The Lighter Side of Real Estate published an article about the 10 Things Real Estate Agents Agree to Disagree About. Jim Coen, the Communications Director of the Hickman-Coen Home Team responds to each thing from the Hickman-Coen Home Team perspective.
- Working 24/7 – As a team of four Massachusetts licensed real estate agents we always have someone available for our clients. We are really available 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether it’s a call, text, or email from a buyer, seller, or another agent, one of us is available at any given moment.
- Showing houses to buyers who aren’t pre-approved – We believe it’s better for the buyer to be pre-approved upfront. We sometimes let it slide because the process of buying a home requires patience and respect for our buyers and sellers. We work with our buyers to understand their needs and goals.
- Holding open houses – Some agents feel like they’re a waste of time, we don’t! We believe open houses (in person or virtual) are an important component in the successful marketing of a home. We also like to do Broker’s Open Houses (when available).
- Exclusive buyer agency agreements We do not use buyer agency agreements, we have confidence in our abilities to help our buyers find a home, if a buyer doesn’t want to be loyal or work with us…a piece of paper doesn’t create loyalty; doing a good job does.
- Taking a listing that’s priced too high We provide a well-researched and thorough analysis of the market. Often we suggest a range of value, and the homeowner ultimately decides on how much to ask for their house. In the long run, the buyers ultimately decide on how much it’s worth in the open market by how they react. Regardless of the market, an overpriced listing will take longer to sell. In many cases, it will never sell until and unless the price is reduced to where it should be, if not lower than it could have sold for if priced appropriately, to begin with.
- Showing houses above what buyers can afford If you the buyer wants to a see a home that is above their price range we will show you any house you want (within reason). Buying a house is a process and that process includes an understanding of the market.
- Staging listings It makes sense that the better a house shows, the more likely the house will sell fast and for the most money. But what constitutes “better” depends on the situation. In most cases, we think working with what you’ve got and making sure it’s clean, tidy, and not cluttered will be fine. Karen and Helen, our team leaders, have a knack for staging. They will coach you on what will work best.
- Dual agency is when an agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a sale. We don’t think that is the best for our clients. Since we are a team of four licensed agents we can have a different person represent the buyer and the seller, thus making for a fairer transaction for all parties.
- Professional photography We believe that hiring a professional photographer that can set up a virtual tour is in the best interests of our sellers. You get great photography, but you also get floor plans and virtual tours posted to MLS and landing pages. Those features help you sell your home fast and at the highest price.
- Closing gifts (buyers and sellers) No rule says an agent has to give you a gift. We believe that gift-giving is an excellent way to say thank you for the business and something for you to remember us. Besides, we enjoy thinking about and shopping for your gift.
Karen Hickman and Helen Coen are the Team Leaders for the Hickman-Coen Home Team. The Hickman-Coen Home Team is a team of highly experienced, locally-focused Realtors and marketing professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals. We provide exceptional service that will exceed your expectations. You will benefit from our knowledge and expertise by making the process of buying or selling, seamless, stress-free, and enjoyable. As long-time Bostonians, Karen & Barry Hickman and Helen & Jim Coen, are knowledgeable and well connected to the neighborhoods of Boston.