A Realtor is more than just a "sales person." They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance in helping you buy or sell a home. A good agent will alway put the interests of his/her client first. While it is true they get paid for what they do (but not until the transaction has been satisfactorily completed and closed), so do other professions that provide advice, guidance, and have a service to sell --such as Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys.
The Internet has opened up a world of information that wasn't previously available to homebuyers and sellers. The data on listings available for sale is almost current - but not quite. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.
If you're selling a home, 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 your 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 and most powerful tool.
However, the role of an agent has changed in the last couple of years. In the past, agents were the only way home buyers and sellers could access information. Now agents are evolving. Because today's home buyers and sellers are so much better informed than in the past, expertise and ability are becoming more important.
The real estate agent is becoming more of a "counselor" than a "salesperson". Consider them your personal representative in buying or selling a home.
As your Real Estate Professional, here are some of the services you can count on receiving from me:
Sellers:
I will help you establish "the big picture": What are you trying to accomplish?
Together, we will work toward meeting your goals.
Estimate market value and determine list price: I will inspect your home,
analyze sales of comparable homes, compare it to current listings, and look at
market trends in order to arrive at the best possible price for your property.
Formulate a marketing plan: My customized marketing plan will include pricing
strategy, inclusions, pre-marketing repairs, exposure to potential buyers and co-op Realtors
Prepare you and your home for the market: Prioritize home improvements, if any;
familiarize you with the selling process (appointments, showings, open houses, offer
presentation, etc. so there are no surprises!)
List home for sale: Prepare the necessary paperwork (ex; listing agreement,
disclosure forms, MLS data input sheets, for sale sign, etc.)
Execute marketing plan: Schedule office tour, MLS tour, print advertising, Internet
exposure, direct mail, flyers, open houses, feature books, and much, much more!
Show home to qualified buyers: Appointments will be sheduled in advance by our
administrative area. After the showing, feedback calls will be made to agents who
showed your home and that feedback will be reviewed with you.
Receive, present, negotiate, finalize written contract: When an offer comes in
on your home, we will review showings, feedback, analyze current market (updated CMA),
review all options, estimate net equity, make an informed decision.
Satisfy contract contingencies: Attorney review, inspections, financing, balance
of earnest money, other conditions
Prepare for closing: I will provide you with a checklist of things to do just before closing
(ex; calling utility companies, gathering keys, openers, manuals, and making sure you're
all set to move into your next home!) l will attend the closing with you!
Buyers:
I will familiarize you with the whole buying process. Who represents who; How the
MLS works; Where you can find homes on the internet; How offers are submitted; Timing
issues; Current financing rates; Closing costs; Everything you need or want to know!
Help you get pre-qualified for financing (for a better negotiating position). Provide
financing alternatives; recommend good, competitive lending sources
Listen while you tell me what you´d like in your next home. Location, size and style
of home, age, condition, amenities, number of bedrooms and baths, garage, lot size, price
range, timing requirements, etc.
Identify homes to view and keep track of new listings as they hit the market. Watch
"hot sheet" daily; Automatic notification of new listings meeting your needs (by email, phone,
etc.); Optionally seek out homes not yet on the market.
Analyze any potential home purchase. What have homes on the same street, in the
same neighborhood, with the same features recently sold for. What is fair market value
range for this home? Any unusual conditions that might affect future resale value?
Write up, submit, and negotiate the purchase contract on your behalf. I´ll take into
account time on market, seller´s motivation, average list/sale price differential, timing
requirements, seller disclosures, your motivation, etc.
Follow up until all contract contingencies are met. Recommend as necessary other
quality service providers (lender, home inspector, attorney, etc.); Negotiate homes inspection
issues; Follow up on earnest money, financing, attorney approval, and other contract deadlines.
Help you prepare for closing and attend closing with you! Make sure we have insurance
in place, certified funds, other details.
Keep in touch with you. Throughout the entire process (looking for a home, negotiating
the purchase, following up on contract contingencies, and preparing for the closing), I´ll be
with you every step of the way, communicating with you regularly and available at all
times to answer your questions.
If you've been thinking about buying and/or selling a home, feel free to call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to assist you in any way I can.