Can You Afford to List? The Costs Nobody Talks About

Everyone talks about what real estate agents make when a house sells. But nobody really talks about what it costs before that house even hits the market.

In this episode of The Counter Offer, Meredith and Jenny are pulling back the curtain on the real cost of taking a listing to market. From photography, staging, and marketing to the countless hours spent preparing a property, the investment can add up quickly. We're talking thousands of dollars before a single showing, with absolutely no guarantee of a sale.

So who's actually paying for all of this? What should sellers be prepared to spend? And which investments are really worth it?

We're sharing the expenses we've learned to prioritize, the costly mistakes we've made along the way, and the uncomfortable reality of what happens when a listing doesn't sell. Plus, we're going rapid-fire on everything from professional photography and staging to Instagram ads, printed brochures, and open houses.

Whether you're an agent trying to run a smarter business or a homeowner wondering what it really takes to sell, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Because getting a house on the market is one thing. Getting it sold is another.

ABOUT THE COUNTER OFFER

Hosted by Austin real estate agents Meredith Alderson and Jenny Kim, The Counter Offer is an honest, unfiltered conversation about real estate, business, and everything that happens behind the deals. From industry insights and market trends to the realities of building a business, we're sharing what we've learned, what we're still figuring out, and everything in between.

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Meredith Alderson | Principal Agent, The Heyday Group

Instagram: @meredithalderson.heyday

Jenny Kim | Austin Real Estate Agent

Instagram: @jennykimatx

BEHIND THE PODCAST

Produced, Written & Edited by Adam Walding

Instagram: @adamwalding.heyday

Follow The Counter Offer for new episodes and conversations about the business of real estate, life, and everything in between.