What kind of services trends are becoming standard for your clients when listing their property?

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Sep 22, 2017 Views412 Answer a Question

For example, complementary staging, professional photography, twilight photos, aerial photos, materport, etc.

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REALTORS®
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Realtor Only
About 6 years ago
Some great answers and good info for new agents. I do think it is up to you and doing something to separate you from other realtors is always a plus. However, sometimes sellers don't appreciate it and just expect it. Also, doing all that effort but having no buyers because the asking price is ridiculous or due to other extenuating circumstances, is redundant. It seems some sellers just don't care and won't make the same effort on their end to prepare their house which is out of our control. Their jus interested in selling quick and for the most amount of money, but when will they see reason?
About 6 years ago
Great question! For all my listings I use a professional photographer. I also offer basic staging of my expertise walking the house, suggesting improvements, furniture arrangements and decluttering etc for best photos. I have on hand simple items I place in the home to help it photograph better. I always buy a fresh new welcome mat (the seller can keep when they move) I give clients an option of paying for a professional stager. I have also had a company come in and do a floor plan to make the listing stand out. These floorpans are helpful in that they measure the garage as well as closets which aren't in the MLS - and it shows the flow of a home. There are some new apps that create floor plans as well, but I have not looked into them. Depending on the location of the home, and if an aerial view will help sell it, I would consider doing that. My standard is excellent customer service and communication throughout the process - that will get you a client for life.
About 6 years ago
That is really up to you. I personally look at the some of the lax entries that are very prevalent on the MLS. One of the biggest is photos. If I list a retail listing, I pay for professional photos, they are that important. I have also offered, pro staging, pre showing cleanings, yard service while active etc. The latter are more of a case by case than a standard but can be included in a listing under the right circumstances. As stated above, your best included item will be your experience, dedication, service and professionalism.
About 6 years ago
Good question. I believe we are witnessing attempts by the tech based organizations such as Zillow, Purple brick, Redfin and a host of others vying for the agents commission. They are trying to create that perfect model that will, in my opinion, eliminate or dramatically reduce the traditional real estate agent and our function as we exist today. Is that a good thing? Maybe not. But we can't stop it.
So what do we do that will keep us in business that the techies can't emulate?
Personal Service and attention to the needs of the client as if they were one of the family. Our jobs are not 9-5. Our duties may overlap into walking an unruly dog so a home can be shown, tidying a room, taking someone to the Dr. when their family is unavailable. We also screw deals together when everyone thinks they are dead. And Why? Because we are that way. We are drivers that focus on getting the job done.

Your question comes at a time when I have been wondering what we can do to stave off the trend of these hungry tech giants gobbling up our livelihoods. What are the trends for services? While the techies ponder why that can't grab it, we must improve what they can't copy. The answer is keep the service personal, caring and proactive. Be the captain of the ship, keep watch for the icebergs and be there to wipe a tear when necessary. We are our clients advocates. We are their Realtor.

I doubt this was the answer your looking for, so I'll give you my two cents on the base "services" 1) High quality photography is a must. Matterport is expensive, I don't think it will catch on in Houston due to cost. I do like it, but I think it may do more harm than good: we want the buyers to tour the home in person not online. Photo presentation should wet the appetite, kind of a tease. (show me more) 2) Staging? Important but crazy expensive for a good one. 3) A new service out is "Updater" that provides helpful relocation functions.

Good luck and good selling!
Disclaimer: Answers provided are just opinions and should not be accepted as advice.
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