Whether you are a buyer or a seller, What do I mean by that? Without a Realtor® you may be at a disadvantage as the following examples show: You may THINK you know what other properties have been selling for in your neighborhood. While it's hard to believe that this can be true, both buyers and sellers frequently exaggerate the price they paid or received. In order to make the most informed decision on an realistic purchase price, you need someone to truly analyze ALL the sales of comparable (year built, construction type, architectural style, square footage and other amenities) properties within a square mile of your home .... within the past 12 months. Without the most thorough information, you stand to pay too much, sell for too little or not sell at all because your price is too high. As a seller, do you know how to prequalify the buyers? As a buyer, wouldn't you like some tips from someone with experience as to how to keep your closing costs and interest rate down? A great Realtor® knows great banks and mortgage brokers ..... and gains nothing from that advice other than a happy client. As a seller, you need to have a good marketing plan which involves as much exposure for your property as possible. Today that not only includes being in the MLS system, advertising and open houses, but sophisticaled web sites. A professional real estate agent will get you all of these, and spend his or her own money for advertising in addition to what the Broker would normally do on a rotation basis with other clients. As a buyer do you really know what are the normal closing costs which are a buyer's and which are a seller's? Frequently buyers who buy directly from a seller pay some of the seller's normal closing costs because they aren't informed. As a buyer, a Realtor® may know of other homes in the area which might be possible purchases which may not be listed, or will be listed soon. How do you learn the true advantages and disadvantages of whether to sell "as is" or for there to be some commitment in the Contract by the Seller for repairs? Do you know where the down/earnest money should go and why? Would you pick an inspector out of the phone book or like the advice of a real estate professional who knows who's good, who's licensed, who is familiar with older homes, who is a contractor or at least has more than just a short required course before starting inspections.... Real estate pros are expert at negotiating the terms of a sale or purchase. A true pro will also make sure that all aspects of the transaction are adhered to from the time of signing through to the day of closing. A missed deadline can spell disaster; a professional looks out for your interests. Wouldn't you like someone else to be there during any of the many possible stressful moments and have advice and perspective? .....when the buyer's mortgage isn't granted ....when the buyer changes his mind ....when the inspection report is an uninspected nightmare ..... when either side stops communicating .... when there are title problems .... the list is endless in the often stomach-churning world of real estate. A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR® knows what to do! |
