Top 5 Ways a Local Real Estate Agent Will Help Your Home Sell For More
Over the past few years, as the Waterloo Region has gained greater national significance, there has been an increase in the number of larger, nationally, rather than locally, based real estate companies offering their services to those considering selling their Waterloo Region home.
You may have even seen online only companies like Redfin, a US based service, now promoting listings in our area. However, there are still some very important reasons that working with a locally based real estate team - like Team Pinto - is the best way to ensure that your home sells as quickly as possible at the best price. Here are (just) five of the most important.
We Utilize the Best Possible Pricing Strategy
An experienced real estate agent can help you determine the right price for your home based on its location, size, condition, and the current market trends. By pricing your home correctly, you can attract more potential buyers and increase the chances of receiving higher offers. But unless that agent is a local real estate agent, who works in the area every day, even their expertise may not be quite enough to get a pricing strategy just right.
In general, real estate agents determine the ideal home price by considering a variety of factors, including:
We Perform an In Depth, Accurate, Market Analysis
A real estate agent will look at recent sales of similar homes in your area, also known as "comps," to determine a price range for your home. They will compare the size, location, and features of your home to those of similar homes that have recently sold.
However, if the agent does not have an intimate, first-hand knowledge of the area your home is located in the comps used may not be that comparable after all. Just because two properties are in the same town or city does not mean they are really comparable at all.
Location
The location of your home is a crucial factor in determining its value. An agent will consider the neighborhood, proximity to schools, transportation, and other amenities when pricing your home. But unless the agent really knows the area, they will be left to rely on basic stats only, some of which may be inaccurate or out off date.
Take schools for example. A real estate agent who REALLY knows the area will know what parents (and even kids) say and feel about each one, and which ones buyers concerned about where their children go to school really care about. Things that can never be determined by reviewing facts and figures alone.
Condition
The condition of your home is also an important factor. An agent will consider the age of the property, any recent upgrades or renovations, and any necessary repairs that may affect the value of your home.
A local agent also knows, however, how to help those who will need to make repairs or upgrades do so in the shortest time and at the best possible price, as we have knowledge of, and connections with, the best local professionals who can help.
Market Trends
Local real estate agents keep a close eye on the local real estate market to determine whether it's a buyer's or seller's market. This will help them determine the optimal price for your home based on the current supply and demand of homes in the area.
But we also keep a close ear. Our local connections and networks mean that we know what's going on in the market on a daily basis, and at a time when the market is proving quite changeable, this can prove to be invaluable intelligence.
We Offer Superior Real Estate Marketing
A skilled real estate agent can create a comprehensive marketing plan that will highlight the unique features of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. This can include professional photography, virtual tours, staging advice, and targeted advertising on various platforms.
Real estate marketing is a bit of an art though, and one that is often very localized. As experienced local real estate agents we have spent years analyzing, testing and experimenting with lots of different marketing strategies to determine which work best in our area. And we bring all of that knowledge to bear when planning a unique marketing plan for each of clients, something many other real estate professionals do not take the time to do.
We Do More Effective Networking
Any real estate agent needs an extensive network of contacts in the industry, including other agents, brokers, and potential buyers. By leveraging these connections, they can generate more interest in your property and increase the chances of receiving multiple offers.
But unless you are an agent that lives and works in the area, as all of the Team Pinto are, then that network will never be localized enough to truly be the huge advantage it should be. It's one thing to have someone's email address, but actually knowing people 'IRL' makes a big difference!
Our Negotiation Skills Are Second to None
A skilled real estate agent should be able to negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible price for your home. They should be able to help you evaluate offers, counter offers, and navigate any issues that may arise during the sales process.
However, only a local real estate agent, who works in the area every day, really knows, in 'real time', what is and isn't negotiable at any given moment. We can base our advice on what we know is happening in the Waterloo Region real estate market right now, not what happened last year, or even last month, which allows us to ensure that you get the best possible deal.
Getting ready to sell your Waterloo Region home, or buy a new one? Let Team Pinto use our huge experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.