Separated from Seattle by the Duwamish River and Elliott Bay, West Seattle is a more laid-back version of the central city. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and abundant natural acreage, West Seattle has become a popular place to raise families, retire, or escape the hustle and bustle of mainland Seattle.
The West Seattle real estate market is steadily growing with much potential for an increase in population that will likely lead to an upturn in listing prices. Thus, West Seattle real estate investors will probably see a positive return. With houses in demand and one of the lowest inventories in Seattle proper, you should be able to ignite a bidding war for your West Seattle condo or single-family home.
As you look toward selling your home, navigating such a busy market takes the wisdom of a knowledgeable and qualified local real estate agent. Experienced realtors spend years developing their skills, building networks, and staying on top of the latest trends in real estate. Read on for more reasons why you should hire an experienced West Seattle realtor to help you sell your home for the best price possible.
Realtors with renewed licenses close more deals
Washington state real estate brokers must
renew their licenses every two years. In addition, many of these real estate agents enroll in continuing education courses between renewals to stay current on the latest developments in their local real estate market. Realtors who have a successful business with a strong record of closing deals for satisfied customers are agents who regularly renew their real estate licenses.
You can check the status of a real estate license by visiting the
Department of Labor website or asking your prospective realtor; exceptional agents are only too happy to share their successes with you.
Experienced agents have substantial networks
You can visit any number of real estate websites to look at current listings, but with an established West Seattle real estate broker, you will have an agent who knows the nuances of the market — from the inside. They work on a day-to-day basis with local listings.
Experienced agents have a rapport with other successful agents in the area, giving them valuable information on houses, West Seattle condos, and other properties that may be just about to come on the market. A solid community network separates top real estate agents from other, less experienced brokers. Experienced agents have excellent relationships with local mortgage companies, real estate lawyers, escrow agents, loan officers, title companies, home inspectors, city planners, and other realtors. These critical networks can help expedite real estate transactions, making selling your home more accessible.
Established realtors know the local market
Given the range of their professional network, an experienced real estate broker can competently identify and predict market trends. Through community connections, your experienced realtor will have first-hand knowledge of local industries, significant employers, and zoning proposals, which can affect whether neighborhoods are trending up or down. In addition, your realtor will be aware of the local economy's impact on your ability to sell your home at a profit. Finally, by performing a
comparative market analysis, your realtor will help you determine the best price for your home to sell quickly for top dollar.
An experienced agent knows how to negotiate
When you hire a realtor, you hire a professional to be on your side and have your best interest at heart. Becoming an expert negotiator is a learning process, and the more experience your realtor has at successfully closing deals, the better the outcome will be for you.
Experienced real estate brokers know when an offer is favorable and have the patience to wait for a more advantageous deal. The best agents are knowledgeable about a wide range of financing options. They can see the deal from both sides and make prudent decisions on your behalf.
Your skilled agent knows what you want
Experienced real estate brokers establish
strong connections with their clients. They take the time to understand what is important to you, your goals in selling your home, and how to reveal your home's potential to prospective buyers. They can tell you how to maximize spaces in your home, which repairs and updates are worthwhile to create a desirable listing, and what areas call for home staging.
The best agents also understand what buyers want in your home. Your agent should create listings that showcase the positive aspects of your neighborhood, add interesting "insider facts" that help buyers feel connected with your home, and develop 3D photographs and a virtual tour of your home.
Virtual tours are a big selling point with prospective buyers, allowing them to "tour" your home anytime so that you only deal with serious buyers ready to make an offer.
Experienced agents optimize your bottom line
When sellers work with a reputable real estate broker, they
net 25% more at closing than those who sell their homes themselves or work with a less experienced realtor. Experienced real estate brokers know the best sales and marketing strategies to help your home stand out among similar listings.
Real estate agents work on commission, so getting top dollar for your West Seattle real estate property is in their best interest. These agents work tirelessly to ensure that the offer you accept is the best possible offer you will receive. Moreover, experienced realtors know how to use social media, SEO, pixel tracking, marketing automation, multi-channel engagement, and customer relationship management techniques to entice buyers and achieve the highest bid possible.
Experience counts
If you have West Seattle real estate that you are considering putting on the market, you will want an experienced, trustworthy realtor to help you get top dollar for your property.
Mara Haveson is that realtor. She first obtained her real estate license at age 18, and her track record includes over $30 million in sales annually. Mara has been an excellent advocate for
her clients, with countless successful closings. Meanwhile, her affiliation with
Compass Concierge means you can sell your home faster than ever. If you're considering selling your West Seattle condo or single-family home, don't hesitate to contact
Mara Haveson for all your real estate needs.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock