The language of Real Estate Agents
2008-07-20
Technical terms can be confusing to people who do not work in a profession, and real estate agents use language that may be confusing to many home buyers and sellers.
Don’t hesitate to ask for translation
if you find your eyes glazing over when your real estate agent starts talking about escrow, clear title, easements, encroachments, contingencies, financing, appraisals and the closing process, don't hesitate to ask for a translation. Buying or selling a home is a major step, and professional real estate agents are totally committed to helping you understand the process thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions.
The simple transaction of trading the sellers' house for the buyers' money has become complicated by several hundred years of custom, common law, and state and local government requirements. Consumer demands have resulted in up-to-date rules that communication be as clear and understandable as possible. Real estate agents work to create an atmosphere in which you feel comfortable to ask questions.
if you find your eyes glazing over when your real estate agent starts talking about escrow, clear title, easements, encroachments, contingencies, financing, appraisals and the closing process, don't hesitate to ask for a translation. Buying or selling a home is a major step, and professional real estate agents are totally committed to helping you understand the process thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions.
The simple transaction of trading the sellers' house for the buyers' money has become complicated by several hundred years of custom, common law, and state and local government requirements. Consumer demands have resulted in up-to-date rules that communication be as clear and understandable as possible. Real estate agents work to create an atmosphere in which you feel comfortable to ask questions.
The Pheromone Factor
Pheromones are mysterious little chemical sensors that are supposed to have a lot to do with whether or not we are attracted to people. They may also play a big part in the way people react to houses.
If you have a house on the market, it will be important to ensure that the pheromone factor is as high as possible--so that the prospects who come inside will involuntarily pull out their checkbooks and offer to pay your asking price. A good real estate agent can give you some important hints about maximizing your home's ability to attract buyers. This could mean completely airing out every room to eliminate musty odors, or allowing enough time for freshly painted walls to lose that telltale toxic smell.
Unless you are already compulsively neat, you may need to make temporary changes in your housekeeping habits to ensure that your home is both fresh-smelling and sparkling clean. Sometimes this will involve hiring a professional cleaning service. Give your real estate agent the space to speak candidly about what you need to do to make your house looks its best.
If you have a house on the market, it will be important to ensure that the pheromone factor is as high as possible--so that the prospects who come inside will involuntarily pull out their checkbooks and offer to pay your asking price. A good real estate agent can give you some important hints about maximizing your home's ability to attract buyers. This could mean completely airing out every room to eliminate musty odors, or allowing enough time for freshly painted walls to lose that telltale toxic smell.
Unless you are already compulsively neat, you may need to make temporary changes in your housekeeping habits to ensure that your home is both fresh-smelling and sparkling clean. Sometimes this will involve hiring a professional cleaning service. Give your real estate agent the space to speak candidly about what you need to do to make your house looks its best.
The Perfect Home
When we help prospective buyers locate a new home we listen carefully to their goals. What are their criteria for selecting a neighborhood, what style of house do they prefer, what price range and floor plan meet their needs? Will any special considerations go into making the home buying decision? When we have a good picture of what the buyer wants, we will go to work to find the best property on the market that will accommodate those needs.
Our real estate agents succeed when they can make the buyers' goals their goals. Finding the perfect home is a collaborative effort. The buyers communicate what they want, why they want it, and where compromise might be possible, and the agent listens carefully and selects the homes that come as close as possible to meeting the needs expressed. When there is trust and communication between the buyers and the real estate agent, miracles can happen! Creating these miracles for buyers and sellers is "Job #1" for us.
Our real estate agents succeed when they can make the buyers' goals their goals. Finding the perfect home is a collaborative effort. The buyers communicate what they want, why they want it, and where compromise might be possible, and the agent listens carefully and selects the homes that come as close as possible to meeting the needs expressed. When there is trust and communication between the buyers and the real estate agent, miracles can happen! Creating these miracles for buyers and sellers is "Job #1" for us.
The Exclusive Sale
The most common and popular arrangement to have with a real estate agent when selling a specific property is an "exclusive right-to-sell". This type of agreement has advantages for both the broker and the seller. It allows an agent to give his or her full attention to marketing a seller's home or property for a certain period of time without competition from other real estate companies.
