Working With Your Real Estate Agent

by | Oct 12, 2010 | Real Estate 101, Working With an Agent

Working With Your Real Estate Agent

Selecting the right real estate agent to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider a professional’s background, personality and responsiveness.

Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your real estate agent.

How to choose a real estate agent

1. Consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth transition. So don’t waste time and resources – decide what’s most important to you, and then find a professional who specializes in that area. A RE/MAX agent can help you no matter what your needs are.

2. Ask friends and family members for referrals. Someone you know and trust may have a RE/MAX agent in mind to help you meet your real estate goals.

3. If you’ve already determined where you’d like to live, drive through neighborhoods in the area and survey them for REALTOR® yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up on signs time after time may indicate that the agent is a specialist in the area. If you’re thinking about selling, monitor the signs in your own neighborhood.

4. Moving far away? Right here on remax.com, you can connect with a RE/MAX agent around the world who can offer great expertise and service. Consider services they offer, additional certifications, any specialties, and languages they speak. You’ll find the right professional to meet your real estate needs no matter where your home search takes you.

5. Pay attention to credentials. This will help you determine areas of expertise. You may be interested in these designations: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), LHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist). There are dozens of designations pursued for continuing education, so identify one or more that fit your needs.

What to ask in the interview

1. If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a listing price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold.

2. Ask the agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your home and then put together a customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can’t suggest a strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates.

3. Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations.

4. Ask how long the agent has been licensed and how many buyers and sellers he or she has helped.

5. Ask about designations. Interest in continuing education is a strong indicator of motivation and professionalism.

6. Pay attention to the agent’s listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you’ve finished a sentence? There’s nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it’s priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.

7. Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way?

8. If you are unsatisfied with a prospect’s plans or personality, thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you and repeat the process with another real estate agent. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worthwhile.

Once you’ve found the right real estate agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your real estate agent get you the best deal.

How to work with your real estate agent

1. If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home’s features and best qualities, especially those that others might overlook. Your agent may be able to use the information when marketing your home.

2. When selling, talk to the real estate agent about cosmetic improvements. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet.

3. If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily.

4. If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered 1 through 10. You can always revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.

Food for thought

1. Hiring a REALTOR® will give you a strong advantage. Although many practitioners work part-time, RE/MAX Associates are full-time professionals who provide their complete attention and expertise.

2. Your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word.

3. Your residence is likely to be the biggest single investment you’ll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.

4. Office environment can say a lot about a businessperson. Is it clean and organized? Do the office hours make it easily accessible? Are staff members pleasant and helpful?

5. Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy.

Selling your Home

by | Oct 12, 2010 | Real Estate 101, Selling

Steps to Selling Your Home

Hire a REALTOR®

Studies show that home sellers who use a REALTOR® to represent them generally get a better price than those who sell the home themselves. REALTORS® are up-to-date on critical processes and can help keep you out of trouble. They can also help you get your home sold at the best price in the right timeframe.

Equally as important, REALTORS® add objectivity to an inherently emotional transaction: the sale of your home.

To locate a RE/MAX Executive Sales Associate, visit our agents page on our sister site, charlotteproperty.com.

Before Your Home Is Listed

It’s important to have your home in good showing condition before buyers start going through it. Here are some steps to take:

  • Touch up interior and exterior paint as needed.
  • Install new carpeting and flooring if it appears worn or dated.
  • Make sure the front is clean and spruced up – curb appeal will create a favorable first impression.
  • Trim bushes and plants as needed, and make sure the lawn is kept mowed and trimmed. In autumn, rake the leaves; in winter, keep the snow shoveled.
  • Keep the interior clean, decluttered and odor-free. Eliminate evidence of pets.
  • Minimize personal items such as family photos. You want buyers to see themselves living in the home.
  • Consider putting excess furniture and belongings in storage. Now’s the time to clean out the garage and basement and sell, give away or throw away items you don’t need anymore.
  • Consider having a pre-listing inspection performed. Buyers will be hiring professional inspectors; here’s your chance to address problems in advance.
  • Consider engaging a professional stager to give your home the right emotional appeal.
During the Listing Period
  • When potential buyers visit your home, either be absent or make yourselves as inconspicuous as possible.
  • Have fresh flowers in the entryway. It makes for a friendly introduction into your home.
  • If offers are made that don’t match your hoped-for price, don’t reject them out of hand. Pay attention to your agent’s advice.
  • Consider dropping the price if several months go by with few or no offers. But if you and your agent have priced your home properly from the start, this shouldn’t be necessary.
  • Don’t get discouraged. In buyer’s markets, homes take longer to sell than during boom times. Your home will eventually sell; it’s a matter of your RE/MAX Executive agent finding the right buyer for you.
Help Your Agent

You have the best chance of selling your home if you work closely with your RE/MAX Executive agent. Make sure all showings are coordinated through him or her. If you have a brochure box, be sure to keep it filled.

If prospective buyers want to discuss your property or negotiate price or other terms, defer to your RE/MAX Executive agent. He or she is the expert and can best handle all these details without emotion.