doesn't really need staging. We are your typically suburban track type homes. I don't think anyone stages around here.. unless in higher more custom homes which are around the corner.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 26, 2024 21:01:24 GMT
Yeah, didn't you ask for recommendations from frends,, so yeah, they'll give you them. Not sure about their sales as a crteria, depends on what your price point of your home like millions of dollars? I did not consider that when selecting my realtor. Are they giving you good advice? Do you need a stager in your market? If you get rid of your junk and house has good bones, not sure you need to pay for staging. Could be an unnecessary expense and motive to get your business. staging is assumed, wouldn’t even consider not staging. I will completely empty house. My point about being eager has to do with the fact that I’d be her least expensive listing as of now, so I just want to be sure I’m a priority. She says she does all the open houses (2) and handles all details herself (or her assistant)z |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Jan 26, 2024 21:10:13 GMT
Disclaimer: I have never owned a home, so I haven't ever needed a realtor.
Personally speaking, I would NOT use the neighbor.
In an unrelated situation, I learned the lesson of >> don't mix this type of business and friendship or neighbors (no matter what type of neighbors you are).
If you are not happy with the neighbors services, or she is not doing what said she would....questioning her actions(or lack thereof), going above her to the reality company management....can be awkward and result in a strained neighborly relationship.
Sometimes (but not always) people see friends and neighbors differently in business type situations. Customers are a priority, friends and neighbors are not a priority.....in regards to getting things done.
I would use the non-neighbor realtor.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 26, 2024 21:12:39 GMT
I think I agree with you all about the neighbor.
I will say she’s not an immediate neighbor, she is around the block. And she came recommended by a friend.
Bit I still think you are right.
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Post by mom on Jan 26, 2024 21:15:05 GMT
How large is your home? In my area, staging is based on square footage. If you paid for staging, what would it cost you? I would call around and ask. .5% could be way more than what you'd actually pay if you paid for it yourself.
Your neighbor being your agent doesn't scare me. My DH's best friends wife was our agent and we it was fine. Just keep things professional.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 26, 2024 21:29:38 GMT
How large is your home? In my area, staging is based on square footage. If you paid for staging, what would it cost you? I would call around and ask. .5% could be way more than what you'd actually pay if you paid for it yourself. Your neighbor being your agent doesn't scare me. My DH's best friends wife was our agent and we it was fine. Just keep things professional. staging costs about 0.5% of listing price. |
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Post by Zee on Jan 26, 2024 21:49:57 GMT
First, is staging necessary in your market or are homes selling quickly and for good prices?
I'd go with the one who knows the area and comes recommended since she's not really your "neighbor" neighbor, as long as the two companies both have a strong reputation in your area.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 26, 2024 22:03:26 GMT
First, is staging necessary in your market or are homes selling quickly and for good prices? I'd go with the one who knows the area and comes recommended since she's not really your "neighbor" neighbor, as long as the two companies both have a strong reputation in your area. staging is necessary |
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Post by ntsf on Jan 26, 2024 22:27:22 GMT
staging is essential in the bay area. wouldn't sell without it.
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artbabe
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,045
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Post by artbabe on Jan 27, 2024 16:28:02 GMT
staging is assumed, wouldn’t even consider not staging. I will completely empty house. I did no staging. House sold for asking price in two weeks. Staging would have been a waste of time and money for me. It depends on your market, though. |
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Post by busy on Jan 27, 2024 16:35:50 GMT
staging is assumed, wouldn’t even consider not staging. I will completely empty house. I did no staging. House sold for asking price in two weeks. Staging would have been a waste of time and money for me. It depends on your market, though. Staging is 10000% expected in the Bay Area market. |
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 27, 2024 16:59:09 GMT
I don’t mean this in a rude way but anyone who would suggest selling without staging is completely out of touch with the Bay Area market.
It honestly wouldn’t even come up as a topic bc it is assumed.
House will be 100% emptied— then painted, new fixtures, artwork etc and furniture.
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Post by auntkelly on Jan 27, 2024 18:08:41 GMT
Since you are equally impressed w/ both realtors, I would go w/ the realtor who lives in your neighborhood.
I would think she would be the most motivated to sell your house quickly and for a good price. I shy away from mixing business and pleasure, but it wouldn’t bother me at all to use a realtor who lived in my neighborhood.
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