When are 2 heads NOT better than one? I am going to be in discussion with a seller regarding just this question regarding co-listing his property on the Hood Canal (one of my market areas of expertise) with an out of area agent. 
Is it beneficial for a seller to list with both an out of area agent and a local agent (co-listing)? No. It is not.
In the best interests of a seller, a professional real estate agent will REFER a client to a professional local real estate agent in the area where the home is located; Knowing that agent has had success and experience in the type of home being sold and that the local agent KNOWS THAT LOCAL MARKET!!!!
REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL TO ITS MARKET JUST LIKE THE WEATHER IS LOCAL TO AN AREA
When an agent co-lists with an out of area agent it generally complicates the entire home selling process more than it should and does not benefit the client. Why?
1.Real Estate is local to its market - Knowing the local Hood Canal market -
- How is the best and right price going to be established if they do not have the local market knowledge of homes sold, listed, market times, and patterns of the market? How can they price it correctly for THIS market if they know very little about this market?
- If a "would/could be" buyer contacted that agent:
- how much information is that buyer going to obtain regarding the Hood canal area itself or other properties in the area from an out of area agent?
- Can they give good directions even to a restaurant nearby? Or shopping? Or how to get to the property from where the buyer is located?
- Will they be ableto direct the client as to where to find the information for schools and other amenities?Can they recommend a local handyman, cleaner, carpenter, restaurant?
Buyers want firsthand information and do not want to have to make more than one call for their information.
2. Showing the home - is that agent going to be able to show the home on a moments notice or give good directions to the home?
3.Community Involvement - Is the outside area agent involved in the community? I have a stake in my community and its enhancement and improvements as well.
I attend local community meetings constantly because I LIVE and WORK in the community so that I know what is going on in and with the local communities within my market and I am on top of the "local happenings."
I believe a buyer has to know or already be sold on the area first and then the home. Many, many questions will arise that more than likely that an out of area agent will not be able to answer.
4. Marketing and placement costs can be an issue between the agents:
- Does an out of area agent know what marketing will work for this type of home in the local Hood Canal Market?If I am going to split the costs of advertising with an outside agent I need to know the home is being marketed correctly for this home in particular. How much time will the out of area agent put into my "time" duties such as
I have sold many homes in the Hood Canal market and I already know the costs and what I need for a marketing plan to get the job done. I don't need to reinvent the wheel here - I use what works and I know what works because I have already sold homes here! so why make my job more difficult and time consuming (remember time is money as well) educating an out of area agent or paying for their marketing plan that does not have a proven track record?
5. How many homeshave they successfully listed and sold or brought buyers to in the Hood Canal Market?
Ask me - my resume is full of sold homes on the Hood Canal and surrounding market.I have a proven track record here locally.
6. The short end of the stick - The local agent generally gets the short end of the stick especially when it comes down to the share of the workload and costs (remember TIME is a cost to an agent as well).
- Will they be able to show the property at moments notice?
- Will they driveout to check and keep the flyer box filled?
- Will they be able to (or want to for that matter) drive by the home and check on it weekly?
- Will they be able to update the seller on the happenings locally as far as where the activity is in the local area currently; or the outcome of the most recent community meeting?
- Will the agents office be able to help "support" the agent with the listing, i.e. other agents willing to show the property or able to give out specifics regarding the area or home?
My job as a listing agent working for a seller is to get the home sold in the least amount of time for the highest price possible. The seller best interests and goals are my priority and to represent them to the best of my ability.
With that said it is not in my best interest or a good business decision on my part, nor my clients to co-list a home with an out of area agent who does not have proven success or the knowledge about the local area. Remember MY SUCCESS in the local market IS YOUR SUCCESS!
Now if you have a home or property in the Belfair Hood Canal area that you would like help with buying or selling - I am right here for you. I AM A LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERT. I KNOW THE HOOD CANAL BELFAIR WA MARKET - IT IS MY MARKET!
~~Valerie~~
Windermere Peninsula Properties
Don't forget- I offer a FREE no obligation real estate market analysis specifically for your home or property.I specialize in the Belfair Hood Canal & surrounding communities in Mason County WA. I believe in building relationships for life. People and homes are my specialty. YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!
