Selling your home can be a stressful and complicated process, but it can be made much easier by having frequent conversations with your real estate agent about it. If you are planning on selling your home in the near future and are wondering about which questions are most fruitful, keep reading below to discover some of the most advantageous ones.

What factors will contribute to the listing price?

A listing price is much more than just a number. It is a reflection of how you and your agent view the value of the home in relation to similar nearby properties. An inflated listing price is likely to cause your home to sit on the market for an extended period of time, and any significant price drops — especially those done right after the initial listing or in quick succession — may be seen as motivated by panic, not real economic indicators. In contrast, a listing price below the competition may create suspicion on behalf of buyers that there is something wrong with the property. This is why you should speak with your agent as soon as possible about what factors will influence the listing price. Square footage, lot size, modern upgrades, and the local market will all likely figure into the bigger picture. 

What kind of buyer will my home be marketed to?

The most effective kind of marketing is targeted to specific types of potential home buyers, so it is worthwhile to know how your listing agent plans to reach the most relevant groups. Whether you're looking to advertise your home to young professional couples with a higher-than-average income or a multi-generational family that is looking to buy their first home, your listing agent should have a specific plan of action going into the selling process.

What costs should I expect?

A knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent should have no problem listing all of the costs you can expect to incur during the sale of your home. For most properties, these costs are likely to include agent commissions and fees related to escrow and the transfer of ownership. It is usually most useful to get an itemized list, and not just a short description of possible costs. While of course, the final costs will vary depending on the sale price of the home, its location, and the agent themselves, having a conversation about costs is never a bad idea.

Contact a real estate agent to find out more.