Answers by Rachel VanPelt

Absolutely. Professional photos capture your home in a way that iPhone snaps just can’t quite grasp. First, it’s what gets people through the front door. Buyers today have high expectations for high quality media. A well lit and nicely composed photo reel are going to make them want to stop and look through the listing vs scrolling past it. Folks tour your home for about 30 minutes before they decide if they’re going to put in an offer or not. The details of that offer are decided at home, while they scroll through your listing photos over and over again. Professional photos are a non-negotiable for me. Video is a nice addition but not necessary in my opinion. The images are what the listings show. You have to dig a little deeper to see the video, good for marketing but not the same for capturing active buyers.

You get what you pay for. In the end, your net will most likely be higher with a full service brokerage. What are they offering for marketing? Professional photos, marketing and a strategic pricing are what draw buyers in. The more activity you have, the better chance you have for a multiple offer situation. What type of negotiation skills do they offer at a discount price? Do they include the time and expertise it takes to navigate the offers that come in? All of this will affect the total profit you take home in the end. I would not want to risk my bottom line by selling my most expensive asset with a discount service. Find an agent that can deliver on marketing your home properly while also focusing on strategic pricing/negotiating for the highest net in the end.

Hi Rio, we see these on almost every deal in our area. In our strong sellers market, it actually gives folks a chance to win the bid without paying way over what others would pay. Yes, you are showing your hands but nothing says a listing agent can't counter you, with our without knoing your highest and best. However, on the deals I have seen, when an escalation clause in enacted, we request proof of the competing offer than escalated, to ensure they are not articially pumping anything. Every deal is different. It is up to you to decide how you want to make an offer and how you respond to any counter offer. That being said, when you hired your agent, did you do so because you trusted them? They most likely want you to have the strongest terms to help you get the house you want without overpaying.