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Showing posts with label agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label agent. Show all posts
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
10 Things To Never Say To A Real Estate Agent
Great article from RealtyTimes. I've encounter everyone of these on the list, but for God's sake folks, we do this for a living. Many agents I know, myself included, LIVE, EAT and BREATH this business and to deal some uneducated client who argues with us about our expert assessment just frustrates us and drives us nuts. Number 8 especially drives me crazy.
Real estate is serious business, and it can be easy to forget when we're involved in a complicated and emotional financial transaction that the person we're working with is just that…a person. An agent might not always show you when he's feeling disrespected or offended, but you may pay for it—literally. Establishing a good relationship early on and maintaining it through honesty, open communication and mutual respect is key to a successful transaction. You can help ensure that happens by watching what you say.
1. That price is ridiculous.
If you're dealing with a professional agent, especially one who has a good track record in the business, it's fair to assume she's done her homework on comparables and is recommending an offer price based on the local market and your financial situation. Most agents are going to expect some conversation to take place around pricing, but insisting on a price simply because it's what you want to pay doesn't typically play out well.
2. But Zillow said my house is worth $40,000 more than what you're telling me.
Zillow has become an industry juggernaut. While their home pricing estimates, known as "Zestimates," aim to inform buyers and sellers, they've been proven to be off by a whopping amount—somewhere between the 8% Zillow claims and upwards of 20%, 40%, even 61% depending on the house and the location, according to a recent L.A. Times report, said Housingwire.
3. I know what my home is worth.
Not really. Your estimation of your home's worth may be based on neighborhood comps, but it's probably also colored by your emotions or by what you need to make from the sale. It's hard to separate out your personal connection. That's why it's important to let your Realtor be an impartial professional.
4. I have a perfect credit score.
"Unless you're part of the 0.5% of consumers who reach the 850 mark, it's time to be real about your credit score and your financial ability to buy a home," said Agent Ace.
Overvaluing your credit, your down payment, or any other aspect of your buying ability, is pointless. Everything is going to come out during the buying process anyway.
5. I'm not going to bother getting pre-approved.
To an agent, this can indicate that you're not a serious buyer. Or that you don't understand the process.
In tight markets, you're at a disadvantage if you aren't ready to pull the trigger right away when you find a house. You could very well lose out because another buyer was ready with their pre-approval and you were just getting in touch with your lender.
And, as Lighter Side of Real Estate points out, "An agent worth his or her salt won't agree to invest countless hours showing homes to someone who isn't approved for a loan."
6. I have between $200,000 and $2,000,000 to spend with any number of bedrooms in any location.
Open-ended budgets and limitless expectations are great, but giving your agent a little more guidance can help him zero in on viable options. When you have no idea where or what you want to buy, most agents won't embrace the idea of spending countless hours trying to narrow it down.
7. I'm not doing any repairs.
Sellers want to think their house is perfect, but inspections may show otherwise. Drawing a line before you even know what problems may exist can be frustrating for an agent. It's her job to get you the best possible price, but unreasonable expectations make that more difficult.
8. You can cut your commission. I mean, you make a ton of money.
While commissions are often negotiable, assuming an agent will cut it—especially when they've been approached in a callous or sarcastic manner, isn't the way to go about getting what you want.
9. I'm not ready to buy…I just wanted to see a few homes.
People looooove having their time wasted. Especially busy agents who could be out dealing with serious buyers instead of showing homes to someone who isn't sure they're even in the market.
"The best real estate agents are busy individuals for a reason. Their services are highly in demand and thus their time is valuable," said Agent Ace. "It's ok if you're just looking around and aren't sure whether or not you're ready to take the leap; but if that's the case, be upfront at the start not after several showings."
10. Can you give me some advice about my house? I don't want to hire an agent.
Most people wouldn't approach a CPA to do their taxes without hiring him or expect a lawyer to write up a divorce agreement without paying, but real estate agents often yield questions from people looking for free advice. Most will answer a question or two, but there is a limit.
Source: RealtyTimes, Jaymi Naciri
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice1/item/37586-20150820-10-things-to-never-say-to-a-real-estate-agent
Real estate is serious business, and it can be easy to forget when we're involved in a complicated and emotional financial transaction that the person we're working with is just that…a person. An agent might not always show you when he's feeling disrespected or offended, but you may pay for it—literally. Establishing a good relationship early on and maintaining it through honesty, open communication and mutual respect is key to a successful transaction. You can help ensure that happens by watching what you say.
1. That price is ridiculous.
If you're dealing with a professional agent, especially one who has a good track record in the business, it's fair to assume she's done her homework on comparables and is recommending an offer price based on the local market and your financial situation. Most agents are going to expect some conversation to take place around pricing, but insisting on a price simply because it's what you want to pay doesn't typically play out well.
