CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Local real estate professionals Hayley Siefert and Heather Baker of The Siefert Team at Keller Williams Realty TREC say one of the biggest mistakes homebuyers and sellers can make is choosing a realtor without fully researching their options.
During a recent interview, the pair discussed the importance of interviewing agents, understanding home pricing strategies, and building trust with the person handling one of the largest financial decisions in a family’s life.
“This may sound like a very basic question, but people really should ask themselves if they’re getting the right realtor,” Siefert said. “You should see what each individual company has to offer you, how they’re going to market the house, and how they’re going to work with you. They might have a great brand and be well known, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for you.”
Baker said sellers should not hesitate to meet with multiple agents before deciding who to hire.
“I think it’s very important to do your due diligence and meet with someone that is going to price your home effectively for the market,” Baker said. “At the end of the day, the goal is to get the house sold. If we could sell every house for a million dollars, we would — but is that appropriate for where the market sits right now?”
The agents explained that pricing disagreements are common when sellers interview several realtors. Baker said homeowners should ask agents to explain exactly how they arrived at their recommended price.
“Ask for the facts,” Baker said. “Ask them where they’re getting those numbers and why that’s the best appropriate price to get your house sold. If you price appropriately and not too high for the market, we’re seeing houses sell quickly and sometimes even higher than what they were listed for.”
Siefert added that pricing recommendations are based on comparable home sales, often referred to as “comps,” as well as active listings currently on the market. She said agents look closely at factors like neighborhood location, home updates, garages, roofs, windows, and other features that affect value.
“We’re not just pulling comps out of thin air and hoping they stick,” Siefert said. “We’re looking at homes that sold nearby, in similar neighborhoods, and comparing updates and features. Knowing the market is very important, and that’s something we take a lot of pride in as a team.”
The conversation also focused on misconceptions about the real estate profession. Baker said many people underestimate the amount of behind-the-scenes work involved in a transaction.
“I think sometimes people think of us like, ‘Oh, we’re just going out and showing a home,’” Baker said. “There’s so much that goes into it. This is a full-time, truly 24/7 job. You’re in constant communication with multiple parties and solving problems every single day.”
Baker shared an example involving an international client currently living in Belgium, where she has been coordinating with a U.S. consulate to ensure important paperwork is properly notarized and returned in compliance with U.S. standards.
“There are so many different hurdles in every single transaction,” she said. “This isn’t a brainless job. We are really working constantly for our buyers and sellers.”
The pair said honesty and setting realistic expectations are also key parts of the process. Baker noted that agents sometimes have to discuss difficult topics with sellers, including costly repairs or outdated features that could impact negotiations.
“I met with somebody recently and their roof was 30 years old,” Baker said. “I had to explain that depending on the buyer, that could become a hurdle during the transaction. It’s important to talk about both the positives and negatives from the very beginning so there are no surprises later.”
Siefert said the team works to prepare clients for every step of the process, including inspections, appraisals, financing issues, and negotiations.
“We try to set those expectations from day one,” she said. “We want the transaction to be as smooth as possible and guide clients through everything that comes up.”
Both agents encouraged buyers and sellers to approach the search for a realtor like a professional interview process.
“You’re trusting someone with your family memories and your home,” Siefert said. “There’s no such thing as a dumb question.”
The Siefert Team can be contacted at (217) 918-0087 or online at Siefertteam.com.