Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

5 Questions to ask when selling a house

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 11/27/2024

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When choosing a real estate agent, there are some key questions to ask when selling a house. Many real estate agents work exclusively with sellers, while others work with buyers. Even a real estate agent with experience on both sides of the transaction might have unique knowledge and strategy to bring to the table.

As the seller, this information is important to know. To help you find the best agent for the job, here are some questions you can ask:

"How did you get to this suggested list price?"

Setting a correct market value price is critical for maximizing a sales price. If your house is worth what someone wants, it will be worth the initial price. Setting a price too high can turn away motivated homebuyers and lead to fewer offers. Ask your agent their reasoning for the suggested asking price to make sure you're on the same page.

"Will you also represent the buyer?"

A good real estate agent will prioritize your interests in selling your home. However, what if the agent also represents the buyer? 

If the same agent will be representing both sides of a real estate transaction, you'll need to sign a special agreement along with the buyer offering consent. A real estate professional should be upfront about this information and provide you the necessary contract paperwork and assistance.

"What are the expenses?"

There are many costs involved in selling a house. Asking your agent to explain the total cost to you as the seller before getting started will help you with your financial planning and pricing strategy. Your agent can help you avoid unpleasant surprises like unexpected closing costs or other fees.

"How many similar homes have you sold?"

It is important to find out if a real estate agent can give you an honest and educated opinion on every property transaction. Ask about their experience in selling comparable homes in the same area.

"What marketing strategies will you use to sell the house?"

A good agent must provide you with a strong marketing program for the sale of any home. Agents that prioritize marketing will organize marketing and ad campaigns, as well as handle open houses. Ask about the potential agent's plans for selling your home, whether it be on paper, a broker website, social media or a mixture of all three.

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These are only a few of the important questions to ask a potential agent when you're selling your home. Use these questions as a starting point to get the details about your potential agent and make the best possible decision.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.