Within such an exclusive arrangement, the real estate agent shares the listing with national and worldwide referral networks through the Multiple Listing Service that is subscribed to by most real estate sales professionals. The MLS listing assures your home of the widest possible exposure to the market place.
Nine out of ten homes that are sold today are "listed" homes (more in some markets). Enough said!
Within such an exclusive arrangement, the real estate agent shares the listing with national and worldwide referral networks through the Multiple Listing Service that is subscribed to by most real estate sales professionals. The MLS listing assures your home of the widest possible exposure to the market place.
Nine out of ten homes that are sold today are "listed" homes (more in some markets). Enough said!
Tell Your Agent
Good communication will enable you to get the best service from the real estate agent who is helping you to buy or sell a home. If you have any concerns, make them known not just to your spouse, your mother and your co-workers, but to the person who can do something about it--your agent!
Real estate sales are extremely complex transactions which involve negotiating large sums of money and turning over the largest single asset most individuals will ever own. Since the possibilities for misunderstandings are great, professional real estate agents work hard to ensure that the transaction will go smoothly. This requires clear communication between the buyers and the sellers and other agents.
Most of the breakdowns in real estate transactions result from vague or inadequate communication prior to the signing of the contract. Express any concerns that you may have and ask about anything you don't understand--the only foolish question is the one that isn't asked!
Real estate sales are extremely complex transactions which involve negotiating large sums of money and turning over the largest single asset most individuals will ever own. Since the possibilities for misunderstandings are great, professional real estate agents work hard to ensure that the transaction will go smoothly. This requires clear communication between the buyers and the sellers and other agents.
Most of the breakdowns in real estate transactions result from vague or inadequate communication prior to the signing of the contract. Express any concerns that you may have and ask about anything you don't understand--the only foolish question is the one that isn't asked!
Stand By Me
Real estate transactions are complicated and unpredictable. Professional real estate agents are trained to handle the many facets of buying a home. A good agent is an invaluable asset to your venture if you are in the market for a house.
When you find a real estate agent with whom you feel confident, it is good to enter into a committed working relationship with that person. Concentrating your search with one agent will allow that agent to become truly familiar with your needs, desires, and financial capacities.
Maintaining loyalty to the real estate agent of your choice will bear you more fruit than scattering your attention among several agents. An agent who feels your commitment will devote his or her entire energy to finding the right home for you.
When you find a real estate agent with whom you feel confident, it is good to enter into a committed working relationship with that person. Concentrating your search with one agent will allow that agent to become truly familiar with your needs, desires, and financial capacities.
Maintaining loyalty to the real estate agent of your choice will bear you more fruit than scattering your attention among several agents. An agent who feels your commitment will devote his or her entire energy to finding the right home for you.
Target Marketing
As soon as the listing agreement is signed, your real estate agent will begin the search for a buyer for your home. This means directing agents marketing efforts to target groups of individuals who are likely to be attracted to the amenities offered by your home and neighborhood.
If your property is near a new office park, your real estate agent will look there for prospects who want to live near their work place. If it is an historic property, the local preservation society may have a publication in which to advertise. Your agent may call or write to the neighbors who may know someone who would be attracted to your home. When your home is being marketed professionally, your agent will do a lot more than just feed the listing into the MLS and place an occasional add
If your property is near a new office park, your real estate agent will look there for prospects who want to live near their work place. If it is an historic property, the local preservation society may have a publication in which to advertise. Your agent may call or write to the neighbors who may know someone who would be attracted to your home. When your home is being marketed professionally, your agent will do a lot more than just feed the listing into the MLS and place an occasional add
Sold
Some things are hard to measure, and others are easy. Success in a real estate sale is easy. It occurs when the "SOLD" sign is in your front yard. And having that occur as quickly as possible is the goal of every real estate agent and every home seller.
You have undoubtedly heard that old saying about the "hard way" and the "easy way" to do something. The hard way to get the "SOLD" sign up is to try and sell it yourself. The easy way is to use the services of a real estate sales professional; someone who is not only trained to get it sold, but to get as much for your home as the market will bear.
