1965 Birmingham Road

1965 Birmingham Road

Source: AJC Homefinder

 

You’re considering working with a real estate agent to buy or sell your home. Real estate agents tout their knowledge and access to information, which can aid in everything from setting a price to negotiating a deal. But beyond that, what can agents do for you?

A major component is a marketing plan. A strategy for selling your home involves all types of out-of-pocket expenses – recouped by the commission when the house sells – ranging from balloons and signs to virtual tours and brochures to print and online listings.

Some agents admit it costs more to be successful. Several metro Atlanta agents opened their checkbooks and shared their routines and expenses, as well as what they’re doing to keep in constant communication with buyers and sellers to get that “sold” sign in the front yard.

A Personal Touch

Agents say listening to and keeping in contact with buyers and sellers are crucial. For a $1.375 million listing on Birmingham Road in Alpharetta, Nancy Murphy, an agent with Jenny Pruitt & Associates, Realtors, wanted to make an extra impact on buyers who returned a second and third time to view the home.

So she brought in breakfast for the second visit, which included the couple, the husband’s parents and a friend. When she learned the couple wanted to return to the home another evening, Murphy asked the agent what type of wine they enjoyed drinking. She brought a bottle of wine – which cost $63 – and cheese, setting it up at the lake’s gazebo. “On a beautiful, not-so-humid evening, [they could] go down and enjoy the tranquility of the lake. It allow them to linger a little longer and think about it in the relaxed atmosphere. They were impressed and appreciative.”

Her efforts resulted in an offer, although Murphy said in mid-July it hadn’t turned into a contract. “We all spend a little more time, energy and hospitality, whatever it takes,” Murphy said. “It seems like we’re spending more time for maybe not quite the return we used to get.”