What to Expect from a Listing Agent: Setting Realistic Expectations

Selling your home is a significant step, and working with a listing agent is key to making the process smooth and successful. Before you dive into the home-selling process, it's important to have a clear understanding of what a listing agent does—and what you can expect from them.

In my experience as a Realtor in Westchester County, setting clear, realistic expectations early on can help ensure that the entire transaction runs smoothly. Let’s go over what a listing agent's role is, and how we work together to get your home sold for the best possible price.

The Listing Agent's Role: What You Can Expect

A listing agent is responsible for guiding you through the selling process, from preparing your home to closing the deal. The main duties of a listing agent include:

1. Preparing Your Home for Sale: This includes offering guidance on pricing, home staging, and recommending photographers and other services to make your home shine.
2. Marketing Your Property: A good listing agent will create a marketing strategy to showcase your home to the right buyers. This typically involves listing your property on MLS (Multiple Listing Service), advertising online, and networking with other agents.
3. Managing Offers and Negotiations: Once your home is on the market, the agent will work to negotiate offers, walk you through the terms, and handle the transaction through to closing.

It’s important to note that every listing agent might have their unique approach, but these are the core responsibilities. And sometimes, agents might not fulfill every request if they don't see it as beneficial to the sale. For example, if you want to advertise in the local paper but the market is moving primarily online, they might advise against it.

Open Communication is Key

From the very beginning, it’s crucial to have an open conversation about expectations with your listing agent. This means discussing how frequently you'll communicate, the methods of communication (email, phone, text), and how updates will be delivered.

I make it a point to check in regularly with my clients to provide feedback after showings or to update them on any new developments. However, every seller’s preference is different, so it's important we align from the start to ensure you feel informed and confident in the process.

Invisible Work: Trusting Your Agent’s Efforts

You might not always see the behind-the-scenes work that your agent is doing, but rest assured, there's a lot happening. Networking with other agents, responding to inquiries, and keeping your listing active are all key tasks that can go unnoticed unless communicated properly.

If you're ever wondering what's going on behind the scenes, don’t hesitate to ask for updates. Regular communication is essential to staying on the same page.

What Happens If Things Aren’t Going As Planned?

Sometimes, things don’t go as expected. If your home isn’t getting the attention you thought it would, it’s important to reassess. I would recommend looking at factors such as:

• Home Condition: Is the home in show-ready condition? First impressions are key.
• Show Availability: Are there restrictions on when buyers can view the home?
• Price: Pricing too high can lead to stagnation. Let’s revisit the numbers if needed.

If everything seems right on your end but the home is still not selling, it might be time to revisit your marketing strategy. As your agent, I can provide a list of the avenues we’re using to market the property and help you compare those to what’s working for similar homes in the area.

Bottom Line: Clear Communication Leads to Success

Remember, selling your home is a partnership. Setting realistic expectations and having an open line of communication with your agent are key factors that will help make your selling experience smoother. If at any point you feel unsure or unhappy with the progress, let's have an honest conversation. Together, we’ll create a strategy that fits your goals and ensures your home gets sold.