Remember, the agent doesn't get paid until your home is "SOLD". And the amount they earn in commission is dependent upon the amount of the sale. That's a lot of genuine motivation to do the job right. Save yourself headaches and frustration when you are ready to sell--call a professional real estate agent.
You have undoubtedly heard that old saying about the "hard way" and the "easy way" to do something. The hard way to get the "SOLD" sign up is to try and sell it yourself. The easy way is to use the services of a real estate sales professional; someone who is not only trained to get it sold, but to get as much for your home as the market will bear.
Remember, the agent doesn't get paid until your home is "SOLD". And the amount they earn in commission is dependent upon the amount of the sale. That's a lot of genuine motivation to do the job right. Save yourself headaches and frustration when you are ready to sell--call a professional real estate agent.
Selling Before Buying
Timing can sometimes be difficult if you have to sell a home before you can buy another one. Most people need the equity from the sale of their first home for the down payment on the new house. If your present home goes on the market first, you may be concerned that it will sell before you find the one you want to buy. On the other hand, if you find the perfect home before your present home is under contract, the sellers may be reluctant to accept your offer, and you may be too nervous to sign a contract.
It is a good idea to sit down with a good real estate agent for some professional advice before you begin your search. It will probably be necessary to be flexible on the closing date, because it can be easier to find a home that you want to buy than to sell your present home. After finding the house you want, you can ask the lender about arranging a short-term bridge loan that can make the purchase possible before you sell your current residence.
It is a good idea to sit down with a good real estate agent for some professional advice before you begin your search. It will probably be necessary to be flexible on the closing date, because it can be easier to find a home that you want to buy than to sell your present home. After finding the house you want, you can ask the lender about arranging a short-term bridge loan that can make the purchase possible before you sell your current residence.
Responding to Low Offers
The beginning of negotiations is usually the end of many months of hard work for the buyer or seller. The work ahead requires skill in order to maintain a strong position.
Sellers can lose their advantage if they do not counter an offer that a buyer has made. Even if the opening offer is beneath what the seller feels is reasonable, it is advisable for the seller to respond with a slight reduction from the asking price. The most important component in negotiating is good communication.
The best way to handle a low offer is to counter it with definite terms that are favorable to the seller. A counter offer has two advantages: 1) it keeps the buyer interested, and 2) it moves the negotiation forward and gives the buyer the opportunity to submit another offer that the seller is more likely to prefer.
Sellers can lose their advantage if they do not counter an offer that a buyer has made. Even if the opening offer is beneath what the seller feels is reasonable, it is advisable for the seller to respond with a slight reduction from the asking price. The most important component in negotiating is good communication.
The best way to handle a low offer is to counter it with definite terms that are favorable to the seller. A counter offer has two advantages: 1) it keeps the buyer interested, and 2) it moves the negotiation forward and gives the buyer the opportunity to submit another offer that the seller is more likely to prefer.
Reviving the Listing
In every town there are homes that sell rather quickly, while others linger on the market. Real estate professionals suggest numerous approaches to maximizing a home's curb appeal -- everything from fresh paint to new landscaping. But if the "For Sale" sign in front of your house has become a neighborhood fixture, it is important to work with your real estate agent to keep your listing fresh.
Whenever your house is shown, the real estate agent will get feedback from the buyers or other agents about what they liked about your house and what did not work for them. Allow your agent to be completely frank with you about any feedback he or she receives. Listen with an open mind and with the understanding that there is nothing personal about these comments. Don't delay in implementing any of the ideas that make sense to you.
Your real estate agent's job is to come up with new ideas for marketing your home in order to get buyers inside. Your job is to ensure that your house looks its best.
Whenever your house is shown, the real estate agent will get feedback from the buyers or other agents about what they liked about your house and what did not work for them. Allow your agent to be completely frank with you about any feedback he or she receives. Listen with an open mind and with the understanding that there is nothing personal about these comments. Don't delay in implementing any of the ideas that make sense to you.
Your real estate agent's job is to come up with new ideas for marketing your home in order to get buyers inside. Your job is to ensure that your house looks its best.
