Uncategorized June 3, 2025

3 Questions a Home Seller Will Ask a Realtor – Part 1

home selling tipsreal estate agentselling a homehow to price your homereal estate market trendsMinnesota real estatehome listing pricecommunication with realtortiming home salereal estate advicechoosing a realtorTom SommersColdwell   0 Comments | Add Comment

3 Questions a Home Seller Will Ask a Realtor – Part 1

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re likely brimming with questions—and you’re not alone. Over my 20+ years as a licensed real estate agent in Minnesota, I’ve heard just about every question you can imagine. While there are more than three common questions sellers ask, I wanted to break this topic into a series. In this first installment, I’ll tackle three of the most frequent questions and provide you with insights that will help you feel more prepared and confident as you navigate the home-selling process.


1. How Is the Listing Price Determined?

This is one of the most critical questions, and the answer can vary depending on your agent’s approach. Here’s my process, which I believe is the most effective:

When determining a listing price, there are three key data points to consider:

  • Sold Homes: These give us the most concrete information about what buyers are willing to pay for homes similar to yours.
  • Pending Sales: While we don’t know the final sale price until closing, we can gauge market trends based on the listing prices and how quickly these homes went under contract.
  • Active Listings: These represent your current competition. Understanding the features and price points of similar homes on the market helps position your property competitively.

I dig deep into the data, pulling information on homes that are similar in size, layout, amenities, and location. My goal is to price your home strategically—high enough to maximize your return but realistic enough to attract serious buyers. While appraisers use precise formulas and software to break things down to the dollar, my expertise lies in understanding market dynamics and how buyers perceive value.

Want a more detailed breakdown? Let’s set up a time to chat. I’m happy to walk you through the process step by step.


2. How Do You Communicate?

This might seem like a simple question, but it’s actually one of the most important. Communication is the backbone of any successful real estate transaction. When you hire me, I make it a priority to keep you informed every step of the way.

Whether you prefer phone calls, texts, or emails, I’ll adapt to your preferred method of communication. Regular updates ensure you always know what’s happening with your home. For me, it’s not just about delivering updates—it’s about being accessible when you have questions or concerns.

In fact, lack of communication is one of the top complaints clients have about real estate agents. It can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and even legal disputes. I recently attended a continuing education course on ethics, and the instructor emphasized how poor communication is at the root of most industry disputes. That’s why I prioritize proactive, transparent communication from the moment we start working together.


3. How Do I Time the Sale of My Home?

Timing your home sale is crucial, especially if you’re buying another property at the same time. Most sellers don’t want to move twice, and I get that. Coordinating the sale of your current home with the purchase of your next one requires careful planning and teamwork.

Here’s how I approach it:

  • Plan Ahead: If you’re buying locally, I recommend previewing homes before your current property is under contract. This gives you a better sense of what’s available and prepares you to act quickly when the time comes.
  • Flexible Closings: Buyers are often willing to adjust their closing dates to accommodate your timeline. This can give you the breathing room you need to find and close on your next home.
  • Avoiding Double Moves: While it’s rare for clients to move twice, it can happen—especially with new construction delays. In these cases, temporary storage and short-term accommodations are often the solution.

By keeping the lines of communication open and understanding your goals upfront, I can help create a timeline that minimizes stress and ensures a smooth transition to your next chapter.

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