The Biggest Realtor Hiring Mistake Home Sellers Make

🔑 The Biggest Realtor Hiring Mistake Home Sellers Make

🏠 What You Are Really Hiring For

When you hire a Realtor, you are not just hiring someone to put a sign on the lawn. You are hiring a plan.

That plan should help you get the best mix of price, terms, and a smooth timeline. A lower commission can look appealing, but the real question is what you get for it, and what you might lose if the plan is weak.

💸 Why “Cheapest” Can Get Expensive Fast

Some agents cut their fee because they truly run a lean business. Others cut their fee because they cut the work.

Here are a few places where “cheap” can quietly cost you:

• Pricing gets rushed, and the home is listed too high or too low.

• Marketing is basic, so fewer buyers notice your home.

• Follow-up is light, so showings and buyer questions fall through the cracks.

• Negotiation effort is lower, especially when things get tense.

Even small gaps can lead to fewer showings. Fewer showings often means fewer strong offers. That is where sellers can lose far more than they saved on commission.

📊 How Strong Pricing and Marketing Protect Your Bottom Line

A good listing plan usually starts with pricing. Not a guess, and not a hope. It is a clear reason for the number, backed by what buyers are paying for similar homes right now.

Then comes marketing that matches your home.

That can include:

• Clear photos that show true space and light

• A listing description that answers buyer questions

• Smart online exposure where buyers are actually looking

• Showing support, so it is easy for buyers and agents to book times

The goal is not “more attention.” The goal is the right attention from buyers who can actually purchase, and who will compete if the home is positioned well.

🤝 What Good Negotiation Looks Like in Real Life

Most people think negotiation is only about price. It is not.

Strong negotiation also protects things like:

• Possession dates

• Conditions, like financing or inspections

• Repair requests, and what is fair to say yes to

• Deposit amounts and timing

• What happens if a deadline is missed

A good Realtor helps you stay calm and make clean decisions. They also know when to push, when to hold, and when a small concession protects a bigger win.

📝 Know What You Are Signing Before You List

Before your home hits the market, you will sign paperwork that sets the rules of the working relationship. This is where clarity matters.

You should understand:

• What services are included, in plain language

• How long the agreement lasts

• How communication will work

• How compensation is handled, and when it applies

• What happens if you want to cancel

If you are selling in Saskatchewan, make sure your agent is properly registered, and that your agreement matches what you were told verbally. That protects you and reduces surprises later.

📌 Pro Tip: If two agents quote different fees, do not stop there. Ask each one to walk you through their plan and the risk points. A simple way to compare is this: which plan is more likely to produce a stronger final result after everything is done, including price, terms, and stress.

🔍 A Short Interview Checklist Before You Choose

When you meet with an agent, you do not need fancy questions. You need clear ones.

Try these:

• How will you price my home, and what will you show me to support it?

• What is your marketing plan for a home like mine?

• How will you handle buyer feedback and make adjustments if needed?

• How do you negotiate when an offer comes in below expectations?

• How often will I hear from you, and what updates will I get?

You are looking for a clear process you can understand, not vague promises.

✅ How to Make the Final Call With Confidence

The right choice is usually the agent whose plan feels clear, realistic, and complete.

If you can explain their approach back to them in your own words, that is a good sign. If you feel confused, pressured, or like the plan is “trust me,” keep looking.

Commission matters, but it should be one part of the decision, not the whole decision.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Realtor is really about choosing the right plan for your sale. If you focus only on the fee, it is easy to miss the pieces that protect your price, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

If you are unsure how to compare marketing plans, pricing logic, or what you are signing, I’d be happy to help.

📞 Call or text me at (639) 295-4696
📧 tanner@twrealestate.ca
🌐 twrealestate.ca

No matter where you are at in the process, I can help you sort through the options and pick a path that makes sense for your home and your goals.