Active Marketing
It takes a lot more than a "For Sale" sign in the front yard, a Multiple Listing entry, and an occasional ad in the classifieds to get a home listing sold. Be sure to discuss the details of the marketing plan with the companies and real estate agents you interview about selling your home.
Real estate agents who provide high quality service will usually have a written marketing plan tailored to fit your home and your individual needs. A good marketing plan begins with pricing the home appropriately. It involves exposing your home to as many real estate professionals and qualified buyers as possible. The agent's job is to get buyers through your front door; your job is to ensure that the buyers like what they see. Top agents are very active in finding prospective buyers and in coaching sellers about how to enhance their home's presentation. There are differences in the marketing approaches of companies and individual agents, so ask for a written plan to give you a clear idea of what you can expect of your agent.
Real estate agents who provide high quality service will usually have a written marketing plan tailored to fit your home and your individual needs. A good marketing plan begins with pricing the home appropriately. It involves exposing your home to as many real estate professionals and qualified buyers as possible. The agent's job is to get buyers through your front door; your job is to ensure that the buyers like what they see. Top agents are very active in finding prospective buyers and in coaching sellers about how to enhance their home's presentation. There are differences in the marketing approaches of companies and individual agents, so ask for a written plan to give you a clear idea of what you can expect of your agent.
An Artful Compromise
People who try to sell their own homes begin to appreciate the expertise of professional real estate agents as soon as their first offer comes in. They want to sell their home, and they have found prospects who want to buy. But what happens next?
When the negotiating process begins, things can get "sticky". First, there are personalities involved, and real estate transactions can be stressful and challenging. The buyers may seem unreasonable if they make an offer that is considerably less than the sellers are willing to accept. At that point the buyers may become offended by the sellers' attitude.
When professional real estate agents are involved, the process is much less adversarial. The two parties see very little of each other until the rough edges have been smoothed out and there has been a meeting of the minds. Good real estate agents know how to keep personalities out of the transaction and to help both sides reach a mutually agreeable compromise.
When the negotiating process begins, things can get "sticky". First, there are personalities involved, and real estate transactions can be stressful and challenging. The buyers may seem unreasonable if they make an offer that is considerably less than the sellers are willing to accept. At that point the buyers may become offended by the sellers' attitude.
When professional real estate agents are involved, the process is much less adversarial. The two parties see very little of each other until the rough edges have been smoothed out and there has been a meeting of the minds. Good real estate agents know how to keep personalities out of the transaction and to help both sides reach a mutually agreeable compromise.
Discuss Your Options
When you are working with a real estate agent to find a home, it is very important that you take the time to discuss the full range of your housing and financing options. Your real estate agent wants to understand your criteria and your expectations. Be very clear about the features you want in a home, describing what elements are essential to you and where you are willing to compromise.
When you start looking at homes, you may find that the available homes in your price range require much more of a financial commitment than you were prepared to make. Let your agent know if you are willing to consider alternative mortgage options to increase your buying power. Discuss the possibilities for buying in an area you had not previously considered. Would you consider a house with the same amenities in a different neighborhood, a "handyman special", a smaller yard or fewer bedrooms? An open mind and honest communication are crucial ingredients as you work with your real estate agent to find the best possible home for your needs.
When you start looking at homes, you may find that the available homes in your price range require much more of a financial commitment than you were prepared to make. Let your agent know if you are willing to consider alternative mortgage options to increase your buying power. Discuss the possibilities for buying in an area you had not previously considered. Would you consider a house with the same amenities in a different neighborhood, a "handyman special", a smaller yard or fewer bedrooms? An open mind and honest communication are crucial ingredients as you work with your real estate agent to find the best possible home for your needs.
Earning Your Loyalty
When you begin to search for a new home, you will probably encounter several real estate agents at open houses, through friends or from signs or advertisements. Each agent would like a commitment from you to work exclusively with him or her. Is this arrangement in your best interest or is it better to play the field?
There is a universal law that also pertains to real estate agents--you get back from a relationship what you put into it. If you are not convinced that one agent could possibly fill all your needs, you may be overlooking the positive aspects of a one-on-one relationship.
