When you've decided that you're ready to sell your home, one of the most crucial steps is finding the right Tri-Valley Listing Agent. From "Neighborhood Experts" to "Top Agent On Zillow" titles that are thrown around, it can be tough to truly vet out Realtors and determine who really will be able to get you the best results. Being a neighborhood expert means one thing, they're great at marketing themselves, not necessarily properties. In many scenarios, my sales have significantly exceeded the top agents in cities, solely by a well-executed strategy. Titles like "Top Agent On Zillow" or similar are typically paid for through website programs. Regardless of whether you're interviewing 10 agents or just 1, asking the right questions is essential in being able to determine whether they'll be able to achieve the best results.  

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WHAT WILL YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY LOOK LIKE? ​

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In all reality, every home has its unique attributes that require a customized marketing approach. Depending solely on generic methods such as open houses, broker's tours, or listing on platforms like Zillow and Redfin is inadequate. A marketing strategy should be tailored to showcase your home in the best possible light, highlighting its distinctive features to captivate potential buyers.

WHAT KIND OF ADVERTISING WILL YOU HAVE FOR MY HOME?​

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Not to be mistaken with the marketing strategy, a Realtor should also have an advertising strategy that will get your home in front of prospective buyers. Instead of just relying on existing buyers in the market, the advertising strategy should be there to create more of a market. Realtors often focus a substantial part of their marketing efforts on attracting more sellers. However, it's essential for advertising campaigns to be directed toward the potential buyer demographic for your home. For example, if the likely buyers are mostly active online, agents should prioritize online and social media campaigns that target the defined buyer. Furthermore, they should be able to provide tangible instances of how their campaigns have effectively drawn more buyers to a listing when compared to other properties in the market. There's an opportunity that sending mailers to your neighbors and putting your home in a magazine may reach buyers but it's more of a platform to promote the agent. 

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HOW DO YOUR RECENT SALES COMPARE WITH SIMILAR PROPERTIES BEFORE AND AFTER?

 

Almost every agent will claim they have a track record of achieving outstanding results. However, in robust markets like the one we witnessed after COVID, the role of the listing agent became somewhat simplified. Since the market changed in May 2022, there has been a clear distinction between agents with limited skills in delivering the best outcomes. To genuinely assess whether an agent is capable of achieving the highest selling price and best terms, they should be able to offer multiple instances where their listings have outperformed the competition.

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HOW DO YOU PRORITIZE YOUR LISTINGS? WILL MY HOME BE GETTING THE ATTENTION?

 

When you're in the process of interviewing an agent, it's important to consider that once the listing appointment is complete, your communication with that agent may end up being limited. It's essential to ensure that the agent who is well-informed about all the details of your home serves as your primary point of contact. It's crucial to assess whether the agent you initially interviewed will indeed be the one you'll primarily work with. Moreover, the agent you interview should be adept at managing all of their listings without prioritizing one over another. As a seller, you should not be able to discern that your Realtor is juggling multiple listings simultaneously.

 

WHAT DOES YOUR COMMUNICATION STRATEGY LOOK LIKE WITH US AS SELLERS?

 

Agents should have a defined time to update their clients. For me, I update my sellers on all marketing aspects on Wednesdays. Outside of that, feedback from showings and open houses can be provided at the time. The agent should also be able to work with your communication preference, whether that's in person, phone or email. 

 

WHAT IS YOUR MIX OF BUYERS AND SELLERS?

 

For a comprehensive understanding of the market, it's vital for any agent to maintain a healthy balance of both buyers and sellers in their portfolio. Given the frequent shifts in the market, if an agent focuses too heavily on one side over the other, they might overlook the actual market dynamics, leading to delayed responses and potentially missed opportunities.

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WHAT WOULD YOUR STRATEGY BE IF WE DON'T RECEIVE THE RESPONSE WE EXPECT?

Adapting swiftly to the market's response is crucial in any market. However, having a rigid strategy for price reductions is not recommended. In today's markets, where finding the right buyer may require more time, reducing the list price may not necessarily yield better results and could convey a sense of weakness. Realtors should stay attuned to the market, gather feedback from all potential buyers, and adjust their strategy based on this information to make informed decisions.

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DO YOU REPRESENT BUYERS ON YOUR OWN LISTINGS?

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This stems from a common question from sellers, "do you have any buyers for this home today?" While it may sound attractive for an agent to have buyers readily available, the fact is that it's a conflict of interest. How can an agent truly ensure that you're getting the best price and terms while they're representing the buyer as well? Being privy to information, such as the lowest price you'll accept, means that. the agent could be conveying this to represent both sides, instead of someone else that could pay more. 

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HAVE YOU EVER DEALT WITH A DIFFICULT CLIENT? WHAT MADE THEM DIFFICULT?

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This question will give you some insight into how the Realtor responds to their clients. The fact is that no client should be difficult, it's a lack of the agent's abilities to attend to their client's needs or set expectations correctly. Additionally, if this agent is talking about a past client in this sense, how will they be talking about you? 

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HOW DOES YOUR TIME ON MARKET COMPARE WITH COMPETING LISTINGS?

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If a home is presented well and the agent is working for their clients, their listings should reflect that in the time on the market. Having a listing sit on the market when everything else is moving shows that the agent has not identified what needs to be done for buyers to prioritize your home over any others.  

