Working with Real Estate Agents
2008-07-20
It is not unusual for homeowners to yield to the temptation to try to sell their own home. Although it may seem simple, real estate sales transactions are extremely complex proceedings.
Pricing your property realistically
It seems easy enough - just place an ad in the weekend paper and wait for buyers to show up. The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, and then drastically slash the price when weeks go by without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.
A Good Start
When a real estate agent begins to work with a new buyer, we will sit down with you, ask a number of questions, and listen carefully to your answers. Our purpose during this initial interview is to get a clear idea of what kind of property you are looking for and your approximate price range. We explain how we will function as your representative, what the local market is like, and what we can do to help you locate that perfect home.
It is important for you as a prospective buyer to be as clear as possible about your needs. After we have talked and you have decided how much you can comfortably spend, we will know how to facilitate your home search. We won't take you through a three-story colonial with a top floor master suite if you want to avoid climbing up and down stairs! Establishing clear communication with our clients helps us save you hours of unfocused house hunting.
It is important for you as a prospective buyer to be as clear as possible about your needs. After we have talked and you have decided how much you can comfortably spend, we will know how to facilitate your home search. We won't take you through a three-story colonial with a top floor master suite if you want to avoid climbing up and down stairs! Establishing clear communication with our clients helps us save you hours of unfocused house hunting.
A Matter of Timing
Buying real estate can sometimes involve tricky timing. For example, you may have found the perfect house and are thinking about making an offer, but are feeling pressured to make a decision just when you want time to consider the matter. The agent tells you that another party is thinking about making an offer, so you shouldn't hesitate if you really want the house. What should you do? Trust your agent!
It is natural to feel some pressure from even the most easy-going real estate agent--and some uncertainty about making an offer. If you really like a house, there is always the possibility that someone else will share your enthusiasm for it. Whether your local market is active or sluggish, it is sensible to assume that another offer is likely to come in. Perhaps you can afford to "sleep on it", but moving as quickly as possible will minimize the possibility that the house will go to another buyer.
It is natural to feel some pressure from even the most easy-going real estate agent--and some uncertainty about making an offer. If you really like a house, there is always the possibility that someone else will share your enthusiasm for it. Whether your local market is active or sluggish, it is sensible to assume that another offer is likely to come in. Perhaps you can afford to "sleep on it", but moving as quickly as possible will minimize the possibility that the house will go to another buyer.
A Real Estate Agents Expertise
If you are using the services of a professional real estate agent to find a new home, good communication is crucial to the transaction. A real estate agent who knows your most significant criteria can work much more effectively to show you homes that will meet your needs.
Let the real estate agent know why you are interested in a specific location. Discuss specific requirements such as proximity to your job, good schools, or recreational activities. If there are no houses available in your price range, the agent may suggest alternate neighborhoods with the same amenities. Do you need a home office or do you have hobbies that you want to accommodate? Is there a particular style of architecture that you prefer?
Agents sometimes have to be intuitive when we work with buyers. The more you can describe to your agent what elements in the home are essential and where you are willing to compromise, the easier it will be to use their expertise to find a home that's perfect for you.
Let the real estate agent know why you are interested in a specific location. Discuss specific requirements such as proximity to your job, good schools, or recreational activities. If there are no houses available in your price range, the agent may suggest alternate neighborhoods with the same amenities. Do you need a home office or do you have hobbies that you want to accommodate? Is there a particular style of architecture that you prefer?
Agents sometimes have to be intuitive when we work with buyers. The more you can describe to your agent what elements in the home are essential and where you are willing to compromise, the easier it will be to use their expertise to find a home that's perfect for you.
A Real Estate Agents Reality
The process of guiding a home sales transaction is in reality more complex than many people realize. When qualified buyers present an offer on your home, it might seem that the deal is done, but this is only the beginning of the negotiations process. Ideally, this aspect of the transaction culminates in a meeting of the minds. At no point can the real estate agent just sit back and relax, because the "glue" that holds each transaction together is subject to a variety of factors and forces that may cause the deal to fall apart.