The first step is to find an agent whom you like and trust. Don't be afraid to discuss your reluctance to work with one agent exclusively, but be open to other viewpoints. You may be pleasantly surprised by the open communication that such an admission will establish right from the beginning! Making a commitment to work exclusively with an agent is part of the formula for success in real estate.
The strongest accountability is in the marketplace. A good reputation and referrals from happy clients are essential to a real estate agent's success!
There is a universal law that also pertains to real estate agents--you get back from a relationship what you put into it. If you are not convinced that one agent could possibly fill all your needs, you may be overlooking the positive aspects of a one-on-one relationship.
The first step is to find an agent whom you like and trust. Don't be afraid to discuss your reluctance to work with one agent exclusively, but be open to other viewpoints. You may be pleasantly surprised by the open communication that such an admission will establish right from the beginning! Making a commitment to work exclusively with an agent is part of the formula for success in real estate.
The strongest accountability is in the marketplace. A good reputation and referrals from happy clients are essential to a real estate agent's success!
Effective Marketing
If your home has been listed for a number of weeks and you have only seen it featured in one newspaper ad, you may start feeling anxious. Although your house is being shown regularly, you wonder if the agent is doing enough.
Home sellers often equate effective marketing with classified ads in the weekend Sunday real estate section. However, the most skilled real estate agents know the market well enough to be aware of where the prospective buyers for your home are likely to come from. They will look for the best ways to reach those people through direct mail, telephone contact or specialized ads in neighborhood publications. They will also work to get their colleagues excited about your house, especially agents who have many listings or sales in your neighborhood. And remember--it is important for you and your agent to communicate often so you will know exactly what is being done to sell your home.
Home sellers often equate effective marketing with classified ads in the weekend Sunday real estate section. However, the most skilled real estate agents know the market well enough to be aware of where the prospective buyers for your home are likely to come from. They will look for the best ways to reach those people through direct mail, telephone contact or specialized ads in neighborhood publications. They will also work to get their colleagues excited about your house, especially agents who have many listings or sales in your neighborhood. And remember--it is important for you and your agent to communicate often so you will know exactly what is being done to sell your home.
Legal Documents
The stacks of papers that you have to sign in order to buy a house can leave you confused. The person conducting the closing will ask you to sign your name to countless documents that are filled with legal jargon. Some buyers just barely glance at each form and sign them without a lot of questions, while others find it very frustrating to try to read every form at the closing table.
You should read and understand the papers you sign. If you are getting a loan to buy the property, most of the paperwork will come from the mortgage company. In most cases, there is little time to read everything in advance because the forms arrive at the closing office shortly before closing is scheduled to begin. Most of the documents use standardized language, however, and you should be able to get copies of the documents ahead of time from the lender so that you can have your questions answered and be comfortable with the settlement process
You should read and understand the papers you sign. If you are getting a loan to buy the property, most of the paperwork will come from the mortgage company. In most cases, there is little time to read everything in advance because the forms arrive at the closing office shortly before closing is scheduled to begin. Most of the documents use standardized language, however, and you should be able to get copies of the documents ahead of time from the lender so that you can have your questions answered and be comfortable with the settlement process
Liens against the Title
Occasionally homeowners who are trying to sell their home are surprised to learn that their title is encumbered by a lien. There are several types of liens; the most common are mechanic's or contractor's liens.
The lien (or debt) must be paid off in order to be cleared. If the owner prefers to challenge the lien, he can release it by posting a bond, pending adjudication. In some types of liens, a title search may disclose claims against the property by an ex-spouse or long-ago heir of a former owner. A simple "quitclaim" deed may be used in these cases. By signing the deed, the person involved signs over whatever rights he or she might have, without laying any claim to the property.
Most real estate transactions involve at least some minor unresolved issues on the part of either the buyer or the seller. This is where an experienced real estate agent can provide solutions to resolve the issues and conclude the sale.
The lien (or debt) must be paid off in order to be cleared. If the owner prefers to challenge the lien, he can release it by posting a bond, pending adjudication. In some types of liens, a title search may disclose claims against the property by an ex-spouse or long-ago heir of a former owner. A simple "quitclaim" deed may be used in these cases. By signing the deed, the person involved signs over whatever rights he or she might have, without laying any claim to the property.
