If you’re typing “sell my house fast” on your browser, you’re not alone. With homes staying on the market for up to 93 days, you’re probably thinking of strategies to sell your home in the shortest amount of time, and at the best possible price. One of the smartest ways, of course, is to hire a selling agent to do the heavy lifting for you.
But with countless agents working in Orange County, how do you choose the right one? Take a look at these tips:
Ask Around
Not sure where to start your search? If you know anyone who sold a house recently, ask who their agent was and if they were happy with him or her. Referrals are a great first step because past clients have first-hand knowledge of what working with an agent is like.
Shortlist at least three agents and ask each for a list of recent clients you can talk to. If the agent provided exemplary service, these clients would likely be more than happy to tell you about it.
Don’t Rely Solely on Quoted Sales Price
Every seller wants to get the highest possible price for their property. But don’t make the mistake of hiring a listing agent based solely on how high they price your home.
Remember, housing prices are informed by local real estate trends. As such, any figure a selling agent sets should be derived from prevailing market rates.
If your agent lists your house higher than the average house price in Orange County, you could scare away potential buyers.
Look for Local Expertise
A good real estate agent always has a list of comparable properties in your area that sold in the last three to six months. These “comps” will help them price your property accurately. Having an updated list also shows whether an agent keeps his ears to the ground and knows the latest real estate market developments in your area.
If at all possible, try to hire an agent who actually lives in the same locale or county you do, to help ensure they truly understand the market.
Ask How Their Business Has Changed
Thanks to the global pandemic, the way people shop for houses has changed. The question is: has your selling agent changed with the times?
When talking to the agent, ask how they’re using technology to reach more potential buyers. Do they have a website where they can list your house? Do they organize virtual open houses? Do they have teleconferencing tools so they can entertain buyers from out of state?
At a time when homebuyers expect agents to be increasingly digitally savvy, you don’t want to hire a Luddite to sell your house.
Choose a Residential Property Specialist
From residential to commercial, there are many kinds of properties available in the Orange County real estate market. This also means that different real estate agents specialize in selling different properties.
If you’re looking for a selling agent, you want to choose someone who has extensive experience in selling residential real estate, such as condos, townhouses, and family homes.
Their expertise should also align with the kind of property you’re trying to sell. If your house is a luxury home in the suburbs, you probably shouldn’t hire a realtor who sells mostly starter homes.
Inquire About their Marketing Strategy
Selling a house is 50% preparation and 50% marketing. After all, people can’t buy your property if they don’t know it’s on the market.
It’s worth asking a prospective agent what strategies they’ve employed to successfully sell a property in the past. Their marketing plan should be robust, ranging from traditional (pre-pandemic) open houses and classified listings, to digital efforts such as social media campaigns and newsletter blasts.
Your agent should also be able to handle all the logistics of marketing your house, from providing home staging tips, to scheduling exclusive house viewings, to hiring a photographer to take photos of your home.
Hire Someone with Experience
Selling a house requires a lot of time and effort. Make sure to hire someone who’s responsive and quick to entertain queries. Ask how long they’ve been in the real estate industry and how many houses they’ve sold in the past three months. An agent who hasn’t landed a sale in a while is definitely a red flag.
Want more tips for selling your house? Get in touch with Cordova Real Estate Group, one of the leading real estate experts in Orange County. Feel free to call us at 949.207.4040 or send an email to mc(at)southorangecountyliving(dotted)com.