We’ve all heard the stories: Dozens of buyers, cash offers 10% and 20% over asking price, buyers waiving inspections and providing appraisal gap coverage. With the frenzy of the current seller’s market, it just seems too easy to sell. More and more people are wondering: why even work with an agent to sell my home?
Here at CJV Real Estate, we strongly believe in the value realtors provide. Here are three reasons it’s worth working with a listing agent:
1. Selling a home is complex: Staging that shows off a home’s best qualities and professional photos that attract buyers, writing a listing and pricing a home competitively to attract buyers, organizing showings, communicating with buyer’s agents, and evaluating dozens of complex offers. There are 65 pages of MLS rules and regulations in Colorado. At CJV, we are knowledgeable and licensed professionals.
2. There’s a reason for the saying, “penny wise and pound foolish.” Large tech corporations and discount brokerages offer low listing fees because their automated business model prioritizes quantity over quality. Don’t expect a market expert to provide tips that maximize the value of your listing, communicate promptly, or navigate the challenges of working with other realtors. Realtors prioritize clients’ needs and bear the stress and burden of selling a home while you enjoy maximizing your home’s value. Our clients repeatedly return to work with CJV and refer us to their friends and family, including children and grandchildren!
3. Little known fact: A contract to buy and sell a home is a bonafide legal document. Sellers who choose not to work with a realtor expose themselves to legal risk and carry the liability.
In this market, it is common for wholesalers (who are not licensed, nor realtors) or large real estate corporations to take advantage of the emotional state of sellers and offer to buy a home with a short acceptance deadline. Here’s just one recent example from the market:
2148 Patton Ct was listed for $459,000. It went under contract for $463,800 after only hours on the market, only to show up off-market less than an hour later! This seller left $40,000-$50,000 on the table!
Sometimes it is advantageous to accept a truly great offer and sometimes it is best to wait for the market. As your realtor, we will protect your interests and help you navigate the market. It’s worth giving yourself the best resources possible.
-Chris Freeburg & the CJV Real Estate Team