Most real estate transactions involve at least some minor unresolved issues on the part of either the buyer or the seller. This is where an experienced real estate agent can provide solutions to resolve the issues and conclude the sale.
Listening To Your Needs
Some buyers purchase the exact kind of house they said they were looking for, in the neighborhood they preferred. Other buyers surprise us by falling in love with a house that is the complete opposite of what they originally wanted.
Real estate agents listen carefully when buyers describe their needs and preferences. We screen our current inventory of homes to come up with possible matches. Since there is almost always some compromise involved when selecting a home, we may suggest alternatives that might work for buyers.
If you like a specific neighborhood where there are no homes in your price range, we may suggest homes in other areas with similar amenities. If you want four bedrooms, and one of them will be used as a home office, we may look for a den or family room that could serve your needs. When you look at houses, remember that your feedback is important to us--and it won't hurt our feelings.
Real estate agents listen carefully when buyers describe their needs and preferences. We screen our current inventory of homes to come up with possible matches. Since there is almost always some compromise involved when selecting a home, we may suggest alternatives that might work for buyers.
If you like a specific neighborhood where there are no homes in your price range, we may suggest homes in other areas with similar amenities. If you want four bedrooms, and one of them will be used as a home office, we may look for a den or family room that could serve your needs. When you look at houses, remember that your feedback is important to us--and it won't hurt our feelings.
Making Choices
Buying a home isn't easy. You may have a good idea of what you want and how much you want to spend, but your search produces a wide array of homes on the market and a bewildering set of financing options.
As your real estate agent, their job is to minimize the confusion and help match you to the best home and loan for your needs and pocketbook. The agent will listen to your requirements and eliminate from consideration the properties that aren't suitable for you. If there is a gap between your taste and how much you feel comfortable spending, I can help you decide where to compromise and can suggest financing plans to increase your buying power. When you have selected a home, your next step is to find a lender, a qualified structural inspector, and a termite inspector.
As your real estate agent, their job is to minimize the confusion and help match you to the best home and loan for your needs and pocketbook. The agent will listen to your requirements and eliminate from consideration the properties that aren't suitable for you. If there is a gap between your taste and how much you feel comfortable spending, I can help you decide where to compromise and can suggest financing plans to increase your buying power. When you have selected a home, your next step is to find a lender, a qualified structural inspector, and a termite inspector.
Market Trends
Last summer your neighbors put their house on the market and had so many buyers that they were on the winning side of a bidding war. Now you are trying to sell your home, and there's just no action.
The real estate marketplace is very unpredictable. Many factors come into play, the most important being interest rates and prevailing sales prices. In a strong seller's market, prices tend to escalate until they reach a certain point where buyers begin to just say no and listing inventories increase. When this happens, sellers who price their homes at the higher level of previous sales prices must re-think their pricing strategies. If they don't, their homes may not sell. Whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to remember that the shift from a seller's to a buyer's market can occur very quickly. You can count on your agent for sound advice on what phase the market is in right now
The real estate marketplace is very unpredictable. Many factors come into play, the most important being interest rates and prevailing sales prices. In a strong seller's market, prices tend to escalate until they reach a certain point where buyers begin to just say no and listing inventories increase. When this happens, sellers who price their homes at the higher level of previous sales prices must re-think their pricing strategies. If they don't, their homes may not sell. Whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to remember that the shift from a seller's to a buyer's market can occur very quickly. You can count on your agent for sound advice on what phase the market is in right now
Marketing
When you list your home for sale, you and your agent must work as partners to ensure it sells as quickly as possible, and for the best price. While you take the necessary steps to make your property look good inside and out, your real estate agent will go to work to make sure your home is exposed to qualified buyers.
Real estate agents work with each seller to develop a written marketing plan. This enables you to know what your agent is doing to sell your home and what you can expect to happen while your property is on the market. It will also include suggestions on how to make your home sell. There will be regular communication between you and your real estate agent from the day the listing agreement is signed. The agent will give you progress reports and feedback from the people who have seen your home. You will also have frequent opportunities to ask questions and discuss changes in the marketing strategy.
