Listing Paperwork
Dear Phyllis,
I look forward to your real estate articles, and I 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, so 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. Understandably, 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.
Home staging varies in price and quality. I think it is admirable that your Realtor is starting to gather estimates.
Before she brings stagers into your home, she should complete the listing paperwork first. This step respects both the real estate agent and the staging professionals. Once you select a stager, your Realtor will then coordinate the staging date. After that, she will schedule professional photography. Each step takes time.
Measuring the home and creating a floor plan also takes time. In my experience, professionals often book out a week to ten days in advance.
If you are happy with your Realtor, complete the listing paperwork now. This allows your agent to begin the marketing process right away. However, you still have the option to interview other Realtors and choose one that best fits your needs. In short, more pre-marketing time allows your Realtor to position your home more effectively.
Best of luck on your move!
