October 2023 Newsletter

Key Skills You Need Your Listing Agent To Have

Selling your house is a big decision. And that can make it feel both exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking. But the key to a successful sale is finding the perfect listing agent to work with you throughout the process. A listing agent, also known as a seller's agent, helps market and sell your house while advocating for you every step of the way.

But, how do you know you've found the perfect match in an agent? Here are three key skills you’ll want your listing agent to have.

They Price Your House Based on the Latest Data

While it may be tempting to pick the agent who suggests the highest asking price for your house, that strategy may cost you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when you see a bigger number, but overpricing your house can have consequences. It could mean it’ll sit on the market longer because the higher price is actually deterring buyers.

Instead, you want to pick an agent who’s going to have an open conversation about how they think you should price your house and why. A great agent will base their pricing strategy on solid data. They won't throw out a number just to win your listing. Instead, they'll show you the facts, explain their pricing strategy, and make sure you're on the same page. As NerdWallet explains:

“An agent who recommends the highest price isn't always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.”

They’re a Great Negotiator

The home-selling process can be emotional, especially if you’ve been in your house for a long time. You’re connected to it and have a lot of memories there. This can make the negotiation process harder. That’s where a trusted professional comes in.

A skilled listing agent will be calm under pressure and will be your point-person in all of those conversations. Their experience in handling the back-and-forth gives you with the peace of mind that you've got someone on your side who’s got your best interests in mind throughout this journey.

They’re a Skilled Problem Solver

At the heart of it all, a listing agent's main priority is to get your house sold. A great agent never loses sight of that goal and will help you prioritize your needs above all else. If they identify any necessary steps you need to take, they’ll be open with you about it. Their commitment to your success means they'll work with you to address any potential roadblocks and find creative solutions to anything that pops up along the way.

BankRate explains it like this:

“Just as important as the knowledge and experience agents bring is their ability to guide you smoothly through the process. Above all, go with an agent you trust and will feel comfortable with. . .”

Bottom Line

Whether you're a first-time seller or you’ve been through selling a house before, a great listing agent is the key to success. Let’s connect so you have a skilled local expert by your side to guide you through every step of the process.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Local Data. National Insights.

…at Keller Williams Success Realty last month.

In our area this month…

Our market sits established in a strong sellers’ market, especially in Schaumburg and McHenry.

Across the NW Suburbs of Chicago, inventory remains low and competition remains high. But new listings continue to come on the market.

If you are considering selling your home, now might be your chance to snag all the benefits this market has to offer. Connect with me to learn more about your unique situation.

Basque-Style Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. sweet potatoes (3–4 large), preferably garnet, scrubbed

  • Unsalted butter (for pan)

  • 24 oz. cream cheese (not low-fat), room temperature

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • ½ cup sour cream (not low-fat), room temperature

  • ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature

  • 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt

  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 2 tsp. vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp. ground ginger

  • ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Place a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450°F. Place sweet potatoes on a foil or parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and roast, turning once, until skins are puffed and scorched in spots where the juices have bubbled out and caramelized and a skewer easily slides into flesh, 55–65 minutes. Let sweet potatoes cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 425°F.

  2. Peel sweet potatoes; discard skins. Transfer flesh to a food processor and process until smooth (or, pass through a food mill into a large bowl). Let cool at least 1 hour.

  3. Lightly butter pan. Cut 2 long lengths of parchment paper and crumple to soften (this will help it lay flatter in the round pan). Line pan with both sheets of parchment so they overlap in a crisscross manner; overhang should extend at least 2" above the rim.

  4. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until very smooth, about 3 minutes. With motor running, add 2 cups sweet potato purée by spoonfuls (reserve any remaining purée for another use); beat until fully incorporated.

  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down bowl and paddle as needed. Reduce speed to medium-low and mix in sour cream, cream, and salt. Scrape in vanilla seeds or add vanilla extract.

  6. Turn off mixer and sift in flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low speed just to incorporate, about 30 seconds. Fold batter a few times with a rubber spatula, making sure to scrape bottom of bowl. Scrape batter into prepared pan; smooth surface.

  7. Bake cheesecake until deeply bronzed and quite puffed on top but still with a pronounced wiggle in the center when gently shaken, 55–65 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cheesecake cool, about 1½ hours.

  8. To serve, carefully unmold cheesecake and peel away parchment before slicing.

    Do ahead: Sweet potato purée can be made 2 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.