Sellers: What the Right Realtor Brings to the Table

When you're looking for Morgantown homes for sale, you know you need a real estate agent you can trust. Buyers virtually always have a real estate agent on their side. But what about sellers? An agent's role may differ in selling versus buying, but it's just as crucial.

Our real estate agents want to help you make an informed decision about your approach to selling.

Whether selling or buying, a real estate agent is an expert who serves as your strongest ally during the process. They are there to keep you advised every step of the way so you move effectively toward your goals. However, some sellers have questioned whether they need an agent over the last few years.

When sellers go it alone, they expose themselves to risks they wouldn't otherwise face. Likewise, they can leave thousands of dollars on the table or extend their sale process by many weeks.

Let's take a closer look at how an agent can prove instrumental to your success as a seller:

• Pricing Your Property to Sell Faster
Ideally, the property should sell within 30 days and no longer than 60 days. Homes that have been on the market for 90 days or more usually have to be re-listed to beat the perception that something is wrong. To move fast, a home must be "priced to sell," in alignment with recent prices of similar homes in the area.

• Protecting Against Costly Paperwork Issues
Going it alone without a real estate agent is called "for sale by owner" (or FSBO). When you take this route, you're fully responsible for all the required paperwork that goes into your sale. A simple oversight might cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars—and it may even stop your transaction in its tracks.

• Guidance for a Bidding War
On the flip side, the most positive thing that can happen for most sellers is a bidding war, where you are entertaining offers from multiple qualified buyers. Even in a hot "seller's market," you'll need a strategy and strong negotiation skills to get the best results. Your real estate agent has them at the ready.

• Optimizing Your Listing
Your property listing is your most important asset throughout the selling process. It must show off all the best features in the best ways. It's up to the real estate agent to get compelling photographs and introduce features like virtual tours that keep buyers engaged as they browse.

• Marketing Your Property
The average sale can require dozens or even hundreds of hours of marketing. That includes other digital assets that complement the listing, virtual showings through video platforms, and in-person open houses. An experienced real estate agent will not only do it all for you but keep you informed throughout the process.

• Safeguarding Your Interests
Your real estate agent can spot red flags throughout your sale. For example, there may be signs that a qualified buyer with a perfect offer isn't all they're cracked up to be. At best, this wastes your time, while at worst, it can cost you. Your agent is there to help you nip problems in the bud early.

• Getting You Through Closing Day
Closing day is an exciting time for buyers and sellers alike. Sadly, something can still go wrong right up to the last minute. There's a plethora of paperwork to deal with, and your real estate agent is critical as a second set of eyes—and someone who can tell you when you need a real estate lawyer or other help.

Contact us to find out more about West Virginia real estate opportunities.