Thing #5

Receive, present and advise
on all offers made on your house.

 

Once your listing is on the market you will have showings culminating in an offer or multiple offers.  Your real estate agent will present those offers and help you negotiate through the nuances of each.

 

Once your house is on the market, your real estate agent will shift from a marketing firm to a negotiator.  The average days on market is around 30 days with specific areas going under contract much faster. When you receive an offer it is the fiduciary responsibility to present you with the offer and respond.  You may not like the offer but keep in mind it is their duty to present it. Remember buyers and sellers are have different agendas; as the seller you want to get as much as you can for your property, whereas buyers want to get the best house they can for as cheap as possible.  Your real estate agent will advice you on how to respond.

Counteroffers and Negotiations

Some offers you accept others reject but most fall in the middle of a negotiation.  It is the counteroffer and finding the balance between a healthy buyer and optimizing the sale of your house, which takes nuanced professionalism and skill.  Your real estate agent should have priced your house, appropriately, keeping offers within the range of your net. Your real estate agent will know when to counter firm or give a little.  They know the market and the agents, and if they are a veterened agent, they know how to get it done.

Multiple Offer Situation

You may also have a multiple offer situation.  It is in these situations where your real estate agents professional standing and network is valuable.  Many offers may look the same but your real estate agent will know which lenders are the best to work with, what agents are blowing smoke to get a deal, and what terms ultimately get you to the desired end which is to sell your house for the most money the market will allow.