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\n <\/div>\n \n Sell Faster and for More Money With a Top Agent<\/h3>\n
HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes faster and for up to 10% more than average agents. Try HomeLight\u2019s free Agent Match tool to consult with the highest-performing agents in your market.<\/p>\n \n
Test 1: Highest offer price<\/h2>\n
The first factor sellers tend to look at is the offer price. Naturally, a higher price seems appealing, but it\u2019s essential to consider whether it\u2019s realistic and supported by the buyer\u2019s financials.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe highest offer is sometimes not the best offer,\u201d says Bethany White<\/a>, a top Virginia agent who works with 80% more single-family homes than average agents in her market. \u201cVerify all funds and make sure you’ve checked out the agent. Make sure you feel confident enough that they will be able to bring this into escrow and to closing.\u201d<\/p>\n Some buyers may offer more or submit a high cash offer in hopes of outbidding others, only to request a reduction later in the process.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve seen it many, many times,\u201d says Thomas Taranto<\/a>, a HomeLight Elite agent in Florida with more than 20 years of experience. \u201cThey beat everybody out because of the high cash offer, and then they (strategically) are a little nitpicky on the home inspection and come back and try to get a pretty massive price drop later.\u201d<\/p>\n Taranto considers this a sneaky tactic but warns that it happens. \u201cWhen you put all of the offers on the table next to each other, be certain to analyze them merit for merit.\u201d<\/p>\n Contingencies<\/a> are conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. For example, a buyer that submits an offer with a home sale contingency<\/a> means that their offer will only move forward if they can sell their existing home. Fewer contingencies typically make the deal smoother and quicker.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure that the contingencies aren’t spaced out over a long period of time, keeping your home off of the market,\u201d White suggests. \u201cDepending on the size of the home and everything involved, you want to try and remove all contingencies within the first two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\nTest 2: Fewest or no contingencies<\/h2>\n