5 Truths Your Real Estate Agent Wishes You Would Accept
Being a real estate agent can be a bit difficult when it comes to using your expertise. Many homeowners believe they know just as much about the market because they’ve lived in that particular neighborhood for an extended period of time (not true, this does not necessarily tell you where the market is headed). The truth is, there are a number of areas where the real estate agent and the homeowner butt heads, and if we could just clear up a few of those misconceptions life might be a whole lot easier for everyone.
1.) I have a better idea than you do of why your home isn’t selling. Selling homes is, in fact, what they do for a living, and if yours isn’t selling they’ve probably seen a similar case before. As much as you may believe that your home is a unique case that just hasn’t found the perfect buyer even though it’s been on the market at the same price for 72 days; that is not what’s going on. Your home probably isn’t selling for a variety of reasons, all of which your real estate agent is desperately trying to communicate to you.
2.) Sentimental value can’t be added to your price point. Of course you think the house is probably worth more than it is,you’ve been in love with it for 24 years! And you’re selling it! So it’s perfectly natural to want to price the home a bit higher than what your agent tells you is fair market price. And that’s fine…for now. The bottom line is that your agent knows what price the home is
probably going to sell for, or at least a price that’s fairly close. Listen to them. They aren’t trying to swindle you out of money; they’re trying to sell your home.
3.) I can’t always pick up. In today’s age of ever-changing technology, there are a million ways to communicate with someone. Having said that though, simply calling someone up on the telephone may not always be the best option. After all, they might be (and probably are) already on the line with someone else, or maybe they’re driving and simply can’t pick up right now. When an agent tells you they can answer emails, texts, or smoke signals, try those other options. 
4.) You’re not just paying for my neighborhood and market expertise; you’re paying for my marketing skills too. You might be able to find a different agent that will take less commission, but there’s a reason for that; mainly, that they won’t be putting in as many hours as I will to make sure your home sells in a reasonable time at the best possible price.
5.) Don’t judge me by my age. People can get into the real estate business at any time, meaning a 50-year old man may have years less experience than a 29 year old woman, though it certainly doesn’t look that way. The fact is, if I’m good at my job my age doesn’t matter, and my years’ experience isn’t all that important either. Some agents take years to understand the market and how the home buying process works, while others catch on much sooner. Judge me by my references and track record instead and you may be pleasantly surprised.
