A home listed at (ex) $299,000. will show up on a search for homes $300,000 and under but a home priced at $304,000 which is only slightly over the price point won't and cuts out a lot of potential buyers.

We really loved the first one, she seemed like a good friend before she even left. The other one left us with a with that dreaded feeling like we had just applied for a loan, even though he was clearly very qualified and pointed out some good ideas to us. She had the higher price but we're worried about going over that price point and that some people won't see us in a search but she is very confident we can get it and quickly.

If you like the first agent but your only complaint is that you feel her suggested price is too high, then just insist on pricing it lower.

I doubt "price" is the only criteria when people search for a place.

Price is only one part of final sale, it also includes many other agreements, such as closing time, term of the loan...etc.

I doubt people really plan to pay for asking price without factoring in the final price reduction as the result of negotiation.

In addition, there is not that much monthly payment difference between two neighboring price brackets, such as between below $299,000 and below $325,000. It is not worthwhile to worry about a buyer If s/he could not afford to go up by a few thousands in asking price.

I see real estate a 'people' business, when competencies are similar, the one with right personality, style, chemistry and approach make huge difference in selling results.

Thank you all so much! I love getting such great and fast advice. Just called the first realtor and booked her for tomorrow!

If a realtor is any good and working with a buyer who is willing to go to $300K, their searches should include homes to at least $310K unless the market is tending to go at full list or above. I would go with the one that I felt most comfortable working with and who I thought had the best plan for marketing the house. The woman's enthusiasm for the home may more than make up for less than $4k difference in price. Also, can you talk to anyone who has used the agents? The gushy ones sometimes lose their charm after they get the business -- in any business. How is she at getting offers and closing deals?

We have an agent in our area who is known for listing high. Some of the houses sell well (perhaps with buyers who are not afraid to offer what they think the house is worth and work it or walk), but we've watched many of them sit -- often through one or more price reductions. There is one on my street now that is on at least it's second reduction. Doesn't help that the listing photos have the most bizarre lighting and give the home a strange feel --- and the staging is odd. Like I said, consider the marketing -- look at their other listings, photos, ads, listen to what they can do to market your home, consider their network (probably both good on that last point) -- and who would you rather be working with to negotiate on your behalf.

You posted while I was typing -- good luck

You have accepted the first realtor as your agent. The difference between the 6% and 5% along with your personal rapport would be the difference for me. There is nothing that says you can't set the price at the other realtors suggested price point.

You saved a little money with the difference between 5% and 6%, use that to place your listing at the most advantageous price point.

Price points are a real phenomenon and should never be ignored. There is both an art and a science to it. Do not price yourself out of a potential group of buyers by going above a price point. Most buyers use the internet for their initial searches. Accept this fact of internet life.

If you are struggling with price point, ask us. I am continually amazed at the realtors I encounter who have no idea about price points and human behavior.

Yes our realtor wanted us to start higher than we felt it was worth. Turned out we were correct.

Price it at the lower amount.

Make sure you have her hire a professional photographer to take photos. Be sure you ask how she is going to market your home. Good luck with your sale!

I agree, go with realtor number 1. You already felt "dread" with realtor number 2! There is your answer! This can be a very stressful process. Don't start with "dread" from the beginning. Personally, the fact that he had a negative comment about realtor #1 would be enough for me. If he has to bad mouth the other realtor to try to get the listing, it would be a red flag to me. Both had equal ratings and sales records. Obviously whatever she is doing is working ;)

Linda is correct. The number one criteria for choosing an agent is trustworthiness and feeling that he/she will put your best interests out front. Most everything else in the glossy listing packet is fluff. Most homes will be exposed and marketed in the same manner. You are about to enter into a fiduciary, legal business relationship that can get very stressful and that deals with large sums of money. You need to feel comfortable that the person is trustworthy. A listing packet will not provide this info. Only your gut feelings and testimonials from others.

We signed with the first realtor that we had liked most and we're already online with showings booked! Thanks everybody for your advice and help.

That's great thegriers. I'm curious about something - you said both realtors had ratings. Where do you find realtor ratings? btw, I agree with Linda and ncrealestateguy about not going with the second simply because put down the first.