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Let's review what a Realtor(tm) does, or is supposed to do:
(btw a Realtor is a member of the NAR club, all others are real estate sales agents.)
1. Examine the property.
Sometimes this can make a huge difference in how it's presented. The agents selling one of my relatives homes spent literally two full days cleaning and re-arrainging it, and it sold for near-asking price just before the crash.
Even the best house can have thousands mentally knocked off its potential price if it has stained curtains from the 70's. Sometimes furniture is rented for temporary measure. Candy and flowers are a must.
2. Research comparable sales history in the area.
This can be done through Zillow, Realtor, Trulia, city assessors, etc., but agents usually have access to the latest data instantly.
FISBO's are usually considered to be overpriced by buyers(right or wrong), and Realtors often pressure sellers to drop the price for a quicker sale.
*even if you have a "buyers" or a "sellers" agent, never ever give a hint of your financial status or needed sales date when they ask. Just a whisper to the other side will skew a deal.
3. Meet potential buyers and show property.
Buyers want to browse on their own schedule and not be pressured in the slightest. They want to be placated and feel "in control". Nervous, impatient and/or weary sellers don't let that happen. The most important thing is the house should be "new" to them. They don't want stories of someone elses children growing up there, they are only thinking of their own.
A neutral third party is usually best for this.
4. Handle the paperwork.
Offer, counter-offer, plenty of lowballs, headaches.
Meanwhile the bills continue on an empty property.
A real estate lawyer can also handle these(at a per-hour rate!) and deal with the Title Company, etc. to make sure all the "I"'s are crossed and the "T"'s dotted. Screw-ups can mean extended court fees, buyers backing out, and post-sale complications.
That's all I can think of at 1:20am
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