We can only hope that there are no surprises during the home inspections. We have to presume that the appraiser will think the house is worth as much as the buyer and seller do, but this is never guaranteed. As the buyers make their loan application, we cross our fingers that the credit report reveals they always pay their bills on time.
Rarely is a transaction completed without a few problems. A real estate agent's professional skills come into play primarily during the time between contract ratification and the closing. At this point, we use our creativity, patience and negotiating skills to achieve a happy resolution to your transaction.
We can only hope that there are no surprises during the home inspections. We have to presume that the appraiser will think the house is worth as much as the buyer and seller do, but this is never guaranteed. As the buyers make their loan application, we cross our fingers that the credit report reveals they always pay their bills on time.
Rarely is a transaction completed without a few problems. A real estate agent's professional skills come into play primarily during the time between contract ratification and the closing. At this point, we use our creativity, patience and negotiating skills to achieve a happy resolution to your transaction.
An Agent’s Role
Recent reforms in the disclosure laws and real estate practices around the country have resulted in new options for buyers and sellers. Real estate agents can take different roles with buyers and sellers.
A seller's agent works with loyalty and fidelity as the seller's advocate and negotiator, and is obligated to disclose to potential buyers all adverse material facts that are known about the property.
A buyer's agent works exclusively to negotiate the lowest purchase price and best terms for the buyer. This agent serves the buyer with undivided loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure. The agent would know the highest price that the buyer would be willing to offer for a home, but could not disclose that information to the seller.
A dual agent can work for both the buyer and the seller by written, informed consent of both parties and has fiduciary obligations to both. The agent can only disclose to one party what the other party allows to be revealed.
A transaction broker assists the buyer or seller or both throughout a real estate transaction without being an agent or advocate for any of the parties.
A seller's agent works with loyalty and fidelity as the seller's advocate and negotiator, and is obligated to disclose to potential buyers all adverse material facts that are known about the property.
A buyer's agent works exclusively to negotiate the lowest purchase price and best terms for the buyer. This agent serves the buyer with undivided loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure. The agent would know the highest price that the buyer would be willing to offer for a home, but could not disclose that information to the seller.
A dual agent can work for both the buyer and the seller by written, informed consent of both parties and has fiduciary obligations to both. The agent can only disclose to one party what the other party allows to be revealed.
A transaction broker assists the buyer or seller or both throughout a real estate transaction without being an agent or advocate for any of the parties.
An Inspired Real Estate Agent
Sometimes a good real estate agent may remind you of a favorite aunt who is always trying to fix up her single nieces or nephews with her friends' sons or daughters. She really gets inspired when her efforts result in a great marriage. Real estate agents match prospective buyers with the perfect home for their family--and when it works, they feel terrific! And more important, their buyers and sellers feel terrific.
Sellers often have a strong attachment to a home that holds many memories for them. It is important for them to know that the new buyers will love it, too. While any sale can potentially become complicated and difficult, problems seem to work themselves out more easily if you have started out on a positive note. This is one important reason why agents work hard to maintain a good rapport between the parties involved in every transaction.
Sellers often have a strong attachment to a home that holds many memories for them. It is important for them to know that the new buyers will love it, too. While any sale can potentially become complicated and difficult, problems seem to work themselves out more easily if you have started out on a positive note. This is one important reason why agents work hard to maintain a good rapport between the parties involved in every transaction.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent
When you buy or sell a home, you want to work with a real estate agent who has the experience and expertise to handle such a complex transaction with a minimum amount of stress. When choosing a real estate agent, you should look for technical competence and interpersonal skills.
Ask prospective real estate agents several questions. How long have you been in the business? How do your services differ from those of your colleagues? Do you have a principal broker/owner who works closely with you and serves as a backup person if you are not available?
Keep in mind that there are no "right" answers to these questions. Don't rule out a less-experienced agent who brings energy and enthusiasm to the job. You want personalized professional service from someone whom you can trust to lead you through the process
Ask prospective real estate agents several questions. How long have you been in the business? How do your services differ from those of your colleagues? Do you have a principal broker/owner who works closely with you and serves as a backup person if you are not available?
