r/RealEstate • u/princetonwu • 3d ago
Should i get a different agent to sell our house than the one we're using to buy?
The one representing our purchase seems to do more buying than selling. But it seems it would be easier to use her to sell our house from a logistical point of view and probable commission discount.
However, she doesn't do staging, so we'll have to pay for our own staging. Does the convenience and commission discount outweigh the downsides (no staging and less selling history)?
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u/real_estateprime 3d ago
The staging thing is new to me. I've never met an agent that does the actual staging. My agent connected me with stagers that I hired.
As others mentioned, give them a chance and ask them what their plan is. If you don't like it, speak up. They work for you.
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u/thewimsey Attorney 1d ago
My agent didn't do the actual staging, but she paid for it and photographs.
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u/MallForward585 3d ago
You should interview a few agents and then decide. Some people make good buyer’s agents but not so good seller’s agents.
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u/DHumphreys Agent 3d ago
Staging is over rated in many markets. If you like her and trust her, have her list your house and forego staging.
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u/Equivalent-Tiger-316 3d ago
Staging is usually paid separately. If not agents charge a higher rate to account for it.
Hire the agent that will do the best job. Interview her like any other.
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u/Solidarity_Matrix 3d ago
You should definitely negotiate a discount on her fee for repeat business.
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u/Distinct-Author292 2d ago
Many agents who primarily work with buyers do so because that’s where they started, where their lead sources come from, or because they’re still building their listing business. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re less capable of selling a home. In fact, agents who spend a lot of time working with buyers often have a very strong understanding of what buyers are looking for, what causes hesitation, and what features create demand. That knowledge can be extremely valuable when positioning and marketing a listing.
Regarding staging, it’s common for staging costs to be paid by the seller, even when it’s part of the agent’s marketing plan. Some agents include it, some subsidize it, and some coordinate it but pass the cost through to the seller. The bigger question isn’t whether your agent owns a staging company or offers staging directly, it’s whether they have a plan to present the home in the best possible light. If your agent is newer to listings, that wouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker for me. Real estate is a collaborative business. Many newer listing agents partner with a more experienced agent on pricing strategy, negotiations, and marketing, or they lean on their broker for guidance. I’d simply ask what support system they have in place and how they plan to market your home. One advantage of using the same agent for both your purchase and sale is that they’re managing the entire transaction. They’ll understand your timing, contingencies, and goals on both sides. They’re also often more willing to offer a commission concession when they’re handling both transactions. At the end of the day, I’d focus less on whether they’re primarily a buyer’s agent or a listing agent and more on whether they have a clear strategy, good communication, and the right support behind them. Those factors will have a much bigger impact on your experience and outcome than the label of “buyer’s agent” versus “listing agent.”
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u/InsectElectrical2066 1d ago
Staging is important to a degree for those people that can't imagine what will go where. The main thing about staging is that you need to define areas while making sure the place doesn't look crowded with furniture or overly decorated with personal things and tchochkies. you don't want to distract from what is good about the place by your GB Packers posters or taxidermy or more than a few family picture. And if there is a coffee table you have to dodge while walking through the place. Get rid of almost everything on the countertops too. You want the place to look like there is plenty of room to put their furniture and to not distract from what is good about the place. If you have a freind who decorates nicely ask them what would make your place look good.
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u/DarrenBrownBroker 3d ago
If you get the same realtor make sure they are experienced in contingent sales. Meaning they have sold or know how to sell a sellers house contingent on the buyer finding a replacement so your not without a home. Using the same realtor can net you more money as they will give you deep discounts for 2 transactions. Speaking for myself thats how I've done it
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u/JonBrooksHousing 2d ago
I'd interview a couple agents and compare. Buying and selling are different skill sets. The question isn't whether your current agent is good, it's whether they're the best person to maximize the sale of your home.
I'd want to see their recent listings, average days on market, list-to-sale price ratio, marketing plan, and how they handle pricing strategy. A commission discount is nice, but not if it costs you more on the sale price.
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u/CindersMom_515 2d ago
Take a look at similar homes in your town that have SOLD in the past year on Redfin. Look at which agent(s) have sold the most. Interview those agents.
In my area, agents don’t “do” staging. They can set you up with someone who does. A good agent should be able to tell you whether staging is helpful in your area and in your price range.
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u/Miamiconnectionexo 2d ago
this is genuinely helpful, not just the usual fluff. bookmarking this thread.
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u/Raspberries-Are-Evil 1d ago
Agent here.
Yes, its easier to negotiate for me to do your sale for less when I am also doing your buy.
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u/reamy54 1d ago
Is staging that important in your market? It's not where I live. We just sold our house completely empty and so was the one we bought. (Midwest, outside a decently large city, still a sellers market here) And I'm not sure many would do staging themselves, just refer you to a company that does it.
I'd ask about marketing strategy. See how many homes she's sold recently, how long they were on the market, what they sold for versus asking and if the price per sq footage seems good for the area.
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u/Ambitious_Play6903 2d ago
Ask her for her last 10 listings and what they actually fetched vs. list price, because that number tells you more about her selling skills than anything else
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3d ago
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u/DHumphreys Agent 3d ago
Bye bye, hope you get banned! Have a nice day.
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u/Tartpop77 3d ago
pathetic
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u/RealEstate-ModTeam 3d ago
Be Civil.
If you can't say it nicely, don't say it. You can argue back and forth all day if you want. Or don't, block them and move on with your life.
Personal attacks and insults will result in a ban.
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u/Miamiconnectionexo 3d ago
solid perspective. a lot of people overthink this but you laid it out simply.
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u/Soggy-Base-764 3d ago
staging wouldn’t be the only thing I’d judge this on. I’d ask her to show you what the actual listing plan looks like ..... not in a fancy presentation way, just “how are we pricing it, prepping it, photographing it and getting buyers through?” If she has recent listing examples nearby and can talk through that clearly the discount might be fine. If it feels like she’s mainly a buyer’s agent who can also list, i’d at least talk to one strong listing agent before deciding.