3 Things First-time Home Sellers Wish You Knew

Real estate agents often focus a lot on first-time homebuyers. Most real estate agent websites you visit will have tons of information for buyers while very little for sellers. It may be because of an unintended skew of the market, or perhaps the assumption that buying a home is more challenging than selling a home. But if you have ever tried to sell something, you know there are some challenges on that side of the market as well. If you want to make a big impression on seller leads, and hopefully turn the lead into a sale, here are three things you must be aware first-time home sellers wish you knew.

I am confused

Putting your first property on the market can be confusing. How does the sale process work? What part do I have to play? How can a real estate agent help me? Will I deal with the buyer directly or through the real estate agent? How should I price my home? The list of questions goes on. As an agent working with such a seller, you will need to patiently explain to them how everything will work. In fact, prepare a step-by-step roadmap of what will happen during the entire sales process.

You can add this to your website, print it out or have a simple verbal walk through that you do with all your seller clients. Help them understand things like determining their home’s market value, why it is important to get the price right the first time, what to do when showing the house to a prospective buyer, and so on. The better you prepare the seller for the process, the less confused they will be. This will also mean the process will run smoother for all parties involved.

I am anxious

Keeping in mind this is their single largest investment and they are about to part ways with it, you can imagine the anxiety the seller may be experiencing. Some of the questions running through their mind include:

• Am I ready to sell?

• Am I going to find a buyer quickly?

• Will I get a buyer at the price I am quoting?

• Is the agent I am working with competent?

• Will I be able to sell the house before I close on the new house?

These are doubtless anxious moments for the seller. To reduce this anxiety, wear you real estate counseling hat and reassure them that everything will work out. Provide them with data and information that supports your reassurances. Most importantly, don’t ignore their anxiety. Validate it and help them work through it, even if it means having coffee with them to just talk about their feelings about selling the house.

I am apprehensive

When selling a home, there are many things to be apprehensive about. Some of the questions mentioned above can be a source of anxiety and apprehension. However, the biggest source of apprehension when it comes to selling a home is letting strangers into your home to view it. Remember anyone can claim to be interested in buying your home, and as such, you will feel obligated to let them in for the viewing. The unfortunate thing is some people may come to the house with bad intentions. They may be on the lookout for valuables that they can steal.

Because of this, any seller who is apprehensive is rightfully so. To help the seller prevent any of this happening, teach them how to secure their valuables when showing the house. Inform them that it is best to show the house with someone else in the house rather than doing it alone. Keeping daytime hours for showings is also best. The more in control they feel, the safer they will feel, and the feelings of apprehension will dissipate.

Appreciating that first-time sellers also have struggles is an important way of connecting with leads. Taking the time to empower them through the sales process will build your credibility and win you business and referrals from the sellers you are currently helping and have helped in the past.

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