Goodness Of Fit: 4 What-If Questions To Ask Your Agent

Generally speaking, selling your Bay Area home is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘how’. Homes continue to be in high demand and the fall is often considered the 2^nd best time of year to sell. If you have ever interviewed a real estate agent, you know that both experience and integrity are equally important. While much of this can be assessed through a review of the agent’s recent sales and career history… sometimes knowing if you are a match is more about the ‘what if’ than the what has been…

Here are 4 questions to help you determine if the listing agent you are interviewing is the right fit for you!

#1: WHAT IF… the inspections reveal some unexpected repairs?

No home is perfect – and every home needs something! But you and your agent need to have a thorough discussion on what the law requires to be disclosed, what should be shared as part of due diligence and what improvements can vastly improve your ROI. We strive to respect our seller’s timeline, budget and overall goals when discussing repairs (and we have a great list of vetted professionals you can count on!).

#2: WHAT IF… my neighbor decides to list their home at the same time?

Another home on your block on the market at the same time is not always a bad thing! Chances are you will inadvertently market for each other and get more eyes than you may have alone. But your agent should have a complete understanding of the other home’s condition, seller circumstances and timeline if possible – and be super defined in how and why they priced your home. If everything appears equal on the surface but the other home is listed for $100K less… everyone will want to know why!

#3: WHAT IF… we have an offer on the table, will you still show my home?

In real estate, anything is possible. Accepting the perfect offer from the perfect buyer IS NOT a done deal until you have the cash in hand. Any number of circumstances could change the outcome with much being out of the buyer and seller’s control. But how do you feel about back-up offers? Contingency extensions? Continuing to show the home until it closes? This is where the rubber meets the road so it’s best to avoid a collision by agreeing on a back-up strategy beforehand. It’s a fine balance between respecting and trusting your buyer while preparing for the worst-case scenario.

#4: WHAT IF… I don’t get as many offers as we expected?

Expectations are HIGH in this market. You may read a few headlines and expect 7 offers that are $150K over-asking price…but that may not happen. (To be honest – it probably won’t!) The disappointment is best avoided by having clear expectations upfront. Real estate is very local – so a thorough analysis of your neighborhood coupled with a complete understanding of the selected pricing strategy should set the stage for success without serious surprises.

If we can add the ONE most important thing that will drive a successful relationship between an agent and client – it is communication. Communication builds trust, dispels fear, creates confidence and maybe even adds some humor to the experience (we aren’t comedians but we have not done our job if we don't make you laugh at least once!) Having an agent you feel 100% comfortable asking anything is a sure sign you can work together through the good, the bad and the crazy that IS Bay Area real estate!

All our best,

Mark & Jason

Please note this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation if you are currently in contract with another real estate agent or broker.