What is my property worth?

Determining a property’s value involves much more than looking at an online estimate or a few recent sales. Location, condition, improvements, acreage, comparable sales, competing properties and current buyer demand can all affect value. In our area, things such as waterfront characteristics, water depth, shoreline, septic systems, outbuildings and other property-specific features can make comparisons even more challenging.

A good agent should be able to explain how they arrived at a recommended price and show you the market information supporting it. Be cautious about choosing an agent simply because they suggest the highest asking price. Proper pricing from the beginning is one of the most important parts of a successful sale.

How is the current real estate market?

There really isn’t just one real estate market. Conditions can vary considerably by location, property type and price range. The market for waterfront homes may be different from inland homes, while land and acreage can have their own set of market conditions.

Rather than relying only on broad statistics, ask the agent about the market that applies specifically to your property. Recent sales, current competition, buyer demand, inventory and the amount of time similar properties are taking to sell can provide a much clearer picture of what you should expect.

What should I do to prepare my property for sale?

Most properties benefit from the same basic preparation: decluttering, thorough cleaning, addressing obvious maintenance items, freshening paint where appropriate, improving landscaping and curb appeal, and making the property as inviting as possible. Some properties need very little work, while others may require considerably more.

We also believe in identifying potential problems before the property goes on the market. Pre-listing inspections can help uncover issues that might otherwise be discovered after a buyer is under contract. Knowing about these concerns in advance gives a seller time to make repairs, obtain estimates, or decide how an issue should be handled without the pressure of a contract deadline.

A good agent should walk through the property with you and help prioritize what needs attention, what could improve marketability, and what may not be worth the additional time or expense.

What costs should I expect when selling?

Most properties benefit from the same basic preparation: decluttering, thorough cleaning, addressing obvious maintenance items, freshening paint where appropriate, improving landscaping and curb appeal, and making the property as inviting as possible. Some properties need very little work, while others may require considerably more.

The sale price isn’t the same as the amount you’ll receive at closing. Selling expenses may include brokerage fees, settlement costs, taxes and other transaction-related expenses. Depending on the property and terms of the sale, there may also be expenses associated with inspections, repairs, well or septic work, or other items.

Ask the agent to explain the costs you are likely to encounter and provide an estimate of your proceeds based on the anticipated sale price. Knowing this information early can help you make better decisions throughout the selling process.

How long will it take my property to sell?

No agent can guarantee exactly how long a property will take to sell. Price, condition, location, property type, competition, buyer demand and current market conditions can all affect the timeframe.

However, an experienced agent should be able to review the relevant market activity and help establish reasonable expectations.

Properties that are properly prepared, priced according to the market and given adequate exposure generally have the best opportunity to sell within a reasonable timeframe. When sellers follow sound recommendations regarding preparation, inspections, pricing and timing, the entire process tends to go much more smoothly.

How will my property be marketed?

Putting a property in the MLS is important, but it shouldn’t be the entire marketing plan.

Ask specifically what the agent and company will do to expose your property to potential buyers. A comprehensive marketing plan may include professional photography, the company’s website, major real estate websites such as Zillow, Realtor.com and Homes.com, social media, email marketing, signage and promotion through the real estate community.

Depending on the property, additional marketing may include direct mail, open houses, property-specific websites or other targeted efforts.

While certain elements may vary depending on the property, an established agent or company should have a consistent marketing system that has proven effective rather than starting from scratch with every new listing.

Why should I choose you and your company over another real estate agent?

Most sellers have more than one real estate agent they could choose, and many interview several before making a decision. Experience, local market knowledge, marketing, communication, availability, reputation and the support behind the agent are all worth considering.

Just as important is how the agent approaches the conversation. Do they listen to your goals and concerns? Can they explain their recommendations and the reasoning behind them? Do they have an established process for preparing, pricing, marketing and managing a property through closing? Are they willing to give you straightforward advice, even when it may not be exactly what you hoped to hear?

The right choice isn’t necessarily the agent who recommends the highest asking price, charges the lowest fee or makes the biggest promises. It should be the agent and company you trust to provide sound advice, strong representation, effective marketing and consistent service throughout the transaction.

What does the selling process look like from start to finish?

A successful sale generally begins well before the property is advertised. The process typically starts with a seller consultation and property evaluation, followed by establishing a price and timeframe, completing appropriate inspections and preparation, gathering property information, professional photography and implementing the marketing plan.

Once the property is on the market, the focus shifts to inquiries, showings, feedback, offers and negotiations. After a contract is accepted, there may be inspections, financing, appraisal, contingencies, repairs, title work, deadlines and settlement preparations to manage before closing.

Ask the agent who will be responsible for keeping track of these details and how you will be kept informed throughout the transaction. Getting a property under contract is an important milestone but successfully managing it all the way to closing is equally important.