PGA National Luxury Homes Blog

In my last post I stressed the use of an objective, third-party professional when going through the emotional stress of selling your home in this turbulent market. Now I want to reinforce the point with a couple of examples ‘ripped from the headlines’, as TV used to describe the Law & Order show.

I recently was at an event at the local Board of Realtors where a local real estate attorney and a local home inspector were part of the panel of experts. Both of these men had years of experience and great reputations. Eventually, the conversation made its way to the use of professionals to handle matters objectively.

I was surprised when the attorney, who owns property in Florida and New York and is licensed to practice in both states, said that whenever he buys or sells, he hires a lawyer. I believe the phrase he used was that he “sought local counsel”. Why? Simple, he can’t be as objective as a third party.

Then the home inspector joined in by saying he, too, had employed another inspector to go through his house when he sold it? Why? Simple, he can’t be as objective as a third party.

So if these professionals are hiring someone else to do something for them where an objective third party opinion is critical, doesn’t it make sense for you to do likewise? Can you be objective???

The use of a third party can remove all of the emotion which clouds your thinking and reasoning. Selling a home is a highly-charged, emotional experience where large sums of money are involved, so naturally tensions run high. The use of a professional real estate agent can temper the stress and help you get your home sold quickly and smoothly.

When preparing to sell something, the use of an objective and informed third party is always the best idea. The reasons are simple. First, there is no emotional attachment to the item(s) which can cloud your perspective on the true value. Second, a seasoned professional deals in these items regularly and sees them only in terms of their relationship to other similar items currently on the market.

Now, let’s talk real estate. Can you be objective???

Selling a house can be a difficult event. If the move is involuntary (like getting transferred with your company), there is the “But I don’t want to move!” emotion. You will have to leave all your familiar surroundings, friends, and historical reference points and adapt to another town. Similar to a child leaving home, you have so many emotional attachments it’s hard to view the situation objectively. If it’s a voluntary move, you may need all the financial freedom as quickly as possible to expedite your relocation. This is why you need a professional real estate agent.

I often say that picking an agent to work with is just like picking a doctor. In addition to professional prowess, bedside manner is critical during emotionally charged events. My dad uses a medical specialist who has all the pedigrees in the world but fails to exhibit the needed empathy a patient needs. And you need an agent who will “give it to me straight”.

So when selling your home, the idea that you built those really nice shelves in the garage or you installed Berber carpet in the guest room is inconsequential. And overpricing is something to be avoided at all costs. So use a professional real estate agent.

A professional sees homes for sale all the time and is not emotionally attached to them. They can see your home for exactly what it is…a box of blocks with a roof, and maybe a view. And let them help you get the home priced correctly from the start when most showing activity occurs. Cut the emotional strings and your home selling experience will be much smoother and stress free.