REAL TALK WITH STEPHANIE

IT’S A SELLERS MARKET

BY STEPHANIE IDE I PHOTOS BY BRODY WHEELER

How do you build rapport with a new client?

This happens organically and naturally. For listing appointments, sellers invite me into their homes. Here I can get to know them and their taste. I’m an extrovert and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people in my community. When I work with buyers it’s very easy to get close to people, you tour many homes and there are a lot of opportunity for conversations.

How do you prepare a property for an open house viewing?

In this market, open houses happen shortly after a home is listed. Therefore, homes are typically in their best condition. There isn’t much to do with prepping a property for an open house. The majority of the prep is educating myself and memorizing as many of the home’s details as possible.

information for an MLS listing?

There are thousands of questions Realtors have to answer and fill out when we list a home. The most essential pieces of information are the price, square footage, number of bedrooms, acreage and the location of the home.

What criteria do you use when

buyers that have searches set up will get notified when a new home gets listed.

What process do you follow when first meeting with a buyer?

I like to get to know them. I need to understand what their budget is and my goal is to get them a home that they are in love with that suits their wants and needs.

Do you work with both buyers and sellers?

Yes, I sure do.

What are concessions?

They are used when a buyer would like money back from the sale to use at the time of closing. For example, if a home sells for $210,000 and the buyer wants $10,000 in concessions…the seller would only net $200,000 on the sale of their home. That $10,000 is given to the buyer at the time of closing.

How do you stay up to date with current trends and best practices?

I’m a full time agent so daily I’m living the real estate life. I witness trends and the market changes as they happen. I work with Howard Hanna and they provide continuous education for the best practices and mastering the latest technology.

assessing a property’s estimated value?

The property’s condition, square footage, acreage, school district, number of bedrooms, location and improvements.

What is the most effective advertising method for private real estate?

Getting your home on the MLS is hands down the best way to market your home. Real estate agents and

Is Rochester a buyers, or sellers market right now and why?

It’s a seller market. We have the lowest inventory of homes in the entire country right now. It’s insane! Sellers are getting top dollar and most buyers aren’t asking for inspections.