|
General
Buyer & Seller Information |
Buying a Home
A Real Estate Agent...
- Has the most information in one place
about what is on the market.
- Has access to homes listed by other
real estate professionals.
- Can help you choose a home that fits
your needs - features, size, location, etc.
- Can provide information regarding local
taxes, utility costs, schools, churches, shopping, transportation,
etc.
- Selects and researches qualified properties.
- Explains basic real estate principles.
- Helps you understand the financing
options available to you.
- Helps you determine how much you can
afford to pay for a home.
- Acts as liaison between you and the
seller to present offers and counter-offers until an
agreement is reached.
- Provides an objective view with no
emotional ties.
- Follows up throughout the transaction.
Selling a Home
A Real Estate Agent...
- Can give you the quickest exposure
to the maximum number of buyers.
- Can "qualify" potential buyers
to determine whether your home fits their needs and
if they can afford it.
- Helps coordinate inspections.
- Assists in writing an offer.
- Helps you price your home right.
- Explains the closing process and financing
options.
- Knows how to effectively market your
home.
- Will handle marketing your home through
various methods (i.e. advertising, open houses).
- Is knowledgeable about current market
conditions and requirements.
- Shows your home to potential buyers,
handling incoming phone calls and showing appointments.
- Explains basic real estate principles
- agency relationships, contracts, etc.
- Offers objective views without emotional
ties.
- Handles negotiating the contract -
presents offers and counter-offers.
- Follows up throughout the transaction.
Selecting an agent
Does The Agent...
- Listen to your needs?
- Provide multiple phone numbers so they
can be easily reached?
- Return phone calls promptly?
- Explain information and processes so
you understand?
- Do business frequently in your neighborhood?
- Seem conversant about local market
conditions?
- Seem knowledgeable?
- Have access to the Multiple Listing
Service?
- Have a detailed written marketing plan
(if you are a seller)?
- Have references? Ask the references
the following questions... a) Did the agent keep in
touch? b) Was the agent prompt? c) How long it took
to sell your property or to buy your property? d) Was
the agent well prepared and knowledgeable? e) Did the
transaction go smoothly? f) Would you hire the agent
again?
|
|
