A new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed buyers and sellers on what they want from their real estate agents. And for all talk about getting a good deal on a purchase or sale, people still just want to find the right home and have a smooth process.
Out of all the services we can provide US Buyers value finding the right home above all others. Is that a surprise? As Realtors we get asked a myriad of questions from financial advice and school ratings to mortgage financing. Many times we are compelled to bring other professionals into the conversation when we are out of our depth. Being a trusted advisor is essential to our job. Helping our clients realize their dreams of home ownership or investment success. Survey’s like this ad some perspective and offer an interesting look into the mind of our clients. What are your thoughts?
Sellers Speak Out
Help with marketing their home was the top response from sellers at 22%, while pricing the home competitively was a close second at 20%. Help negotiating with buyers registered at just 13%. Logistics such as selling the home on the right timeline (18%) and preparing the house for sale (15%) also registered frequently among sellers.
The survey also shed light on the different methods by which agents are marketing homes for sale. The hotly debated Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) — a NAR rule that requires Realtors to post a home on a NAR-affiliated multiple listing service (MLS) within a day of signing a listing agreement — is likely playing a role in the responses. (Exclusive listings ie. not on the MLS are allowed in Canada under certain conditions)
In response to a “select all that apply” question about marketing methods, 86% of sellers said their agent posted the listing on an MLS, by far the highest option. More antiquated methods like yard signs (61%), open houses (58%) and direct mail (8%) showed up in the survey as well.
I would love to know your feedback about this info from the US. How do you think it applies here in Canada?
