What to Ask Realtor When Selling

When selling a home, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. In Erindale, a neighborhood known for its beautiful homes and welcoming community, choosing the right realtor can make or break the selling process. So, what to ask realtor when selling? Sure, the usual questions like “What’s your commission rate?” and “How quickly can you sell my home?” are important, but there are other critical questions many sellers overlook. If you’re an Erindale resident looking to sell your home, here’s what you really need to know.

How Well Do You Know the Erindale and Mississauga Markets?

A realtor’s knowledge of the local market is a game-changer. Erindale and Mississauga have a unique real estate landscape. Homes in Erindale, for instance, vary from older properties with a lot of character to more modern developments. According to the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), Mississauga homes experienced a 6% year-over-year increase in average sale prices, which reflects a robust local market. A realtor who has worked extensively in Erindale can help you price your home accurately and guide you on timing for the best sale.

Ask your realtor:

• “What are the current trends in Erindale?”
• “How have similar homes performed in the market over the last few months?”

This gives you an insight into whether they really understand the local dynamics or are just giving you a cookie-cutter answer.

Can You Show Me Your Sales Data?

Many homeowners shy away from asking for hard data, but it’s crucial. A realtor may boast about their success, but numbers don’t lie. You’ll want to know their average days on market (DOM), their list-to-sale price ratio, and how many homes they’ve sold in the Erindale area.

For example, if a realtor says they usually sell homes for 98% of the listing price, but data shows homes in Erindale typically go for 102% of the listing price, there’s a red flag. TREB reported that homes in Mississauga sold for an average of 104% of their asking price, so make sure your realtor is keeping pace with local norms.

Ask your realtor:

• “Can you provide recent sales data for Erindale homes you’ve listed?”
• “How does your performance compare to the overall Mississauga market?”

What’s Your Marketing Strategy for My Erindale Home?

Gone are the days when selling a house meant putting up a “For Sale” sign and hosting open houses. In a competitive market like Erindale, your home needs a stellar marketing plan to stand out. Does the realtor have access to the best online platforms? Are they willing to invest in professional photography or virtual tours?

In 2022, 97% of homebuyers used the internet to search for properties, according to the National Association of Realtors. You want a realtor who can effectively utilize digital marketing, including social media, Google ads, and listing websites. Beyond that, consider asking about their strategies for targeting Erindale buyers specifically, such as highlighting community features like Erindale Park or proximity to reputable schools.

Ask your realtor:

• “What’s your digital marketing strategy?”
• “How will you ensure my home gets noticed by Erindale buyers?”

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How Will You Handle Offers and Negotiations?

It’s easy to get caught up in excitement when offers start rolling in, but handling them correctly is where a realtor’s expertise really shines. Especially in a desirable area like Erindale, where competitive bidding can happen, you need someone who knows how to manage multiple offers, counteroffers, and potential bidding wars.

Ask your realtor:

• “How do you approach multiple offers?”
• “What’s your strategy for negotiating the best deal for me?”

Many realtors will talk about getting you the “best price,” but it’s more about getting the best overall deal, which includes factors like closing timelines, contingencies, and financing terms.

Can You Help Me Prepare My Home for Sale?

A realtor’s job goes beyond just selling; they should also guide you on how to prepare your home for sale to get the best price. In Erindale, homes that are well-staged tend to sell faster. Staging can increase a home’s selling price by up to 10%, according to data from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). If your realtor doesn’t offer this service, ask if they can recommend a staging professional.

Also, inquire about renovations or minor improvements that can boost your home’s appeal. For example, updating the kitchen or improving landscaping may add thousands to your home’s value, particularly in competitive neighborhoods like Erindale.

Ask your realtor:

• “What improvements do you recommend before listing?”
• “Do you offer home staging or have trusted partners for this service?”

What Hidden Costs Should I Expect?

One of the lesser-discussed aspects of selling a home are the hidden fees that can sneak up on you. Beyond the realtor’s commission, there are closing costs, home inspection fees, potential repairs, and legal fees. According to Zoocasa, closing costs in Ontario can range from 1.5% to 4% of the selling price. For a $1,000,000 home in Erindale, this could mean $15,000 to $40,000 in additional costs.

Ask your realtor:

• “Can you provide a breakdown of all the fees I’ll be responsible for?”
• “What potential costs could arise during the selling process?”

How Will You Communicate With Me?

A realtor’s communication style is crucial, especially in a fast-moving market like Erindale. Will they update you frequently? Do they prefer calls, texts, or emails? A lack of communication can lead to missed opportunities or confusion during the sale process.

Ask your realtor:

• “How often will I receive updates?”
• “What’s your preferred method of communication?”

What Happens If My Home Doesn’t Sell?

While this question may feel uncomfortable, it’s a reality every seller should be prepared for. Sometimes homes don’t sell as quickly as expected. It’s important to know how your realtor plans to handle that situation. Will they lower the price, adjust the marketing strategy, or explore other options like renting the property?

Ask your realtor:

• “What will you do if my home doesn’t sell in the expected timeframe?”
• “Are there alternative strategies we can explore?”

How Mississauga Homes Can Help Erindale Residents

At Mississauga Homes, we specialize in helping Erindale residents with our Real Estate Agent Erindale services. Our deep understanding of the local market, combined with our strategic approach to marketing, ensures that your home gets the attention it deserves. Whether you’re selling an older Erindale property or a newly renovated home, we tailor our services to meet your needs, leveraging our knowledge of Mississauga’s real estate trends.

Conclusion

Selling a home is a significant decision that comes with plenty of questions. By asking the right ones, especially those beyond the typical list, you’ll have a clearer idea of your realtor’s expertise and how they can guide you through a successful sale. Remember, a realtor is not just someone who lists your home; they’re a partner in one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. For Erindale residents, ensuring your realtor knows the local market and has a detailed strategy will lead to the best possible outcome. If you’re an Erindale resident looking to sell your home, now is the perfect time to work with a team that understands the local market. Mississauga Homes offers unparalleled expertise, from pricing your home to marketing it effectively. Reach out today to learn how our Real Estate Agent Erindale services can help you achieve the best outcome. Let us guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and profitable sale. Contact us now to get started on selling your Erindale home!