Keep in mind that there are no "right" answers to these questions. Don't rule out a less-experienced agent who brings energy and enthusiasm to the job. You want personalized professional service from someone whom you can trust to lead you through the process
Consult the Real Experts
When you buy your first home, you want the best advice you can get. You want to show the house to friends and relatives before you commit. They will probably tell you about all of the things that went wrong during their own transactions so you can avoid the same mistakes. These experts all have good intentions, but so much advice can put you into a state of high anxiety.
Real estate transactions are very complex, and difficulties can arise. If you are buying your home with the help of a professional real estate agent, your agent will know how to make sure that any minor upsets do not turn into major problems. A real estate agent's expertise is based on formal training and experience in many real estate transactions. Their reputation is on the line with each sale, so they are highly motivated to make your purchase or sale go as smoothly as possible. When you are dealing with a professional real estate agent, you can worry about what might go wrong if you wish, but you don't have to!
Real estate transactions are very complex, and difficulties can arise. If you are buying your home with the help of a professional real estate agent, your agent will know how to make sure that any minor upsets do not turn into major problems. A real estate agent's expertise is based on formal training and experience in many real estate transactions. Their reputation is on the line with each sale, so they are highly motivated to make your purchase or sale go as smoothly as possible. When you are dealing with a professional real estate agent, you can worry about what might go wrong if you wish, but you don't have to!
CRB, CIPS, TRC and Train the Trainer
CRB which stands for Council of Real Estate Brokers is a designation that recognizes a high level of professional accomplishments in real estate experience and education and our Principal, Louise, successfully complete the course of study in financial planning & Management, Performance Leadership and Strategic Business Management by Drexanne Evers International, Carletonville, OHIO, USA.
CIPS stands for Certified International Property specialist.
TRC stands for Transnational Referral Certification.
Louise is qualified as a CIPS and TRC professional, under the guidance and teaching of Manfred H. Chemek the CEO of MANHELM International, who is one of the most qualified international Realtor trainers. The CIPS course includes Europe, The Americas, Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate, Investment & Financial Analysis for International Real Estate.
Train the trainer Instructor. Training by the International Property Foundation for Service Sector Education & Training Authority.
Finding a Real Estate Agent
Finding an experienced, reliable real estate agent whom you like and trust is the first step in locating your new home. Here is an approach to finding the right agent.
Call or stop by a real estate office and ask to speak with the manager. Describe the type of home you are looking for. The manager can refer you to an agent who knows that market very well. You might also use weekend "open houses" as opportunities to look for a real estate agent, as well as a new home. It is really a matter of chemistry! If you meet someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable, call that person!
Once you establish a strong working relationship with a real estate agent, your agent can show you a number of homes for sale, even if they are listed with other companies. Often the agent can show you a property as soon as it is placed on the market. Many of the best homes never even make it to the weekend classified section of the newspaper!
Call or stop by a real estate office and ask to speak with the manager. Describe the type of home you are looking for. The manager can refer you to an agent who knows that market very well. You might also use weekend "open houses" as opportunities to look for a real estate agent, as well as a new home. It is really a matter of chemistry! If you meet someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable, call that person!
Once you establish a strong working relationship with a real estate agent, your agent can show you a number of homes for sale, even if they are listed with other companies. Often the agent can show you a property as soon as it is placed on the market. Many of the best homes never even make it to the weekend classified section of the newspaper!
Finding Buyers
When a home owner tries to sell "By Owner", they commonly use two basic marketing techniques to advertise the property. They place a "For Sale" sign in the front yard and a classified ad in the local newspaper. When a seller lists their home with a professional real estate agent, however, a very sophisticated process is set in motion in order to facilitate the home sales transaction.
