Why Hire Mike Sloan* to Market Your Property?

In a busy real estate market for resort and vacation properties and now primary residences, Mike Sloan* arrives on the scene in Grand Bend, Ontario with a young and fresh perspective. In the Grand Bend region, where those looking to sell or buy real estate have a myriad of Realtors from which to choose, I want to earn your business. As the newest real estate business in town, it is key to my mission to differentiate my services for buyers and sellers through effective and cutting-edge use of technology and proactive customer service.

"What is your rate?" is without a doubt the most popular first question that I get asked when potential clients are checking me out. Is this a good question or a fair question to ask? Well, it's important to know, but don't ask this question without the more important follow up question: "What do you do for that fee?" Remember that the rate or commission charged is 100% negotiable. It's critical to compare what the Realtor is doing for their commission to determine a fair price to pay them.

What do you do for your commission, Mike*?

I'm glad you've asked that, as not everyone does. The most critical thing that I do is answer the phone. If I don't answer, I am on the phone, and I return the call within 30 minutes. This seems rather a simple fundamental that should go without saying, but it seems more than some can manage. I never cease to be amazed when I frequently hear people say how their last agent never answered their phone, if they returned calls it was always a day or two later. I'd have a hard time believing it if I didn't experience it myself dealing with other Realtors.

The second thing that I do is take a genuine interest in you and your property selling. Anyone can put a sign up, and make up fancy marketing materials. Not everyone can CARE. This is not a trite comment, I really want to make you a happy client. My goal is always to make the selling process as painless and as quick as possible. My business is built on repeat business and referrals. I want you to be happy with the selling process so that you return again as a client. I also believe that you should be treated the same way I like to be treated.

I always recommend a fair list price. Numerous agents will come in and tell you your property should list for 10-20,000 more than the market will bear in order to get the listing. This tactic does not help you at all. In fact, it hurts you. Your property will sit on the market for months without any real interest, and you will have to make price reductions, frequently below fair market value in order to get it sold. In the end, the process takes months longer, and results in a lower sale price than if you had listed your property at a fair market price to begin with.

I tell the truth. I will not hesitate to tell you areas where you can improve your property to make it sell faster, and for more money. I will not hesitate to tell you how the market really is right now. I don't do this to be mean, depressing, pessimistic, or hurtful. I really believe that you are a smart person and will figure out if someone lies to you. I don't want to be that person that lies to you. My business is built on trust and repeat business. If you can't trust me, you won't use my services again, and you won't recommend me to friends.

I also tell potential buyers the truth. There are some things I don't share, such as bottom line price, your reasons for moving. (I also protect your best interests) But, if the roof leaks, it leaks. I will tell potential buyers this. You may think that this hurts a sale, or is not your best interest. It is simply to avoid a lawsuit against you. You will not loose nearly as much money on the sale, disclosing defects to a potential buyer, as you will spend defending yourself in a lawsuit. In this day and age, more and more buyers are litigating if they feel they have been short changed in a deal. It is not worth the risk of a lawsuit, as it is no longer simply "buyer beware".

I also work with a team. My partner Rich Keller, who is also a sales representative with Prudential Family Realty, helps immeasurably behind the scenes to make our real estate transactions go smoothly. It is very difficult for one person to do a good job in real estate by themselves. There are a few exceptional Realtors who do an excellent job on their own, but most unfortunately become too busy and too time crunched to properly take care of you during the selling process. By working as a team, we are able to provide a much higher quality of service to you. If one of us is busy, the other steps in to take care of the situation, whether it is to answer questions, handle an offer, hold an open house, or give a potential buyer a personal tour of the property. We also are wise enough to know which of us is better at certain tasks (such as paperwork, marketing, negotiating) and give those tasks to the team member who will do the best job with them. This is all to your advantage.

I would be happy to meet with you, in your home, and give you a fair market assessment of your home's value, as well as discuss with you further how I can help you sell your home fast, and for the best price. I take advantage of the latest technologies to market real estate, including web marketing using search engine optimization, SMS or text message marketing, as well as more traditional methods such as MLS and print ads. I would be happy to meet with you and discuss our marketing approach to real estate, and to answer and questions or concerns you may have.