2. But Zillow said my house is worth $40,000 more than what you're telling me.
Zillow has become an industry juggernaut. While their home pricing estimates, known as "Zestimates," aim to inform buyers and sellers, they've been proven to be off by a whopping amount—somewhere between the 8% Zillow claims and upwards of 20%, 40%, even 61% depending on the house and the location, according to a recent L.A. Times report, said Housingwire.
3. I know what my home is worth.
Not really. Your estimation of your home's worth may be based on neighborhood comps, but it's probably also colored by your emotions or by what you need to make from the sale. It's hard to separate out your personal connection. That's why it's important to let your Realtor be an impartial professional.
4. I have a perfect credit score.
"Unless you're part of the 0.5% of consumers who reach the 850 mark, it's time to be real about your credit score and your financial ability to buy a home," said Agent Ace.
Overvaluing your credit, your down payment, or any other aspect of your buying ability, is pointless. Everything is going to come out during the buying process anyway.
5. I'm not going to bother getting pre-approved.
To an agent, this can indicate that you're not a serious buyer. Or that you don't understand the process.
In tight markets, you're at a disadvantage if you aren't ready to pull the trigger right away when you find a house. You could very well lose out because another buyer was ready with their pre-approval and you were just getting in touch with your lender.
And, as Lighter Side of Real Estate points out, "An agent worth his or her salt won't agree to invest countless hours showing homes to someone who isn't approved for a loan."
6. I have between $200,000 and $2,000,000 to spend with any number of bedrooms in any location.
Open-ended budgets and limitless expectations are great, but giving your agent a little more guidance can help him zero in on viable options. When you have no idea where or what you want to buy, most agents won't embrace the idea of spending countless hours trying to narrow it down.
7. I'm not doing any repairs.
Sellers want to think their house is perfect, but inspections may show otherwise. Drawing a line before you even know what problems may exist can be frustrating for an agent. It's her job to get you the best possible price, but unreasonable expectations make that more difficult.
8. You can cut your commission. I mean, you make a ton of money.
While commissions are often negotiable, assuming an agent will cut it—especially when they've been approached in a callous or sarcastic manner, isn't the way to go about getting what you want.
9. I'm not ready to buy…I just wanted to see a few homes.
People looooove having their time wasted. Especially busy agents who could be out dealing with serious buyers instead of showing homes to someone who isn't sure they're even in the market.
"The best real estate agents are busy individuals for a reason. Their services are highly in demand and thus their time is valuable," said Agent Ace. "It's ok if you're just looking around and aren't sure whether or not you're ready to take the leap; but if that's the case, be upfront at the start not after several showings."
10. Can you give me some advice about my house? I don't want to hire an agent.
Most people wouldn't approach a CPA to do their taxes without hiring him or expect a lawyer to write up a divorce agreement without paying, but real estate agents often yield questions from people looking for free advice. Most will answer a question or two, but there is a limit.
Source: RealtyTimes, Jaymi Naciri
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice1/item/37586-20150820-10-things-to-never-say-to-a-real-estate-agent
Sunday, May 31, 2015
10 THINGS TO ASK YOUR REALTOR BEFORE YOU LIST YOUR HOME WITH THEM
Any agent worth their salt should be able to answer all these questions honestly. I know I am prepared to answer them.
When looking for a great real estate agent, there are many things that you'll have to consider. Your ideal agent will be knowledgeable about your local market, experienced, and have a plethora of connections to navigate you through the home sale process. Here are some important questions that you should ask your real estate agent before you list your home with them:
1. In which neighborhoods do you primarily work?
This is important because you'll want a realtor that is experienced in the specific market in which your home is located. The more knowledgeable your agent is about the neighborhood you're selling in, the better, because they will be able to price your house according to the comps and first hand information that they glean from being familiar with the area.
2. What percentage of your clients are buyers versus sellers?
You want to make sure your agent has buyers for your home at the ready, but you also want to make sure they know how to list a home for sale to get you the best price.
3. Will I be working with just you, or any other associates?
This is important so that you know what to expect when it comes to working with your agent. If your agent has an assistant or anyone working under them that you can contact when they are not available, you should find out as soon as possible.
4. Do you work full-time or part-time?
Some agents work full time and some work part time, so you'll want to find out what to expect. Obviously, if your agent is working part time because it's their side job, they may be more difficult to contact at certain times. If this is the case, you'll want to figure out a set time that you can call them during the week.
5. How many homes have you closed in my neighborhood?
If your agent has closed a good number of homes in your neighborhood, you can assume that they have the experience to get the job done. Having this track record is a good sign that your agent knows the neighborhood well and has the right contacts.
6. How many other sellers are you representing?
When you ask your agent this you might want to note that the busiest agents are usually the most efficient. If your agent has a lot on their plate they know how to multitask, have processes in place and always manage to get things done.
7. Is your license in good standing?
You can check your agent's certification yourself with your state's Department of Real Estate, as many states provide this information online. This can give you peace of mind if you are nervous about hiring an agent and getting started.
8. How many years of education and experience do you have?
Typically, experience and a record of continued education is a sign of a seasoned agent that you can count on. Of course you can also find a great agent that does not have extensive education, but it certainly helps to know in your initial search.