Real estate agents have a backlog of prospective buyers for the homes in their market. Through the Multiple Listing Service, the agent cooperates with other brokers in the area who will show your home to their prospective buyers. Professional real estate agents also combine direct mail, telephone calls, and specialized advertising techniques incorporating media such as the Internet, to reach the sales market. In this way we create activity on our listings that help them to sell quickly--and for the best price
Real estate agents have a backlog of prospective buyers for the homes in their market. Through the Multiple Listing Service, the agent cooperates with other brokers in the area who will show your home to their prospective buyers. Professional real estate agents also combine direct mail, telephone calls, and specialized advertising techniques incorporating media such as the Internet, to reach the sales market. In this way we create activity on our listings that help them to sell quickly--and for the best price
Help Your Real Estate Agent
Once your home is listed for sale, it may be difficult for you to step aside and let your agent take over. When prospective buyers arrive, you may want to stand by to point out the closet extenders, the hidden spice cabinet behind the kitchen door, the energy-saving storm windows or the updated copper plumbing. If you really want to help, however, you will leave the house whenever it is being shown!
We have found that the sales process does not really begin until buyers have begun to voice their objections about a property. Sometimes these concerns are serious enough to remove your house from consideration. Often, however, people voice objections as an automatic response when they really love the house and want to buy it. Real estate professionals are trained to know the difference.
If a seller is standing at the agent's elbow, the buyer won't be comfortable enough to allow the process of raising objections take place. If the buyer feels intimidated or suppressed, we could lose the sale. The best way to help is to give your real estate agent room to make the sale.
We have found that the sales process does not really begin until buyers have begun to voice their objections about a property. Sometimes these concerns are serious enough to remove your house from consideration. Often, however, people voice objections as an automatic response when they really love the house and want to buy it. Real estate professionals are trained to know the difference.
If a seller is standing at the agent's elbow, the buyer won't be comfortable enough to allow the process of raising objections take place. If the buyer feels intimidated or suppressed, we could lose the sale. The best way to help is to give your real estate agent room to make the sale.
Know Your Price Range
As a homebuyer, you may have found the perfect new house for your growing family, but what if it is a little out of your price range? You might list your current home for more than it is worth and be lucky enough to find a qualified buyer who is willing to pay the price, but it is impossible to know in advance what your home will sell for.
If you want to sell your home quickly, have a frank and detailed conversation with your real estate agent to determine the best price for the house. Setting your price within 5% of the fair market value of your home greatly increases your chances of getting solid offers that will result in a relatively quick sale.
Don't buy and sell so close to your target amount that you become anxious when the numbers don't meet your expectations. There may be other approaches, such as adjustable rate mortgages or owner financing, to increase your buying power and get you into that new home. When you are selling one home and buying another, you will need more than good luck. You will need a highly professional and experienced real estate agent who can give you solid advice on how to make the transaction work for your particular requirements.
If you want to sell your home quickly, have a frank and detailed conversation with your real estate agent to determine the best price for the house. Setting your price within 5% of the fair market value of your home greatly increases your chances of getting solid offers that will result in a relatively quick sale.
Don't buy and sell so close to your target amount that you become anxious when the numbers don't meet your expectations. There may be other approaches, such as adjustable rate mortgages or owner financing, to increase your buying power and get you into that new home. When you are selling one home and buying another, you will need more than good luck. You will need a highly professional and experienced real estate agent who can give you solid advice on how to make the transaction work for your particular requirements.
Listing Presentations
The listing presentation is the first step most sellers take when they are looking for a real estate professional to market their home. They communicate what they expect from the real estate agent who will list their home, and the agent explains their marketing strategy, including pricing recommendations, advertising, and any special programs they or their companies offer.
A good listing presentation takes careful planning. A written market analysis will help you get a clear idea of local market conditions. Many real estate agents will include a marketing plan, as well as suggestions on how to make sure that your home shows well and is accessible to agents. If you are talking to several companies, resist the temptation to go with the person who quotes you the highest price for your house. Look for an agent who is well prepared, professional, and has the best ideas. The most successful transactions involve careful collaboration between the sellers and the real estate agent.
A good listing presentation takes careful planning. A written market analysis will help you get a clear idea of local market conditions. Many real estate agents will include a marketing plan, as well as suggestions on how to make sure that your home shows well and is accessible to agents. If you are talking to several companies, resist the temptation to go with the person who quotes you the highest price for your house. Look for an agent who is well prepared, professional, and has the best ideas. The most successful transactions involve careful collaboration between the sellers and the real estate agent.
