Monday Market Update: 5 Questions To Ask A Potential Listing Agent

Get a smooth start to setting the stage for selling success!

A new year often means new goals, new plans and interviewing new professionals to help you make it all happen. If you have decided 2021 is your year to sell, you no doubt have a lot to think about!

One of the most stressful aspects for home sellers is often choosing who will sell their home, and what the process of preparing the home for sale may look like. This week, we have compiled 5 questions to serve as a starting point for when you begin talking to potential listing agents. These are by no means NOT the only 5 questions you should ask, but they can give you insight into what the relationship with your agent will look like with regards to home preparation.

Inspired By The Read: “Lessons From Listing Photos: Why This Modest Home Sold in 5 Days and Grew In Value”

#1: WHAT HOME IMPROVEMENTS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO MAXIMIZE MY ROI BUT MINIMIZE MY UPFRONT COSTS?

In follow-up: Do you have vetted professionals who can complete these improvements with ease and without stress?

#2: WHAT ARE SOME SIMPLE STRATEGIES YOU WILL EMPLOY TO HIGHLIGHT MY INDIVIDUAL HOME’S BEST FEATURES?

In follow-up: Can you give me an example (and show me pictures) of a home that you have prepared for sale using similar strategies?

#3: HOW WILL YOU UTILIZE STAGING WITHIN MY HOME?

In follow-up: How have you seen the right or wrong staging style impact results?

#4: WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHER WILL BE TAKING THE MARKETING PICTURES FOR MY HOME? (PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS ARE A MUST.)

In follow-up: Is there a time of day that will showcase my home’s best features? Certain angles? Ask for samples!

#5: HOW WILL YOU EMPLOY HIGH QUALITY VIDEO? WHAT VIRTUAL TOUR TECHNOLOGY DO YOU USE?

In follow-up: Where will these videos be used in the multi-media marketing approach of my home?

It is important to note that there are agents who will tell you what you want to hear – rather than talk you through what will truly maximize your ROI. I can tell you from personal experience that iPhone photos and entirely un-staged homes virtually never showcase your home and provide the return on investment that you deserve.

There are always various levels of staging and prep that you can choose from, but any agent who offers what is easiest may be most interested in getting a sign-up and getting your signature. We believe that a thoughtful, curated plan is well worth our time; every seller and home is worthy of a custom, results-driven approach.