People to include on a home-selling team
The old adage certainly rings true when selling a home. If you want to “win the game,” you need to be surrounded by a team of highly competent and experienced players. Of course, you need your “quarterback,” your agent that leads your team in pursuit of its goal – a profitable sale. But, you also need other valuable players on your team to aid in the victory. The following contains a short list of suggested team members.
The quarterback
You would not want to take the field with an inexperienced team leader, so why use anyone less than an expert in your neighborhood. As has been discussed on a multitude of previous occasions, do your homework. Interview prospective “starters” and get references from previous clients. Hire the real estate agent that “brings the best game” to your unique situation. This critically-important person must be a seasoned professional.
The sideline trainer(s)
Need a little touchup to the property? A trainer is the perfect addition. In this analogy, you will want someone who can repair and help mend damaged goods. It is no doubt in your best interest to employ an individual or a small collection of “players” specifically chosen to work on your property to get it up to optimal “playing level.” Look for painters, handy persons, landscapers and other experts that can add to your team and increase the probability of sales victory. Certainly there are financial considerations to make. If you are ready, willing and able to do some of the work yourself, then you can save quite a bit of money by becoming a model DIYer (do it yourselfer). However, if you are worried about the repairs requiring more than your level of expertise, then do not be overly cheap and make half-way repairs. As they say, “the proof will be in the pudding.” And in this case, the impression of cheapness may be reflected directly in a reduced offer amount.
The equipment manager
Though loosely staying with the analogy, your team certainly needs an equipment manager. This position assures that the property is professionally staged and tastefully decorated. In this context, the real estate stager or interior designer helps you put your best foot forward with optimal preparation and presentation of your property. Again, get references and be thorough before hiring this less heralded addition to the team.
The “game” photographer
A well-presented property helps sell itself and visual appeal is what attracts most buyers. A professional photographer should be considered. Two important points to remember: you can certainly take pictures yourself – but will they truly offer the best impression of the property? And do not necessarily use the agent’s recommendation (if one is offered). Find a quintessential professional who has plenty of experience “in the trenches” and knows the subject matter intimately.
The “coach”
Obviously, every team needs a coach. In this instance, you need someone who can offer an objective opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of your team. Hire a well-recommended home inspector to assess the property and provide uncovered issues in a professionally prepared document. Discuss any and all findings with your “quarterback.” Use your other team members to repair and/or replace those items deemed important and disclose the other issues to buyers if appropriate. Ultimately, it is your best interest to not be the team that gets caught trying to hide defective problems. Put your best “playing face” forward and revel in the most assured victory.