Real estate agents work with each seller to develop a written marketing plan. This enables you to know what your agent is doing to sell your home and what you can expect to happen while your property is on the market. It will also include suggestions on how to make your home sell. There will be regular communication between you and your real estate agent from the day the listing agreement is signed. The agent will give you progress reports and feedback from the people who have seen your home. You will also have frequent opportunities to ask questions and discuss changes in the marketing strategy.
Marketing Techniques
When a seller lists a home with a real estate agent, a lot of brainstorming follows. Who are the potential buyers, where do they live and work? How can they be reached effectively with information that will attract them to this particular property?
In addition to advertising each home on the widely used Multiple Listing Service, professional real estate agents employ marketing techniques tailored to the individual home they are selling. An agent will review various buyer lists to find potential purchasers. They will use telephone and direct mail marketing, produce property flyers and advertise on the Internet, in the newspaper, in community publications and in real estate magazines. Contacts will be made to other agents who sell homes in the area to encourage them to show the home to prospective buyers.
Real estate agents combine pro-active marketing with realistic pricing to generate results for their home sellers.
In addition to advertising each home on the widely used Multiple Listing Service, professional real estate agents employ marketing techniques tailored to the individual home they are selling. An agent will review various buyer lists to find potential purchasers. They will use telephone and direct mail marketing, produce property flyers and advertise on the Internet, in the newspaper, in community publications and in real estate magazines. Contacts will be made to other agents who sell homes in the area to encourage them to show the home to prospective buyers.
Real estate agents combine pro-active marketing with realistic pricing to generate results for their home sellers.
Negotiating Factors
Negotiations for the sale of a home can be affected by emotional factors. For example, it is easy to be offended by someone who is making an offer on your property. Even if the buyers love your house, they are trying to negotiate the best possible price and terms. They probably will not let you know how much they want your home until they have negotiated a purchase agreement.
Buyers almost never write offers that please the sellers entirely. Offers and counter offers may be traded back and forth over days or weeks. Terms of the sale will be discussed and deadlines will be set. When there is finally a meeting of the minds, both sides may feel relieved but exhausted by the process. One of a real estate agent's most important jobs is to act as the intermediary during such negotiations. With your agent’s knowledge of financing, negotiation procedures, and the tax laws affecting real estate sales, agents come up with creative solutions to the challenges that may arise.
Buyers almost never write offers that please the sellers entirely. Offers and counter offers may be traded back and forth over days or weeks. Terms of the sale will be discussed and deadlines will be set. When there is finally a meeting of the minds, both sides may feel relieved but exhausted by the process. One of a real estate agent's most important jobs is to act as the intermediary during such negotiations. With your agent’s knowledge of financing, negotiation procedures, and the tax laws affecting real estate sales, agents come up with creative solutions to the challenges that may arise.
Preferences of Buyers
Although every purchase of a home involves a degree of compromise, the process begins with the buyer's preferences. When you are working with a real estate agent, it is important that you give your agent a clear idea which of your criteria are flexible and which items you really must have in your new home.<BR
If you prefer a specific location, for example, discuss why you want to live in that neighborhood. The agent might be able to suggest alternatives areas which offer the same amenities or convenience to your office. How important is size? Do you really need four bedrooms or would three bedrooms work, if there is a den for your home office? How much are you willing to correct with redecorating or remodeling? Are you willing to expand your price range by using an adjustable rate mortgage to increase your buying power?
The agent will ask you a lot of questions so that they can use your time most efficiently by showing you houses that meet your criterion as a buyer.
If you prefer a specific location, for example, discuss why you want to live in that neighborhood. The agent might be able to suggest alternatives areas which offer the same amenities or convenience to your office. How important is size? Do you really need four bedrooms or would three bedrooms work, if there is a den for your home office? How much are you willing to correct with redecorating or remodeling? Are you willing to expand your price range by using an adjustable rate mortgage to increase your buying power?
The agent will ask you a lot of questions so that they can use your time most efficiently by showing you houses that meet your criterion as a buyer.
Purchase Negotiations
If you are selling your home, you should be prepared for the day your first offer comes in. When your real estate agent calls to say there is an offer on your home, you will naturally get excited. When your agent describes the offer, you will probably experience an adrenaline rush. Whether the offer is good or bad, you should just remain calm--and discuss a counter-offer with your agent. The negotiations of a purchase begin with the buyer's ideal terms and a counter offer that communicates the seller's ideal terms.