Questions from Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents begin their professional relationship with buyers by asking numerous questions about the buyer's personal and financial situation. The answers to these questions will give the real estate agent a clear idea about the buyer's housing needs and price range. It is a waste of time for an agent to show a buyer homes they can't afford, and it can be disheartening to consider unrealistic possibilities.
In order to do a great job finding you a home, your real estate agent needs to have some basic information about your income, debts, and the amount of cash you have available for a purchase. Your agent also needs to know something about your lifestyle. How large is your family? Where do you work? Do you have school-age children? Do you enjoy entertaining? What hobbies would you like to accommodate?
The real estate agent who helps you find your new home will get to know you very well, so it is very important that you feel comfortable with that person and free to communicate openly.
In order to do a great job finding you a home, your real estate agent needs to have some basic information about your income, debts, and the amount of cash you have available for a purchase. Your agent also needs to know something about your lifestyle. How large is your family? Where do you work? Do you have school-age children? Do you enjoy entertaining? What hobbies would you like to accommodate?
The real estate agent who helps you find your new home will get to know you very well, so it is very important that you feel comfortable with that person and free to communicate openly.
Real Estate Agent Advantages
How do real estate agents sell homes? When a professional real estate agent is retained to sell a home, the agent will develop a marketing plan that has proven effective for selling homes quickly and for the maximum sale price.
The real estate agent will perform a market analysis, comparing the home with similar homes in your neighborhood that have recently sold. Your agent will evaluate the current real estate market in order to develop a price opinion for your home. The next step will be to make recommendations about preparing your home so that it is presented to its best advantage. A description of the home will be uploaded into the local Multiple Listing Service, and your agent will implement a marketing plan tailored to your home.
By listing your property, you expose it to thousands of real estate agents throughout the region. MLS exposure is one of the most valuable services a real estate agent can provide sellers. Real estate professionals also network with other agents in their office when they bring new listings to the market. Does this system work? 85% of the homes sold today use this method. Enough said!
The real estate agent will perform a market analysis, comparing the home with similar homes in your neighborhood that have recently sold. Your agent will evaluate the current real estate market in order to develop a price opinion for your home. The next step will be to make recommendations about preparing your home so that it is presented to its best advantage. A description of the home will be uploaded into the local Multiple Listing Service, and your agent will implement a marketing plan tailored to your home.
By listing your property, you expose it to thousands of real estate agents throughout the region. MLS exposure is one of the most valuable services a real estate agent can provide sellers. Real estate professionals also network with other agents in their office when they bring new listings to the market. Does this system work? 85% of the homes sold today use this method. Enough said!
Real Estate Agent Referrals
It takes time for real estate agents to build a business. Since a lot of our success depends on referrals from satisfied buyers or sellers, we work hard to exceed your expectations for service.
If a real estate agent has done a superb job of selling your house or finding you a new one, the best way to say "thank you" is to give that person's name (and phone number!) to anyone you know who is considering a move. You are not only doing the agent a favor, you are also directing your friends to a competent, knowledgeable and experienced salesperson. Buying a house or condo can be a little scary if you don't have a strong professional guiding you through the process. Real estate agents try extra hard to please referrals of friends or pleased customers. We are in the business for the long term and prosper by giving consistently high quality service.
If a real estate agent has done a superb job of selling your house or finding you a new one, the best way to say "thank you" is to give that person's name (and phone number!) to anyone you know who is considering a move. You are not only doing the agent a favor, you are also directing your friends to a competent, knowledgeable and experienced salesperson. Buying a house or condo can be a little scary if you don't have a strong professional guiding you through the process. Real estate agents try extra hard to please referrals of friends or pleased customers. We are in the business for the long term and prosper by giving consistently high quality service.
Real Estate Agent Representation
Which party in a real estate transaction is represented by the real estate agent--the buyer or the seller? Until recently that question was never asked because the answer was always the same. Traditionally all the marketing professionals involved in real estate transactions were legally and ethically obligated to conduct business on behalf of the seller. They may have aided the buyer in certain situations, but their client was the seller. Today that is not necessarily the case.
