Boston is one of the hottest seller’s markets on the East Coast, but properties don’t just sell themselves. A reputable agent can give you a competitive edge and make the selling process efficient and painless.
To help you sell your house quickly, U.S. News has identified several top Boston real estate agents who, according to OpenHouse Realty — a real estate technology company (and a U.S. News partner) — know how to find the right buyer fast.
Darin Thompson, Stuart St James Inc.
Average Time on Market: 78 Days
Darin Thompson of Stuart St James Inc. sells properties primarily in the Back Bay and South End neighborhoods of Boston. According to Thompson, if you’re looking to sell your home in the city, even in neighborhoods as popular as Back Bay and the South End, it takes hard work. First and foremost, do your research to price your home appropriately. “What is the market saying yes to?” Thompson asks. “As experts in the market, and often in the market of a particular neighborhood, your agent will be able to provide you with all the data necessary to price your home right — to tell you what the market is responding to.”
[Read: 4 Real Estate Trends to Know Before Selling Your Home in Boston.]
Thompson’s second piece of advice to sellers: Be strategic about how you use technology to draw attention to your property. “The language you use to describe a property — the photos you take to showcase your home — these are intricacies that many sellers gloss over. When not given the thought and attention they deserve, they can cause potential buyers to overlook your property.” Thompson suggests being thoughtful and intentional in your word choice, and using professional photos in your listing.
Thompson’s Advice for Sellers : “Be realistic on price. Home selling is a very emotional journey that people embark on, and it’s easy to let your emotions dictate how you should price. Don’t let it.”
Christian Iantosca, Arborview Realty Inc.
Average Time on Market: 66 Days
Christian Iantosca specializes in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. Over the past few years, Iantosca has seen Jamaica Plain flourish, attracting young professionals and those looking to start a family, as well as empty nesters looking to relocate to the city.
In a burgeoning neighborhood like Jamaica Plain, there’s no shortage of demand, but pricing right is key. A good agent, says Iantosca, is the best resource for ensuring it’s done right. “As an agent, looking at comparables is very important to giving sellers a basic understanding of pricing,” he says. Once that is established, assess the market in the neighborhood. “The more competitors there are, the longer they should expect to be on the market. If there is nothing else, sellers can price a little higher,” Iantosca says.
Iantosca’s Advice for Sellers: “Do not overprice, even in a strong seller’s market like Boston’s. Buyers are willing to make an offer over asking price in a competitive market. But if you price too high from the get-go, you limit the amount of offers you’ll receive.”
[Read: 6 Tips for Selling Your Boston Home in Winter.]
Average Time on Market: 62 Days
Joe Pollack works predominantly in Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts, and has years of experience working all over Boston proper. With Boston’s limited inventory and high prices, more people are finding the cosmopolitan lifestyle they desire in the suburbs — where they won’t have to pay quite as high of a premium. According to Pollack, amenities like parking and outdoor space are big selling points for properties in Cambridge and Somerville. They’re also less common in Boston properties.
Pollack believes in the power of first impressions, particularly for properties on the market. Photography and tools like Redfin 3D Walkthrough let potential buyers tour a property without leaving home, he explains. “Purposeful marketing allows sellers to target buyers in specific ways,” Pollack says. “Strong online visual presentations and pricing right will create demand for a property.”
Pollack’s Advice for Sellers: “The largest challenge you face is pricing appropriately. It’s in every seller’s best interest to do their homework and see what the market is yielding in close proximity to their property.”
Frank Celeste, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Average Time on Market: 95 Days
Frank Celeste has experience selling properties all over Boston — particularly in the Charlestown neighborhood, an area that has seen consistently high demand over the past several years.
According to Celeste, agents should work with their clients to get an honest assessment of the property. “Some people can be hesitant to be critical of someone’s personal style or taste. But if it’s polarizing, these are changes that need to be made before the home goes on the market,” he says. “An honest assessment will maximize value.” Next, create a marketing plan to maximize exposure. “Highest and best exposure often equates to the highest and best selling price,” Celeste says.
[Read: The 100 Best Places to Live in the USA.]
To help maximize each property’s exposure, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty uses an interactive 3-D floor plan feature that allows prospective buyers to explore a house online. “If a buyer goes to see several properties in a day, they all start to blend together,” Celeste says. “This virtual floor plan feature keeps buyers engaged even after they’ve seen the property.”
Celeste’s Advice for Sellers : “Hire a reputable, seasoned broker with knowledge in your specific neighborhood. The more educated they are, the more educated they can make the buyer, and the more comfortable they will be with a selling price.”
Looking for a real estate agent in Boston? U.S. News’ Find an Agent tool can match you with the person who’s most qualified for the job.
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4 Boston Real Estate Agents Who Can Sell Your House Fast originally appeared on usnews.com
