|
|
|
.
Why do I need a real estate agent?
As your agent, I act on your behalf between you and the buyer -- or you and the seller, as the case may be. I provide you with advice and guidance in helping you buy or sell a home, land, or commercial property. I have a service to sell -- much like a CPA or attorney. In my case, clients who enlist my services are basically tapping into my specialized field of real estate knowledge and experience.
If you're selling property with me, for instance, you gain access to the most buyers by being listed in the Multiple Listing Service. Only a licensed real estate agent who is a member of our local MLS can get you listed there - which then gets you automatically listed on some of the major real estate web sites. If you're buying or selling a home, the MLS is your agent's best tool -- and that agent becomes your best tool!
If you're shopping for property, you will gain from my due diligence in daily local market searches for my clients. Each morning, I search the MLS listings (and beyond) to find new offerings for my buyers.
Conversely, the absence of a good real estate agent can prove costly in two ways: 1) You may undersell your property without the careful guidance of a professional, and 2) you may encounter legal liabilities in today's litigious world due to oversights in the disclosure aspect of the agreement, among other inherent risks.
More often than not, a home or other property is among the greatest investment an individual will ever possess. Don't gamble these valuable commodities ... entrust them to a specialist!
How many homes should I look at before I buy?
There is no set number of homes you should look at before you decide to make an offer on one. That's why providing us with as many details as possible up front is so helpful. The perfect home may be waiting for you on your first visit. Even if it isn't, with each home you visit you will gain a better feeling for the homes in the community and narrow your choices to a few homes that are worth a second look.
What things should I consider when deciding which community I want to live in?
Good city services, nice parks and playground facilities, convenient shopping and transportation, a track record of sound development and good planning-these are just a few considerations that are important to many people when they choose a community in which to live.
As for individual neighborhoods within a county or city, there is no better source of information than Exclusive Buyer Agents. We know the people and the communities we serve, and chances are we can help you find a neighborhood that really fits your family's needs.
Where can I get information about local schools, tax rates, etc.?
Again, I am your best source. As your agent, I can provide you with maps, information about schools, churches, and recreational facilities.
I know where the local schools are, and can provide you with valuable information about school districts, including test scores, extracurricular activities, bus service and more. If you're relocating, we may even be able to put you in touch with teachers and principals when you visit the area.
How long will it take to sell my home?
This question is difficult (actually, impossible) to answer in the absolute; however, I can tell you the Average Days On Market (DOM) for our area. Some homes will sell faster than the average DOM, some will take longer.
Houses sell based on three primary factors: Condition, location and price
The interaction of these factors, combined with the overall market conditions in your area is what determines how quickly your home will sell. A properly priced home, in good condition in a desirable location will always sell--in any market. An overpriced home, regardless of condition or location may never sell. A home in poor condition or a poor location has to be priced accordingly in order to sell.
What I can tell you definitively is that I will work to grant you every advantage within my reach to help sell your home as quickly as possible!
How do I set a selling price for my home?
There are basically two ways to determine a home listing price:
1) Hire a certified home appraiser to give you an estimated market price.
2) Get a "CMA" (Comparative Market Analysis), which I can provide you with by looking at recent sale "comparables" and determining a market price for your home. A comparable is a house similar in size, age and condition that is physically located near your home and has sold recently. Comparable sales are the best indicator for what your house could sell for. (And actually, this is pretty much exactly what a certified appraiser will also do.) The advantage of a CMA over an appraisal is cost--A CMA is free.
Still, the market decides what your home is worth. The true definition of "market price" is what an able and ready buyer is willing to pay. A "market edge" can be gained with a real estate agent (such as myself!) who works on your behalf to seek out and bring you these "ready and willing" buyers.
|
|