In a time of increasing specialization, buyers can be represented by a real estate agent who functions solely as a buyer's broker. In this case, the sales professional helps the buyer locate a home, negotiate the price, and is responsible to the buyer only, for an agreed-upon fee or a percentage commission.
In any real estate transaction you have the right to know which party the real estate agent is representing.
In a time of increasing specialization, buyers can be represented by a real estate agent who functions solely as a buyer's broker. In this case, the sales professional helps the buyer locate a home, negotiate the price, and is responsible to the buyer only, for an agreed-upon fee or a percentage commission.
In any real estate transaction you have the right to know which party the real estate agent is representing.
Real Estate Finesse
Many changes can occur in a real estate transaction between the initial meeting of the minds and the completion of the sale. This is where having a professional to handle the sale of your home makes a big difference.
Real estate professionals view such changes as challenges, rather than problems. Many potential problems are predictable, but their consequences can be minimized by anticipating them. Real estate agents draw on their experience and the experience of their colleagues to ensure a successful closing for the buyers and sellers. When disputes arise, our expertise helps to create a win-win situation. This approach to selling real estate makes the difference for my buyers and sellers. I go the extra mile to handle the countless details and to keep my buyers and sellers informed at each step of the transaction.
Real estate professionals view such changes as challenges, rather than problems. Many potential problems are predictable, but their consequences can be minimized by anticipating them. Real estate agents draw on their experience and the experience of their colleagues to ensure a successful closing for the buyers and sellers. When disputes arise, our expertise helps to create a win-win situation. This approach to selling real estate makes the difference for my buyers and sellers. I go the extra mile to handle the countless details and to keep my buyers and sellers informed at each step of the transaction.
Real Estate Match Makers
When you list your house with a real estate agent who participates in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), you get a lot of service for your money. Depending upon the MLS region, there may be hundreds of participating members.
The real estate agent who lists your home works to get it sold. This is done by marketing directly to home buyers, but an even more powerful tool is marketing your home to other agents who have buyers. Your real estate agent makes all the crucial information about your home available to the other members through the MLS, such as location, size, and the number of rooms, the style of architecture, what personal property is included, and any other special features. The MLS description will also contain information about any special financing that might be available, showing instructions and special needs you may have with respect to closing. It is a powerful tool for real estate matchmakers.
The real estate agent who lists your home works to get it sold. This is done by marketing directly to home buyers, but an even more powerful tool is marketing your home to other agents who have buyers. Your real estate agent makes all the crucial information about your home available to the other members through the MLS, such as location, size, and the number of rooms, the style of architecture, what personal property is included, and any other special features. The MLS description will also contain information about any special financing that might be available, showing instructions and special needs you may have with respect to closing. It is a powerful tool for real estate matchmakers.
Real Estate Sales
Making a move gets high marks on the stress scale, whether you are buying or selling a home. Not only is there a lot of money involved, there is also lot that can go wrong in a real estate transaction.
A professional real estate agent works to minimize the stress involved in the process and to make your closing as smooth as possible. The agent will monitor the progress of the loan application and check on the paperwork. He or she will remind the sellers about any repairs that need to be made before the closing and will assist both parties in coordinating the closing and their moves. The real estate agent will also help ensure a smooth transition by reminding the sellers to arrange for final utility readings and the buyers to set up new utility account.
A professional real estate agent works to minimize the stress involved in the process and to make your closing as smooth as possible. The agent will monitor the progress of the loan application and check on the paperwork. He or she will remind the sellers about any repairs that need to be made before the closing and will assist both parties in coordinating the closing and their moves. The real estate agent will also help ensure a smooth transition by reminding the sellers to arrange for final utility readings and the buyers to set up new utility account.
Sales Professionals
A real estate agent's job is to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest time. Another important part of the agent's responsibility is to make the sales process as easy as possible for you, the seller. Your real estate agent can eliminate much of the hassle involved in selling your home, while providing you and your family with the "peace of mind" you need during this sensitive time. Your agent can help you avoid the inconvenience of having buyers stop by unannounced to see your home or you’re wasting time with those who are not financially qualified to buy your home.
