Ask An Agent: The Secrets to Selling Fast and for Top Dollar
Ask An Agent: The Secrets to Selling Fast and for Top Dollar
At NurtureSource, we know that good design makes a difference when it comes to selling homes, but naturally, we’re a little biased. So we asked 3 of the Bay Area’s top agents to share what makes homes sell fastest and for the best price. Here, they share their expert opinions.
Spoiler alert: All 3 agents call out the importance of renovations and staging. If NurtureSource sounds like a fit for you, let’s talk. Schedule an introductory call.
THE AGENTS
THE INTEL
1. Presentation – Curb Appeal, Renovations, Staging
“If you want top dollar, you need to invest in reimagining your property for buyers because we’re living in the HGTV generation. Buyers today consume so much media that’s teaching them what’s trending. You just can't get away with things that look dated anymore. A clean, crisp aesthetic, fresh paint, updated flooring, and staging are key because they’re the backdrop to every picture, video, social media post, and every angle when a buyer walks into a room. This is where you outsource to companies like NurtureSource. They can give you a menu of things they can do to add value to the property. There was a time when you could get away without staging, but now it's a requirement, especially in the Bay Area, where you have very educated buyers with high taste who know what’s out there on the market. You might save some money by not staging, but from an optical standpoint, you look terrible. If you're truly on a budget, you can discuss with your realtor about digital staging or companies that do staging paid out of escrow.” – Herman Chan, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
“First impressions are everything, and an occupied home makes it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Also, since the pandemic, buyers have become very particular. They want to feel a connection with the house. The tranquility and energy of the home matter to them, and they’re looking for a home that feels like a retreat where they can unwind. They’re also looking for outdoor space, a home office, and bonus spaces like extra closets or areas that can potentially be converted to an ADU. That’s why we love working with NurtureSource for all the prep work and staging. They have their finger on the pulse. They know what buyers are looking for and what the trends are. At the very least, if a home is presented well and painted neutral colors, it makes a big difference.” – June McDaniels & Sarah Torney, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
“Does the home have an inviting look from the street? Are the colors nice? Is there a yard? All of these things affect people's immediate response to the property, because before it becomes available, potential buyers usually drive by to check it out. These days, people are being more careful with their money, and if they can buy something that’s more up-to-date, they will. Freshly painted homes with beautiful floors are essential, and kitchen and bath remodels are key. There are a lot of design-build companies out there that do this work, but NurtureSource is the best. I can always trust them to make choices that are in keeping with the times and what the buyers in a particular neighborhood want. Plus, NurtureSource works with licensed contractors, which is a huge value-add. In terms of staging, sometimes it’s used to cover up what’s wrong with a home or tries to call too much attention to itself. NurtureSource never overstages. They always do choice work, with an aesthetic that’s clean, light, and fresh and really allows people to see themselves in the space.” – Andrea Gordon, Compass
2. Pricing Competitively
“It really boils down to the things you can control, and pricing right is always key. You need to partner with a fantastic local realtor and have them do a walkthrough with their top realtor associates to get multiple opinions. This will help you ascertain where you should enter the market.” – Herman Chan
“We really have to keep a close eye on the market. Price too low, and it might not generate a high enough offer. Price too high, and you might not generate enough activity. We go back to the last 30 days and look at what things were listed for, the condition of the property, and what it last sold for. Sometimes we even call other agents to see how the activity was.” – June McDaniels & Sarah Torney
“In our area, there's been a tendency to price low and bid up. When I'm working with a buyer, I always provide them with a comparative market analysis so they know what a real price will look like. There are homes out there priced so low it's ludicrous – something listed for $1,000,095 that goes for $1,900,000. And that's not fair or right.” – Andrea Gordon
3. Timing
“Timing’s not so much of an issue in our local market because we have great weather year-round in the Bay Area, but you do still have to understand the product you’re selling and discuss with your realtor about your buyer demographic. If it’s a single studio unit in downtown San Francisco, you're not going to care too much about schools in a suburban area. On the other hand, school cycles are really important for parents so it’s important to adjust your timing accordingly if that’s your buyer demo. You’ll also want to ask your agent what’s currently on the market and what's coming soon because that’s going to be your competition when you hit the market. If you have a well-connected realtor, they know what inventory is coming up. You may not see it there on the public listings, but we are in business on the ground and we know what's going to be coming on the market because we all talk to each other.” – Herman Chan
4. Access
“Vacant and unfettered access is key. As an agent, I would say our job is to manage expectations. As a seller, try to detach yourself emotionally and think of it as a business decision. You will save yourself so much heartache. Nostalgia has cost my clients so much money. I know it's an extra cost to move out and rent someplace else, but your showings are going to be 10 times more. Time is the killer of all deals, and if an agent can’t show a potential buyer a home because the baby’s sleeping, they’re going to move on to the next shiny object.” – Herman Chan
5. Marketing
“You must have an online presence, because for most people, it’s the first place they go. And social media really helps get the word out. We’ve even been featured on American Dream TV. It’s all about keeping top of mind with your sphere of influence. Most of our business comes from referrals and word-of-mouth. And that's really what we use these channels for – to remind our friends, family, past clients, and professional network to think about us anytime they need a realtor or know anyone who’s looking for a realtor. Our goal is to be the concierge resource and one-stop-shop for all things real estate.” – June McDaniels & Sarah Torney
NurtureSource Is Here to Help
Our team at NurtureSource is here to help your property stand out from the crowd. Schedule a call and let’s talk about what we can do for you.