A good agent will look beyond the price when evaluating an offer. If the buyers' financial qualifications are shaky or the offer includes potentially problematic terms or conditions, your real estate agent should be there to minimize any risk to you and to address these items in your counter-offer. Your agent's job is not to make a decision for you, but to be sure that you understand fully what the offer includes and what is expected.
A good agent will look beyond the price when evaluating an offer. If the buyers' financial qualifications are shaky or the offer includes potentially problematic terms or conditions, your real estate agent should be there to minimize any risk to you and to address these items in your counter-offer. Your agent's job is not to make a decision for you, but to be sure that you understand fully what the offer includes and what is expected.
Referrals
You leave the closing feeling really good about the way your agent handled the sale of your home. It was priced well, and by following your real estate agent's advice on how to show your home to its best advantage, you sold it quickly. The agent followed up with the lender and the appraiser to make sure that everything went smoothly and that small problems didn't become big ones. You had heard stories from friends about their stressful moves, and you are relieved and happy that you were spared any serious mix-ups. How do you say "Thanks for a job well done" to your agent?
Real estate agents depend on referrals for a big part of their business. An agent who has served you well will probably do a professional job for your friends or colleagues. The nicest thing you can do for a good real estate agent is to pass their name on to prospective buyers or sellers.
Real estate agents depend on referrals for a big part of their business. An agent who has served you well will probably do a professional job for your friends or colleagues. The nicest thing you can do for a good real estate agent is to pass their name on to prospective buyers or sellers.
Selling Selling Sold
Although your real estate agent is responsible for marketing your property, it requires a joint effort to get your home sold.
How can you empower your agent? It is very important that you feel absolutely confident in your agent's ability to produce results--no matter what the market is like in your area! This may sound like stating the obvious, but it is important to let your real estate agent know you trust them to get the job done. Support that trust by putting a realistic price tag on the property and keeping it in prime showing condition. Work out showing agreements that will make it easy for agents to preview or show your home. Meet periodically to discuss any feedback from buyers who have seen your home to determine how you can improve its appeal.
Don't hesitate to share any ideas you may have about marketing your home. I will try anything that works, and have received some very good suggestions from clients.
How can you empower your agent? It is very important that you feel absolutely confident in your agent's ability to produce results--no matter what the market is like in your area! This may sound like stating the obvious, but it is important to let your real estate agent know you trust them to get the job done. Support that trust by putting a realistic price tag on the property and keeping it in prime showing condition. Work out showing agreements that will make it easy for agents to preview or show your home. Meet periodically to discuss any feedback from buyers who have seen your home to determine how you can improve its appeal.
Don't hesitate to share any ideas you may have about marketing your home. I will try anything that works, and have received some very good suggestions from clients.
Skillful Negotiations
Negotiating the sale or purchase of a home is a highly creative endeavor that can be stressful at times. Even though the process is not usually an adversarial one, there are issues which may require a compromise from each party, such as the price, the date of possession, and the condition of the property at closing.
It helps to know why people are relocating. If a home is part of an estate, for example, it may evoke childhood memories and intense emotions for the person who is overseeing the sale. If the sellers are in the middle of a divorce, their mood will be different than someone who has just won the lottery and is moving to their dream home. Buyers who have been transferred and have to leave their dream home behind will feel differently from someone who feels that your home is their "ideal". One of a real estate agent's most important jobs is managing all of the relationships in the transaction. These situations don't often get really difficult, but when they do, agents don't take it personally.
It helps to know why people are relocating. If a home is part of an estate, for example, it may evoke childhood memories and intense emotions for the person who is overseeing the sale. If the sellers are in the middle of a divorce, their mood will be different than someone who has just won the lottery and is moving to their dream home. Buyers who have been transferred and have to leave their dream home behind will feel differently from someone who feels that your home is their "ideal". One of a real estate agent's most important jobs is managing all of the relationships in the transaction. These situations don't often get really difficult, but when they do, agents don't take it personally.