TIPS ON HOW TO LIST A PROPERTY (FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS)

 

There is a huge difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Good Real Estate Agent. This difference is often overlooked and we are just that: Runners. However, our work goes far beyond taking photos and showing properties. We are the bridge that leads to a new beginning. That is why we must take this seriously.

The MLS was activated a few years ago and there is no doubt it is the best way to work: the system works, the relationship between agents is much more transparent, and the most important thing is that more sales are being made. Not only that, sellers and buyers are becoming more and more comfortable with the process and connections are created between agents and clients that are sure to last a long time.

Below I made a list of 4 things we are doing when we list a property and how we can improve. Hopefully these tips will help you and it doesn't hurt to reinforce for those who already knew.

1. A client called me who wants to sell his property: They are scared if I talk about signing the MLS agreement and that's why I don't mention it.  

For many this meeting is uncomfortable and they do not want to touch the subject. Others do not fully explain the advantages and do not carry documentation that allows the seller to understand how this benefits him. Therefore, and as a result, they end up obtaining the list in an open way to "not miss the opportunity."

Tip:  Study and know what you sell. You must sell your MLS. It is useless if the system is there if in the end you don't sell it. We are in charge of doing it. For this you must take the trouble to understand how the system works, how it benefits not only the industry but also the seller, who is the most important part in this equation and in turn how this streamlines sales management. 

2. Do you feel comfortable telling your clients about the MLS? Excellent. Now the next step: Set the correct price. 

Have you not come across a client who has unrealistic expectations of the market? Lucky if it hasn't happened to you yet. Many selling clients expect to receive more for their property than it is actually worth. And I think this is normal because it is to give a value to a piece of his life where many memories were created. Although they also include all those improvements to the bathroom (including the tub that is never used), that new fluorescent purple tone in the living room and that curtain that grandma gave her 15 years ago that means a lot to them (but they leave it because it looks beautiful in that window). These are some excuses that you will usually hear. The same will happen to buyers, in their own way.

Tip: Listing the property at the correct price is the first step to a successful transaction. Perform a comparative market analysis, check the Public Registry, compare with active properties (old and recent), and thus you will have a clear idea of ​​the correct price. Make the seller understand what really has additional value in the property and when it deserves to raise the price a little more. You must analyze these comparisons and expose them correctly in your presentation. And forget those $ 25,000 discounts. Get closer to the final sale price and lower the negotiation margins. Don't be afraid to turn down a client's property with unrealistic expectations. Let them know that you prefer to pass up the opportunity before doing damage to the client and their property.

3. Your client signed the MLS agreement and they came up with a suitable sale price. Time to take photos.

I want to be quite visual on this topic. In most cases, you will reach your next buyer client through photos and this is where you, as a Good Real Estate Agent, can make a difference. The MLS system allows you to upload up to more than 10 images. Use that space! Use it with good photos, of course.

Tip:  Make the investment for a good camera and take photos of spaces, not fixtures. What I mean by this?.

This is what you should NOT do: Buyers are not interested in seeing beds, toilets, or sofas. What they are interested in is seeing spaces. Digital cameras today are very affordable. Just be sure to buy one that has a "wide" lens so your photos show up better.

I leave you with examples of how you should take photos:

• Turn on the lights (even if it's daytime). Your camera will use that light.
• Open and close curtains. Play with this. The backlight is not your friend.
• Try to show at least 2 walls in your photos (this is how space is appreciated)
• If the bed is messy, make it look presentable. If you take pictures with badly placed things, you discredit your own work.
• Take at least 50 photos of the same place at different angles. Then you pick the top 10-15.
• Don't ever take photos with your cell phone.

4. Did they sign the MLS agreement? Have you reached a correct price? Are your photos "almost" from a magazine? I want to congratulate you. You have gone where most do not go and that is why you are making a big difference. The difference between a real estate agent and a good real estate agent. Now seal with a flourish in the description of your listing. It's easy, compared to the rest of what you've done to get to this step. No need for poetry or inspirational phrases. You just need common sense and something

Compare:
“Apartment for sale. Central. 2br-2ban. Negotiable"

With

“New House for sale in Abbotsford BC in Building X, 25th floor, model Y, located on near parks, restaurants and steps from the coastal strip. This apartment has 2 spacious bedrooms each with its own bathroom. The sale price includes all the appliances, curtains and three air conditioners. Feel free to contact me for more information. "

“New House for sale in Abbotsford BC in Building X, 25th floor, model Y, located on near parks, restaurants and steps from the coastal strip. This apartment has 2 spacious bedrooms each with its own bathroom. The sale price includes all the appliances, curtains and three air conditioners. Feel free to contact me for more information. "

Tip:  Do not be afraid to put all the details of the apartment such as the floor and model. With the signed MLS there are no risks and everything is much clearer. Try to include a general description of the environment (what is nearby?), Highlight the attributes (the view, the location and in case it is a bargain, the price) and of course that is included in the sale price (furniture? , White line? Curtains?). Personally, I don't include the word "Negotiable" to get attention. If my photos are good, the price is correct and I describe the property in a clear and friendly way, that word is unnecessary.

The difference is in the effort and desire.

I hope this article is useful for your next listing. Remember that right now, the one who harms the industry the most is not necessarily a seller who does not want to use a middleman or a buyer who wants to do their own market research. Those who hurt the most are the agents who discredit the system we use and are in charge of “badly educating” their clients in ways that are not correct. In the end, if we do our job well, we can justify to our clients who they want to work with.