Writing about the Central Massachusetts real estate market every month is a challenge because I want to balance the light and readable nature of my content with data, and I don’t think you’re necessarily a charts and graphs crowd.
When I meet with sellers in person, or by Zoom, or on a phone call, I make sure we hit some key points, but the conversation just flows naturally, and I welcome sellers and buyers asking me their top of mind questions – – because they are all over the place. About once a month during a conversation with a potential seller or buyer, they will ask me a question that I flat out answer with WOW, no one‘s ever asked me that before. I don’t mind that at all, as it requires me to come up with an answer on the fly and it piques my curiosity because if one person asks it, maybe someone else will want to know that same information.
I was recently meeting with a prospective seller who said I wish there was somewhere that gave a chart of all the local realtors and brokers and what they charge for their services. Hmmm, Interesting. *Also they hired me and the photo above shows a peek in to our creative brainstorming–their property is on a busy street for trick-or-treating, so these little 1/4 sheet handouts were available for anyone who asked about the FOR SALE sign.
I explained to them that there is no such chart, but if there was a chart, here are the things I think should be categories on it so that sellers could clearly see the wide range in caliber of real estate agents in their area. I encourage people to do their research, and if for some reason, they don’t track back to me, that’s OK. Not everyone does.
As an impromptu response to that potential seller, I suggested several questions he should ask every agent he’s considering. I had so many ideas, I put them in general categories below. Truth be told, if a prospective seller asked me every single one of these literally 20 questions, I don’t know that we’d necessarily be a match—I can handily answer them all, but I’m also a creative person and at some point my mind needs to focus on ideas around the presentation of the marketing.
And about the Central Massachusetts real estate market this month? Sellers are selling and buyers are buying. I keep very busy (productive is a better word), and always have a roster of current and upcoming buyers and sellers. I’d love to brainstorm with you to see if we’re a match. Here’s your cheat sheet of what to ask someone you’re considering hiring.
Local knowledge and experience
- Tell me about your connections to the city or town that the listing is in?
- How many houses have you sold in this city or town?
- How many properties did you personally list and sell last year?
- Have you handled estate sales, waterfront properties, or new construction? What’s different about marketing each one?
Reputation
- How many past client reviews do you have, and where can I find them?
- What percentage of your business comes from repeat clients and referrals?
- Have you received any recognition from your peers or community?
Pricing and strategy
- How will you arrive at a list price? Which comparable sales will you weigh most heavily, and why? *The answer here will tell you how up-to-date your potential agent is–relying on the past 6-12 months of data ‘because this is what an appraiser will look at’ is not the answer.
- If we aren’t getting the activity we expected in the first two weeks, what will you tell me, and what’s the plan?
Marketing
- Can you provide me with a marketing plan and visual media for a listing from the last 90 days?
- In addition to the obvious ‘post it in the MLS and it feeds to Zillow, Homes.com, etc’. what do you specifically do to promote the listing? Bonus points for explaining things you pay for that bring actual value.
- When it comes to presenting and marketing your listings, what do you consider your superpower to be?
The current rules
- How has the August 2024 buyer agent compensation change affected how you advise sellers? How will you help me evaluate offers based on my net proceeds?
- What does Massachusetts’ new home inspection law mean for me as a seller, and how would you handle an offer that includes an inspection waiver? *This is a trick question to see if the agent is versed on this law. You and I didn’t come here to be sued.
Communication and support
- How often will I hear from you, and what will those updates include? Can I see an example of the activity and feedback reporting you give sellers?
- Who will I actually be talking to day to day, you or someone on your team?
- What does your transactional support look like? Do you spin all the plates yourself, or do you have administrative or transaction coordination help?
Negotiation
Tell me about an extremely challenging transaction and how you handled the situation.
As always, reach out for anything real estate related — or anything local you think I might be a resource for. I’m here, I’m busy, and I’m happy to help.
How do you handle multiple offers? Walk me through what you would do if we received three on the same day.
How do you keep a deal together after the inspection, when things tend to get shaky?
If you’d like to talk about getting your home ready to sell, considering multi-generational living, should you stay or should you sell, figuring out the right ownership structure, or finding a good home for that wedding dress — I am genuinely local, genuinely accessible, and I have a lengthy track record of extremely satisfied clients–both buyers and sellers. If you, or anyone you know, are moving to (or from) Central Massachusetts, I’m here to deliver an exceptional experience. My team combines strong communication, proven strategies and deep local expertise to guide throughout the home selling and buying process. If you’re considering the purchase or sale of residential real estate, you owe it to yourself to have a confidential conversation with me.
Jennifer Shenk, Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty North Central
107 Main Street, Westminster
Call/Text: 978 870 9260
