Even in the depths of the craziest seller’s market we’ve ever seen, homes still didn’t sell themselves. As the tides change in the housing market, properties are selling for less than what they would have three months ago while also taking longer to find a qualified buyer. It is more important than ever to consider who you are working with to get the best results.
It’s a beautiful freedom to choose the home sale option that works best for you. Whether you work with a real estate agent, opt for a mere posting service, or take on all the work yourself as a true for sale by owner, selling a home is no easy feat. Beyond the sale, there are many factors to consider that influence things like your time spent on the market, the quality of your marketing material, the exposure your listing receives, and by proxy, the final sales price you receive for your home.
In January through March, homes sold using a REALTOR® in the Quinte area sold for approximately 7-15% more than those listed without full representation. The variance is accounting for different areas in Northumberland and Hastings Counties, including Prince Edward County. In Wellington for example, homes listed without a full-service REALTOR® sold for an average of 7.2% less, whereas in Quinte West, the average difference was approximately 12% (source: QDAR MLS®) And not all real estate agents are made equal.
Who you have working on your side, their ability to use the latest technology effectively, the marketing tools and strategies they implement to promote and position your property all have a huge direct impact on the final sales number.
We see new strategies everyday. The market is changing, there is no doubt about that. How far that change will go and for how long is anyone’s guess. So many opinions and no crystal balls.
More than ever, having a qualified REALTOR® who prioritises marketing and maximising your listing’s reach and exposure is crucial to staying ahead of the shift we are seeing. Many homes continue to go into multiple offers, while others sit with no traction for far longer than expected.