Agent

The Most Important Questions Sellers Should Ask When Choosing A Real Estate Agent

Total Service

Selecting a real estate representative to assist in the largest financial transaction a person will likely ever make is a critical part of the home selling process. In a challenging economic environment where competition among real estate companies is on the rise, choosing the agent thats right for you can be a confusing task.

I as a Realtor suggest home sellers start by interviewing several real estate agents to find someone with whom they connect. However, chemistry is not the only variable to consider. The length of time an agent has been in the business, his or her home sale success rate and knowledge of the local market can also play a significant role in the decision-making process.

To jump-start the conversation, I suggest five essential questions home sellers should ask before selecting a real estate representative.

1.How long have you been in the real estate business and what has your success rate been in terms of home sales over the past 12 months? The length of time a real estate representative has been in the business and their home sale success rate demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the industry. Ideally, a home seller will want to work with an agent who has a high percentage of completed transactions within your homes price range.

2.What was the average amount of time it took to sell those listings? Comparing marketing times between the agents you are interviewing will provide you with an indication of how well that agent markets homes.

3.What was your list-price to sale-price ratio? Significant differences between original listing prices and ultimate sale prices can be an indication that the list prices quoted at the outset were unrealistic.

4.What is your online marketing plan to sell my property? In Canada, the vast majority of home buyers begin their home search on the Internet. Therefore, the real estate representative you select should have a strong online marketing presence as well as be visible through social media outlets in order to reach the widest possible audience. Websites such as a branded YouTube channel, allow real estate agents to showcase their listings and local knowledge by tapping into the power of video and offering consumers a new way to search for homes online.

5.Do you have references you can share from past clients? References allow you to gain additional insight into the day-to-day workings with the real estate agent. Gathering reputable references will help ensure that you select the best real estate representative for your needs.

6.Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent? Full-time work typically means more attention for you.

7.How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood? An agent who specializes in the area in which you are selling your home is preferable. This agent will be the most familiar with recent sales activity and will be able to recommend a good market price for your home.

8.How much can I expect to pay? Commissions are negotiable depending on what kind of listing arrangement you have with your agent.

9.At what price do you think my condo or home can sell given the current market? This will allow the agent to display his knowledge of your market.

About the Author:
I’m Agnes Chaitas a Top 1% Coldwell Banker Terrequity Real Estate Agent in Toronto, Canada.

I enjoy writing articles about tips and informative information on the Real Estate market.

Also ask if the agent has won any awards, as that will signify that they are an elite real estate agent.

For more information or if you have specific questions you would like to ask, please feel free to call or email me.

Thanks

Agnes

Searching for a cool Toronto Condo and or Home use my search tool

My latest video: The Best Tips f

Link to this post!

Finding The Perfect Real Estate Agent To Help You Navigate The Market

Total Service

The best real estate agent for you is one who is able to act as an excellent co-pilot on the journey to locating your perfect home.

The keyword in that sentence is “you,” since your needs and requirements should form the basis of your search checklist:

* Does the agent work in your desired area?

* Do they specialize in homes within your target price range?

* Have you checked with their references and sales records?

* Will you be working with the agent of your choice, or an assistant? How important is this to you?

* Perhaps the most critical factor: Do you get along? Reputation is one thing; rapport is another. If you aren’t able to establish a collegial relationship, your dream home may pass you by.

Another key consideration is whether you are buying or selling a home. Although it may seem efficient to sign up with someone who says they can represent both buyers and sellers; think about it – both parties have different needs and you want an agent who is working for you alone.

The reasoning behind working with a real estate agent in your desired area is that they will have in-depth knowledge of local home prices, schools, commute patterns and the like. A local is also most likely connected to the community and knows which neighborhoods are more or less desirable, not just in terms of demographics, but also in terms of your needs.

Finding agents who specialize in your target price range if you’re buying and the market level of your home, if you’re selling, is also important, because they know your market and how to make it work for you.

With much of the real estate market experiencing such dramatic changes in valuations, it is essential to have a knowledgeable agent that can help you make informed buying or selling decisions.

In addition, being aware of the mortgage rates available will impact the price any potential home buyer can afford to pay. Currently, in the US, most areas are still seeing slightly dropping valuations. But, there are hot spots in countries outside the US. The Toronto real estate market has been one of the hottest sectors around, but is showing signs of moderating; prices are rising, but at a slower rate than they have been, because mortgage lending rates are starting to climb. In addition, it is estimated that about 14 percent of the area’s homes are currently overvalued.

What all this means is that sellers very likely won’t get the price they might have in 2009, and buyers will perhaps feel some downward pressure when it comes to the kind of house they can get for their money. The help of a real estate agent – and expert in negotiations, research, and financing – becomes even more essential.

Link to this post!

Homes For Sale In Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo Homes For Sale, Real Estate

Total Service

Knowledge a Real Estate Agent Should Have About Mission Viejo Homes For Sale: If you do not have experience with a professional real estate agent then you probably are unaware of the knowledge the real estate agent should possess. Selling a home is more complicated than just finding a home for sale, or getting buyers and sellers together. Professional real estate agents need to have a keen knowledge of tools of the trade, including MLS (Multiple listing services), and the abilities to find the right home for someone looking for mission Viejo homes for sale before even using these tools, there is much preparation that needs to be done. For instance, the agent has to spend quite a bit of money even gaining your business. Then they have to spend precious time getting to know you and your needs. After all, this has been completed they can begin using their tools to find you the home you are looking for in Mission Viejo.

Before hiring your Mission Viejo Real Estate Agent insist that they show you a proof of license in the area you are looking for I.E. homes for sale in Mission Viejo. Then you must ask them how much they are going to charge for their services. Most times you will have to pay 6% of the total price of the home. 2% to the buying agent, 2% to the selling agent, and 1% to the broker.

Reasons for Hiring a Real Estate agent in Mission Viejo: 2 Important Areas to Focus On; One of the most important reasons for hiring a professional Real Estate agent in Mission Viejo is because of the expertise in negotiation they possess, along with the tools of the trade they use. There is nothing saying you must hire a Real Estate agent to buy or sell your home. They are often times when people will handle all of the work themselves, and are able to find a beautiful home for sale in Mission Viejo.

When evaluating a Real Estate Agent found in Mission Viejo maps, ask yourself these questions: Do they show up on time, neat, and in a presentable fashion? Are they willing to take the time to answer your questions? Do they offer to help after the sale or after hours? Do they take care of gathering materials, and any necessary tools? How do they deal with problems they encounter along the way?

Link to this post!