is typically telling the potential seller that the price they have in mind to list their home and the price I have data for are...two different things. It is then finding the happy medium. As a seller it is very important that you listen to your agent when he or she gives you the data on recent sales and comparables of properties that have sold within the last 6 months in your area.
You can't argue the facts. Yes, you have more square feet, and yes your home is newer than so and so's, and that all figures into the final price. But sometimes your data is based on rumors not fact. The mls shows what the property sold for and sometimes something you wouldn't have ever thought of is in the mix. Such as the seller contributed $3000 in closing costs for buyer. You wouldn't have known those details.
It is tough to bust that bubble though when someone has a certain amount they think they can get from the sale of their home. But if your agent goes along with your price, with the data showing it should list much lower, your agent is doing you a great disservice. Maybe your agent will take any listing just to get a listing. That is not good for you, or the agent.
But as in all aspects of life, honesty is the best policy and as they say "it is what it is". Data doesn't lie. Overpriced listings don't sell.
Sometimes as agents, we have to be the bearer of bad news. But sometimes we are the bearer of good news-like you can get more than you thought for your house!
Love it when I get to say that...and it happens, just on rare occassions.
Mary Welch
Broker/Owner Preferred Choice Realty, Harper, Ks.