I t is important for Realtors to use every tool available to leverage their clients’ properties so they may sell in a timely manner at the best possible price.
“When it comes to working with our sellers, our agents/brokers go to any lengths to make sure their home is viewed in its best state,” says Mike Matthews, broker/owner of Orange Key Realty. “It’s all in the details. A wise, old friend once told me, ‘selling the sizzle and not the steak is the key to sales’ in our industry. The “sizzle” will encourage the buyer in the door and a good “steak” (home) will seal the deal.”
Ofir Hillel, broker/owner says, “Open houses are a great source of information about the property, neighborhood and local markets. Our agents and brokers work on keeping our sellers’ expectations realistic to enable them to get the best value for their property. We are proud of our award-winning team here at Orange Key Realty.”
Staging, by the seller and/or Realtor, most likely will take place to present the property in a neutral setting. Make sure that you focus on what matters. Lift rugs to look at floors, ask the agent to turn off music so you can listen for nearby noise, and beware of any smells masked by candles. Also request a disclosure sheet, which lists known structural issues.
Visiting a home in person allows you to pick up on details you won’t see in the listing, such as the strength of the water pressure and how much you could actually cram in the closets. It’s an opportunity to check out the neighborhood as well and get a sense of the area by checking out surrounding streets and driving home using a different route.
“We appreciate that buyers who are working with our agents acknowledge this by writing their buyer’s agent contact information on the sign-in sheet. This information will permit our agent to handle any follow-up calls or emails on their behalf. The listing agent is there to answer all inquiries regarding the property. Some suggested questions: any upgrades to the property? Any offers? When and why are the sellers are moving?” Hillel added.
Orange Key Realty’s staff of sales and broker associates can be reached at either 863 Georges Road, Monmouth Junction (732-297-6969) serving Middlesex County, and 60 Main St., Freehold (732- 863-6699) serving Monmouth County.