When you list your home with a sales professional, you get an array of valuable services, including the widest possible exposure through Multiple Listing Service. This is the best vehicle to get the most qualified buyers to see your home.
When you list your home with a sales professional, you get an array of valuable services, including the widest possible exposure through Multiple Listing Service. This is the best vehicle to get the most qualified buyers to see your home.
Selecting a Real Estate Agent
Finding the right real estate agent to help you in your search is the important first step to take when you are ready to buy a new home. Some people feel it is better to use someone you don't know--I can't agree with this thought because someone you know will usually go above and beyond the call of duty and have you as top priority at all times.
Knowledge, professionalism and experience are the important factors to consider when selecting a real estate agent. You should also look for someone who listens carefully to what you want in a new home and who knows the market well enough to find the right house for you within a reasonable period of time. Be comfortable with the person you choose. If you feel like the real estate agent is sensitive to your needs and desires, you will feel confident working with that person.
Knowledge, professionalism and experience are the important factors to consider when selecting a real estate agent. You should also look for someone who listens carefully to what you want in a new home and who knows the market well enough to find the right house for you within a reasonable period of time. Be comfortable with the person you choose. If you feel like the real estate agent is sensitive to your needs and desires, you will feel confident working with that person.
The Best Real Estate Agents
The best real estate agents in today's marketplace are becoming even better about marketing the homes they list to the public, as well as to other agents who have potential buyers.
When you are interviewing prospective real estate agents to help you sell your home, ask how they find buyers. In the past, a "For Sale" sign would go into the ground, the basic information went into the Multiple Listing Service, and then there was an occasional Sunday classified ad and an "open house". If the house did not sell right away, the agent might recommend a price reduction.
Agents today are much more sophisticated and pro-active about getting people into their homes. They rely on computers, direct mail, telemarketing, and just plain clever ideas that no one else has tried. Ask prospective listing agents for two things--a written analysis of what is happening with housing prices in your area and a marketing plan which outlines how they would get your home from "For Sale" to "Sold".
When you are interviewing prospective real estate agents to help you sell your home, ask how they find buyers. In the past, a "For Sale" sign would go into the ground, the basic information went into the Multiple Listing Service, and then there was an occasional Sunday classified ad and an "open house". If the house did not sell right away, the agent might recommend a price reduction.
Agents today are much more sophisticated and pro-active about getting people into their homes. They rely on computers, direct mail, telemarketing, and just plain clever ideas that no one else has tried. Ask prospective listing agents for two things--a written analysis of what is happening with housing prices in your area and a marketing plan which outlines how they would get your home from "For Sale" to "Sold".
The Listing Agent
Only approximately 2% of all listings nationwide are sold by the listing agent. When you list your house with me, I will try my best to sell it myself, but more importantly, I will simply get it sold.
Colleagues in my firm or real estate agents who are affiliated with a cooperating broker may sell my listings. This is why I work hard to maintain a reputation for being very professional and easy to work with. I make the homes I list as easy as possible for other real estate agents to preview or show to buyers.
When you select a real estate agent to market your property, you are hiring them not only for their list of prospective buyers, but for their ability to tap the lists of other people in the business. I constantly lobby among my competition, asking if they have seen my listings, getting feedback and urging them to add my listings to the short lists that they show when they have a prospective buyer.
Colleagues in my firm or real estate agents who are affiliated with a cooperating broker may sell my listings. This is why I work hard to maintain a reputation for being very professional and easy to work with. I make the homes I list as easy as possible for other real estate agents to preview or show to buyers.
When you select a real estate agent to market your property, you are hiring them not only for their list of prospective buyers, but for their ability to tap the lists of other people in the business. I constantly lobby among my competition, asking if they have seen my listings, getting feedback and urging them to add my listings to the short lists that they show when they have a prospective buyer.
Working With a Real Estate Agent
It is not unusual for homeowners to yield to the temptation to try to sell their own home. It seems easy enough--just place an ad in the weekend paper and wait for buyers to show up. Although it may seem simple, real estate sales transactions are extremely complex proceedings.
The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, and then drastically slash the price when weeks go by without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.
The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, and then drastically slash the price when weeks go by without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.