9. Are you also a broker?
Agents that are also brokers have taken additional education classes and have earned a broker's license. A broker may have more experience and may hold responsibility over other agents that are working under them.
10. Can you provide me with the names and phone numbers of past clients who have agreed to be references?
By doing this, you can gain valuable insight from past clients so you can learn more about your agent. This can create a greater level of comfort when working with your agent after hearing the advice and comments from real people that they worked with.
When it comes to asking your agent questions, don't be shy! There are tons of questions that you can ask that will aid you in your decision to choose who represents you. If you're a first time seller, take advantage of these questions to help find the best agent that fits your needs. Don't worry, there's an agent out there for you! Good Luck!
Souce: RealtyTimes, Written by www.exposeyourselfpr.com
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice1/item/35298-20150529-10-things-to-ask-your-realtor-before-you-list-your-home-with-them
When looking for a great real estate agent, there are many things that you'll have to consider. Your ideal agent will be knowledgeable about your local market, experienced, and have a plethora of connections to navigate you through the home sale process. Here are some important questions that you should ask your real estate agent before you list your home with them:
1. In which neighborhoods do you primarily work?
This is important because you'll want a realtor that is experienced in the specific market in which your home is located. The more knowledgeable your agent is about the neighborhood you're selling in, the better, because they will be able to price your house according to the comps and first hand information that they glean from being familiar with the area.
2. What percentage of your clients are buyers versus sellers?
You want to make sure your agent has buyers for your home at the ready, but you also want to make sure they know how to list a home for sale to get you the best price.
3. Will I be working with just you, or any other associates?
This is important so that you know what to expect when it comes to working with your agent. If your agent has an assistant or anyone working under them that you can contact when they are not available, you should find out as soon as possible.
4. Do you work full-time or part-time?
Some agents work full time and some work part time, so you'll want to find out what to expect. Obviously, if your agent is working part time because it's their side job, they may be more difficult to contact at certain times. If this is the case, you'll want to figure out a set time that you can call them during the week.
5. How many homes have you closed in my neighborhood?
If your agent has closed a good number of homes in your neighborhood, you can assume that they have the experience to get the job done. Having this track record is a good sign that your agent knows the neighborhood well and has the right contacts.
6. How many other sellers are you representing?
When you ask your agent this you might want to note that the busiest agents are usually the most efficient. If your agent has a lot on their plate they know how to multitask, have processes in place and always manage to get things done.
7. Is your license in good standing?
You can check your agent's certification yourself with your state's Department of Real Estate, as many states provide this information online. This can give you peace of mind if you are nervous about hiring an agent and getting started.
8. How many years of education and experience do you have?
Typically, experience and a record of continued education is a sign of a seasoned agent that you can count on. Of course you can also find a great agent that does not have extensive education, but it certainly helps to know in your initial search.
9. Are you also a broker?
Agents that are also brokers have taken additional education classes and have earned a broker's license. A broker may have more experience and may hold responsibility over other agents that are working under them.
10. Can you provide me with the names and phone numbers of past clients who have agreed to be references?
By doing this, you can gain valuable insight from past clients so you can learn more about your agent. This can create a greater level of comfort when working with your agent after hearing the advice and comments from real people that they worked with.
When it comes to asking your agent questions, don't be shy! There are tons of questions that you can ask that will aid you in your decision to choose who represents you. If you're a first time seller, take advantage of these questions to help find the best agent that fits your needs. Don't worry, there's an agent out there for you! Good Luck!
Souce: RealtyTimes, Written by www.exposeyourselfpr.com
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice1/item/35298-20150529-10-things-to-ask-your-realtor-before-you-list-your-home-with-them
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Selling Your Home? The Importance of Using an Agent
When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold.
In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s behavior during the home buying process. For the past two years, 92% of all buyers have used the internet in their home search according to the National Association of Realtors’ most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers.
However, the report also revealed that for the second year in a row 96% percent of buyers that used the internet when searching for a home purchased their home through either a real estate agent/broker or from a builder or builder’s agent. Only 2% purchased their home directly from a seller whom the buyer didn’t know.
Buyers search for a home online but then depend on an agent to find the actual home they will buy (53%) or negotiate the terms of the sale & price (31%) or understand the process (63%).
Stephen Phillips, the Chief Operating Officer for HSF Affiliates LLC, put it best:
“Home buyers are more informed than ever with their Internet searches and ongoing research; however, there’s a critical need to transform that information into analysis and advice that helps consumers make the best home-buying and selling decisions.”
The plethora of information now available has resulted in an increase in the percentage of buyers that reach out to real estate professionals to “connect the dots”. This is obvious as the percentage of overall buyers who used an agent to buy their home has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.
Bottom Line
If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process.
Source: Simplifying the Market | Jim Carpeneti
http://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2015/03/02/selling-your-home-the-importance-of-using-an-agent/?a=174979-286f777dfd2c975c125e258872c60f74
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