Many homeowners begin the selling process by browsing sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, or Trulia to see what similar properties have recently sold for in their neighborhood to get an idea of their home’s current value. While this is a common approach, keep in mind:
These sites aren’t 100% accurate, as listings that were never posted on the MLS, such as pocket listings or For Sale By Owners (FSBO), are excluded.
The information on these online platforms is often outdated or inaccurate because not all Realtors are required to manually update their listings from Active to Sold. Unfortunately, many Realtors don’t consistently refresh this data. For instance, a property might show as Active on Zillow even though it sold 9 months ago.
Professional appraisers only consider homes that have sold within the last 90 days in a specific neighborhood. Online platforms do not allow you to filter properties by recent sales within a 90-day window, which can make it challenging to analyze recent transactions.
Additionally, many listings do not provide square footage, which can make it difficult to ensure you’re comparing similarly sized properties. This factor plays a significant role in determining the market value of a home.
Therefore, the first step in selling your property should be to interview Realtors to represent you and ask them to provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
Find a Realtor
How do you find a reliable Realtor? We hope you’ll contact us at [your contact info] to see if we’re a good fit. However, not all Realtors are suitable for every client. It’s important to find someone who not only excels at their job but is also someone you feel comfortable working with—you’re trusting them with a major financial decision. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals. Once you have a few names, contact them and arrange initial phone screenings. Pay attention to how quickly they respond to your inquiry; a response within 24 hours is ideal. This is a fast-moving industry, and delays can cause you to miss opportunities.
Initial Phone Screening
During the initial phone conversation, inquire whether the Realtor is familiar with your specific neighborhood and whether they’ve helped clients buy or sell properties in your area. Ask about their experience. If you feel positive about the Realtor, ask them to perform a CMA for your home and schedule an in-person meeting. Be ready to discuss the condition of your home, how much you owe on your mortgage, and any repairs that may be necessary, as this information will help the Realtor provide an accurate CMA.
Meet In Person and Review the CMA
When you meet with the Realtor in person, use our Interview Questions for Hiring a Realtor to guide the conversation. Review the CMA together. Ask them not only for their estimated home value but also about the average days on the market for similar homes in your neighborhood. If they don’t know this statistic, move on. Discuss the Realtor’s commission, expected closing costs, and a rough estimate of your net profit if you sell your home at a specific price. Most importantly, be transparent about your goals. If you have a target selling price or timeline, share this information so that the Realtor can develop the best strategy for your situation. Trust your instincts during this meeting.
Sign the Paperwork
Once you’ve chosen a Realtor, you’ll need to sign a listing agreement to officially authorize them to represent you. This step will initiate the process of getting your property listed on the market.
We’re here to support you whenever you need us!