Introduction
The real estate market has experienced unprecedented upheaval over the past few years. With the pandemic, historically low mortgage rates, and fierce bidding wars, buyers and sellers have faced confusion at every turn. In times like these, the guidance of an experienced, honest agent can make all the difference. Dylan Seurer has become that agent for his clients by providing clarity and certainty in an uncertain market.
As the number one sales associate with Wade Hanson and Associates, Dylan has spent the last six years developing a straightforward approach to real estate. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything for buyers or sellers; instead, he gives them the unvarnished truth about pricing, timelines, and market conditions. This honesty may not always be what clients want to hear, but it sets realistic expectations and leads to successful deals. According to Wade, Dylan’s confidence and certainty have made him adept at guiding clients through the choppy waters of today’s market.
Providing Clarity in a Confusing Market
One of the most significant pain points for sellers right now is pricing. After years of homes selling for well above the asking price, many still expect to list their home high and receive multiple competing offers. Dylan is upfront with sellers when their price expectations are unrealistic. At a recent listing appointment, the homeowner hoped for $1 million, while Dylan estimated $750,000 was more accurate. He won’t waste time marketing an overpriced listing doomed to sit on the market. This honesty builds trust and leads to offers at or above asking when priced right.
Dylan also prioritizes educating his buyers. He explains market conditions so they understand why a bidding war isn’t guaranteed. Dylan said, “My biggest challenges are with other realtors, I would say, because I feel like my buyers and sellers are always on the same page as me.” His certainty gives clients the confidence to navigate the market’s ups and downs.
Overcoming Common Challenges
While clarity is key, real estate deals still pose challenges, even for the most experienced agents. One issue Dylan encounters is sellers expecting their home to sell immediately like it would have two years ago. He sets realistic timelines, explaining that it could take a few weeks or even a price drop before finding the right buyer in this market. Despite setting these expectations upfront, some sellers still grow frustrated by normal market conditions.
Dylan also bumps up against less qualified agents who make mistakes that derail or undermine deals. He shared an example where the agent improperly altered the purchase agreement, costing their buyer client thousands. In another case, the seller’s agent took a week to confirm the basic information needed to complete disclosures. Dylan’s in-depth knowledge helps him navigate these issues smoothly while protecting his clients.
Low appraisals can also throw a wrench in deals now that homes are appraising under contract price again. But Dylan understands appraisals are just opinions informed by limited data points on a given day. His expertise gives buyers and sellers perspective when a home appraises lower than expected.
Predictions for the Future
When forecasting where the market heads next, Dylan focuses more on current conditions than on making predictions. As Wade says, “You just kind of live in the moment, right?” This allows Dylan to capitalize on opportunities instead of getting distracted by what may come.
That said, rising interest rates have many buyers and sellers worried. But as Dylan points out, “Yeah, interest rates going up, but rent’s not going down.” Higher rates motivate buyers who see homeownership as a hedge against rising rents. And for stretched buyers who paid over-asking prices a year ago, higher rates provide a needed reality check on budgets.
Dylan also advises avoiding getting caught up in trying to time markets perfectly. As he tells buyers, “I’ll gladly take a 20 percent interest rate and not overpay on a property by $70,000.” The opportunity cost of overpaying is harder to recover from than a temporarily high rate. His certainty and perspective help clients make confident decisions without relying on predictions.
Key Takeaways
Real estate markets fluctuate. However, an agent like Dylan provides the clarity clients need to navigate uncertainty. He understands their motivations and goals, giving advice tailored to their needs, not broad market conditions. With his expertise and honesty, Dylan continues to find opportunities where others see only obstacles. For buyers and sellers unsure of what’s next for real estate, certainty is sometimes the best medicine.
