Our
world continues to become exceedingly complicated. There was a time when business transactions
were sealed with a handshake, particularly when buying or selling a home.
Those
days are far behind us and handshake purchases are a thing of the past.
Today,
few would engage in such a financial venture without the advice and guidance of
an experienced real estate agent.
The
National Association of Realtors reports that if you are selling a home you
will receive 19 percent more money if you use the services of a qualified real
estate agent.
If
you are a buyer, your personal real estate agent (whose fiduciary obligation is
to you) will ensure you’re not overpaying for a property or lose the opportunity
to purchase by offering too little.
For
most people, the sale or purchase of a home is the largest investment they will
make in their lifetime.
For the Seller
Once
you are satisfied that you have found a qualified real estate agent, consult with
them personally before making any decision. From experience, they will know how
to prioritize improvements to your home that will increase its value and what
changes that will render nothing. Your real estate agent’s main responsibility
is to make certain your house is sold for a fair price by marketing it correctly.
The
first question many sellers ask potential real estate agents when deciding who
to represent them is, “What is your fee?”
Real
estate is the only profession that does NOT require any payment unless your
home is successfully sold. However, in order to accomplish that, many thousands
of dollars are invested in marketing your property. Essentially, you are really
engaging the services of a marketing firm to promote and ultimately sell it.
First,
the real estate agent would develop a specific strategy for your property
employing a number of marketing tactics. For example, a professional
description with accompanying photos of both the interior and exterior will be
created and posted on the agency’s website as well as other popular social
outlets.
Experienced
real estate agents also belong to several multiple listing services and
databases to share information about properties with other real estate agents.
These agents may represent potential buyers or wish to cooperate with another
agent in finding a buyer of the property. Additionally, your real estate company
will advertise in the many local and regional publications showcasing your
property, which are avidly read by buyers, sellers and other real estate
agents.
The
next question sellers pose when seeking a real estate agent to represent them
is, “ Do you have a buyer looking for a house like mine?”
Once
you have made the decision to engage the services of a real estate agent, they
will hit the ground running by first reaching out to their own customers to see
if there is someone who may be seeking a home like yours. Additionally, real
estate agents collaborate with their colleagues from other firms and will communicate
their client’s needs to them as well as examine the existing inventory in the
region.
For the Buyer
If
you’re buying a home in an area with which you are unfamiliar, working with a
personal real estate agent is crucial for success.
Make
sure the agent you are considering listens carefully and understands your wants
and needs. An experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent should know the area
very well and be able to recommend professional vendors who are fair and
responsive. These may include lawyers, inspectors, appraisers, insurance
agents, tradesmen (carpenters, excavators, electricians, plumbers, landscapers,
roofers), and lawn service and snow plowing companies.
Your
real estate agent may be the only person you know in the area. Confirm that
they are indeed experienced and well informed.
The Intangible
Factor
Finally,
before choosing a real estate agent determine whether you have a feeling of
comfort, confidence and ease of communication with them. Can you confide in
them and would you listen to their counsel? Are you convinced of their
expertise and professionalism?
When
you hire a real estate agent; you are now a team. Make sure you are on the same
page; working toward the same goal.
Call Stephanie Samuelsohn, Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty at 518-392-8484 or e-mail at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com
Check out our Website: http://ColumbiaCountyHomes.com