The Value Of Using The Right Real Estate Agent
When working with a real estate agent, whether for buying or selling a home
, some are highly skilled and can complete a sale quickly while others lack in experience and determination. In this market, you do not have the luxury of having an agent that does not work hard to get the home sold or to help you find one to buy. You need to prepare specific questions and then go through each one with several real estate agents until you find the one you are most comfortable with and who has the most knowledge of the real estate market.One thing would be asking about the amount of commission charged. Although it is rare to find an agent that charges only 2%, they do exist. Typically, most agents charge 6% but you need to know for sure. If you are in a position of money being tight, you can always try to negotiate a lower commission rate. Because agents are struggling along with buyers and sellers, some will take a reduction.
It is also important to choose a real estate agent that locks into a specific amount of time when the listing would be on their books. In other words, when you sign a contract to work with a particular agent, you are agreeing to a certain period in which that agent would represent you. However, if you lock into a long contract and the agent is not doing a good job, you would find yourself in a big mess. Therefore, we suggest you go with four weeks for the initial contract.
Of course, if the agent is doing a great job but the house being sold is simply taking some time, you could have the initial contract revised and extended. Remember, you are the agent's customer so just because you are quoted a certain commission rate or contract period does not mean you are obligated to accept. You can negotiate the agent's contract and establish it to renew at certain times, if you elect to do so.
Unfortunately, some agents will try to sell a fast-track scheme, which means for an additional cost to you, that agent would put your home ahead of others, meaning potential buyers would know about your property first. Although there are times when this can work, you need to look at the cost being charged to determine if the extra money works for your or not.
Legal fees associated with buying and selling a home also needs to be considered. Most real estate agents have a legal representative or attorney they use but you can go with anyone. Since prices can vary dramatically, it would be worth the time and effort to look at services and prices so you can choose the one that is going to benefit you most.
The person handling any legal issues should be available when needed, especially if some type of obstacle arises during the transaction. This individual would also be present during closing on the house or anytime when legal documents were signed to make sure you are not signing something that should be researched more or not signed at all. Obviously, having a good business relationship with the legal representative would make it easier to speak to them when needed, which makes the process of buying or selling a home less complicated.
If you like, you could use legal services of an online company but you want to be careful in choosing. Although there are a number of excellent internet services specific to real estate, some are dishonest. Therefore, look at several companies and research their reputation and prices to see if an online service makes more sense. If you cannot find someone, remember, your real estate agent would be able to make a recommendation.
Now, if you have a home for sale but planning to purchase a new home, which means a new mortgage loan, you might ask your agent for broker recommendations. Typically, agents know some of the best in the industry, which would help. However, you might also talk to a number of independent mortgage brokers and lending institutions to see what they offer so comparisons could be made.
Another important service of the real estate agent would be someone that can handle showings of the property him or herself, especially the first time a potential buyer wants to walk through the home. If a potential buyer wants a second walk-through, the agent should be open to you being present. The reason is that at that time, the prospective buyer is serious and likely has questions that only you could answer.
Building a relationship with a buyer creates a stronger level of trust, which makes it easier for the sale to go through. Even though you would be in the home and available for questions, you would not want to follow buyers around. They would still need the opportunity to look in drawers, under cabinets, run the disposal, and so on without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.
Your real estate agent should take buyers and as they walk through the home and outside on the property, point out positive aspects but without going through a hard sell. That way, potential buyers do not miss anything that might be of importance but they also do not feel as if only the positive aspects of the home are being revealed and nothing negative.
It would also be beneficial to you to look at the agent's brochures for other properties they are managing. In fact, looking over the agent's website could reveal something to you that you like or dislike. The agent should have a site, which along with the MLS would create more exposure for properties being sold. That way, your home would be seen by more buyers, helping it to sell faster.
Then, look at the listing for your home, making sure the description is accurate and photos high quality and current. This means confirming that listed number of bedrooms and baths is correct, square footage accurate, and that all amenities included. If photos of your home are poor quality, they would need to be replaced immediately. Most people are visual so allowing them to see the property is highly beneficial.
Finally, the real estate should provide you with a progress report on a regular basis but he or she should also be comfortable with you asking whenever you want. The bottom line is that the right real estate agent would make the sale of your home or the purchase of a new home seamless. Your responsibility is getting the home in excellent condition so potential buyers would want to make an offer at or close to the asking price.
by: Oliver Darraugh The Eames Lounge Chair - Get An Eames Chair For Less Online Top Tips For Hosting Fabulous Dinner Parties Sales Management - What Every Sales Manager Out To Know About Lead Generation Wedding Bomboniere Favors For Kids Immigration In Australia Today How To Start A Spa Salon Business Plan Why Not Create Your Own Humorous, Funny Email? Use Opera Glasses To Make Theater Experience A True Enchantment Promoting Good Business: Methods to Support Employee Development and Encourage Loyalty Advantages Of Pre Engineered Steel Buildings How Do Current Mortgage Rates Affect You? A Mortgage Rate Will Vary Between Different Lenders Organise Your Corporate Events With Holiday Inn Meetings