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WHAT DO YOUR CLIENTS LIKE MOST ABOUT YOU AS AN AGENT?

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Every real estate agent that you meet will be personable and should have knowledge on the local market. Hearing the feedback that their clients provide will give you insight into what to expect from the agent. While their personality may be great, that doesn't equate to getting you the best results. 

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HOW WOULD YOU DIFFERENTIATE MY HOME FROM OTHERS?

This aligns with the marketing strategy. After walking through the home, agents should discern what distinguishes your property from others and convey this effectively to potential buyers. Your home is unique, even if it shares similarities with neighboring models. For example, no other property will have the exact same view as yours. What might initially seem like a drawback can be reframed as an advantage. Does your home face a freeway? Yes, but it also means there are no properties directly in front of it, and the sunset views from the top floor are truly exceptional!

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WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE ADVERTISING THAT WILL BRING THE MOST BUYERS?​

 

The main objective of any marketing and advertising strategy should be to increase the number of prospective buyers visiting the property actively, rather than simply relying on them to stumble upon it online. Some buyers might not even be aware they are in the market until a specific home piques their interest. More extensive exposure usually leads to higher demand, often resulting in a higher selling price.

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WHAT IS YOUR NEGOTIATION STRATEGY?​

 

During the negotiation phase, some agents undervalue the importance of effective communication. Sustaining an open and responsive line of communication with the buyer's agent, combined with the ability to build a personal connection, equips agents with the expertise needed to navigate negotiations more adeptly. This entails more than just exchanging paperwork; it enables the implementation of more sophisticated and nuanced negotiation tactics.

 
DO YOU HIRE A PROFESSIONAL MEDIA TEAM?​

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Although homes listed with cellphone pictures can sell, harnessing all available tools, such as professional photography, video, drone footage, and 3D walkthroughs, will greatly improve the home's presentation, showcasing it in the most favorable way.

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HOW DO YOU PREPARE A HOME FOR SALE?​

 

Getting a home ready for the market is a vital element in its success once it's out there. This preparation includes activities like decluttering, removing personal touches, thorough cleaning, and even making minor cosmetic improvements. A proficient agent should work with you to pinpoint areas that can be improved to align with the expectations of today's buyers. Homes that are well-prepared frequently achieve significantly higher selling prices than those that aren't. Additionally, the agent preparing your home will take on the task of a project manager during this phase, to ensure that all pre is done with no complications. 

WHAT KIND OF PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS WILL YOU HAVE IN THE HOME?​

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When thinking about the buyer's experience during property visits, agents should offer professional property brochures that highlight the home's best photos and features. Every aspect, from the design of the brochure to the quality of the paper, should consistently mirror the level of quality that your home genuinely deserves.

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DO YOU RECOMMEND STAGING?​

 

Staging is highly advisable due to its remarkable capability to enhance the initial impression for potential buyers. However, it's crucial to take into account the unique requirements and financial constraints of the sellers. When sellers are still living in the home, agents should work together with both the stager and the sellers to identify areas of improvement that won't disrupt their daily routines. This well-balanced approach ensures a positive effect without causing inconvenience to the sellers.

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WHAT DO YOU DO TO SET UP A HOME TO RECEIVE OFFERS?​

 

Our preferred method is to have all disclosures and inspections readily accessible, simplifying the process for potential buyers. This not only speeds up the transaction but also offers comprehensive upfront information about the property, reducing the need for negotiations during the escrow period. It also serves as a negotiation tactic to encourage buyers to consider purchasing the property as-is, with reduced contingencies.

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WHAT IS YOUR FOLLOW-UP WITH BUYERS AND THEIR AGENTS?​

 

Consistently following up and gathering feedback from both open houses and private showings is of utmost significance. It kickstarts an open conversation with buyers' agents and offers invaluable insights into how our property is being perceived. This feedback is essential for evaluating whether we've priced our property competitively, allowing us to stand firm, or if there are issues that might necessitate price adjustments or potential renovations. We also make it a priority to review the Return on Investment (ROI) with every client, ensuring that their real estate decisions align with their financial objectives.

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WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS IN REVIEWING OFFERS?​

 

Throughout the offer process, it's crucial for agents to maintain communication with every party on the buyer's side, which includes both the agent and the lender. Since there are numerous elements involved in an escrow, any aspect that isn't handled with excellence can result in complications. Hence, agents should initiate the qualification process as soon as offers are received to guarantee a seamless transaction.

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HOW WILL YOU GET MY HOME THE PRICE IT DESERVES? ​

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Getting the best price is a culmination of various factors. The end result is shaped by the capacity to craft a compelling narrative and effectively communicate it to the public and their agents. Presenting the home in the most favorable way while also taking into account the client's requirements, budget, and unique situation are all critical elements that contribute to a successful outcome.

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SIMPLIFY YOUR MOVE WITH SAM FITZ-SIMON

 

When you're in need of a Tri-Valley Realtor, Sam Fitz-Simon should be at the top of your list. With a dedicated team and a network of carefully selected, reliable service providers, Sam streamlines the entire process for you. Offering a concierge-level service, Sam and his team take charge of every step, ensuring that your home is presented in its most appealing and market-ready condition. Get in touch with Sam today to learn more about how we can showcase your home in the best light.