Ask Phyllis!

Wrapping Up A Listing

Dear Phyllis,
I look forward to your real estate articles, and think I have a new topic for you. My wife and I purchased a condo in Arizona and are moving in a couple of months. We have met with our real estate agent several times. She has discussed staging, and made a list of things for us to get done around the house which we are working on. She wants to get started with having the home measured, and obtaining staging estimates, but she is pushing us to sign the listing paperwork before she makes these appointments. I guess I just don’t understand the rush – perhaps you can enlighten me? Feeling Pushed

Dear Feeling Pushed,
I am so glad to know you enjoy our Q&A. Your question is a great one, and I am happy to provide you with an explanation.

You aren’t toying with the idea of moving, you are moving and have a new home and a plan. Quality marketing takes time to put in place. It is understandable that your Realtor® wants to initiate the marketing process. Of course as a real estate agent, I can go to your home and take some photos with my iPhone and get your home listed in the multiple listing service (MLS) that same day. But this is not how a savvy Realtor® markets your home in order for you to sell at the highest possible price.

The price and quality of home staging varies and I think it’s admirable that your Realtor® wants to start obtaining estimates. Before she brings several stagers to your home for estimates, it is only fair to the real estate agent and the stagers that there is a listing in place. Once you decide on a stager, your Realtor® needs to coordinate the staging date and then professional photos; all of this takes time.

As far as having the home measured and a floor plan created, this too takes time. In my experience the measurer is often booked out a week to ten days in advance. If you are happy with your choice of Realtor® there is no reason not to sign the listing contract and have your agent begin the marketing process. You also have the option to interview other Realtors® and hire one. The more time your Realtor® has for pre-marketing the better.

Best of luck on your move!.

  Phyllis Harb