YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOUSE without a broker -- and save yourself a ton of money in the process. But there are times when going it alone just doesn't make sense. You may need to sell fast, or simply not have the time to devote to selling your house yourself. In that case, a real estate broker is your only option. But don't just pick the first one who walks in your door and tells you selling your place will be a cinch. Here's how to find the best one.
First of all, you want someone who has a strong track record selling your kind of home in your neighborhood. Some brokers specialize in starter homes while others sell more trade-up homes. Put together a list of brokers by asking friends and neighbors for referrals. If you've lived in the area for a while you probably have a sense of which firm has the most market share. If you have time, attend a few open houses one weekend to see some brokers in action. You may be tempted to give your listing to a friend, but that can easily backfire since disputes with brokers are common.
Interview brokers over the phone. A top broker will know your particular market, as well as the schools, taxes and local transportation. At least four to five years of experience is ideal, but someone new at the game may devote more energy to your sale and be more negotiable on the commission. They should have access to and use your area’s Multiple Listing Service (a database of all available properties that brokers use to find homes to show to buyers), and be willing to split their commission with another broker who brings a buyer to the table.
We don't put much stock in titles, but here's what they stand for: All real estate "agents" must be licensed by the state (requirements vary). They can take an additional test to become a real estate "broker," which means they can run their own office. A "realtor" is an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. That only means they promise to adhere to a code of ethics.
Of course you want someone who will give you a break on the commission. If yours is a seller's market, just tell brokers that if they want your listing, they’ll have to shave a point or two off their rate (that may not sound like much, but one percentage point amounts to a 33% cut in pay for the broker, assuming they will split a 6% fee with another agent). If it is a buyer’s market, you may have to be more creative to get a break. Many agents will give you a discount if you give them an "exclusive" -- that is, let them show the home for a couple of weeks without putting it on the MLS. That way the agent won't have to split the commission with another agent. If it is a very high-priced home, or if you are moving up to purchase another home through this same agent, you can usually get a break.
In some areas it's worthwhile checking in with a discount broker. An expanding field, these agents will take a flat fee or reduced commission to provide a lower level of service. Some will list your house on the MLS and handle negotiations with the buyer, leaving showing the home up to you. The problem is that other agents don't like to work with discounters so you may not get much traffic through your home.
If you go with a cut-rate broker, make sure they have a good track record.
When you've narrowed down your list, ask the top three contenders to come by your home. At the first visit they should interview you about your goals and expectations for the sale, present their qualifications and explain their typical approach. Ask for a copy of their typical listing agreement (usually boilerplate), to give you an idea of the terms you would be agreeing to. But if they ask you to sign right away, don't. Get the phone numbers of the last three sellers they've worked for so you can interview previous clients about their experience. Be sure to ask them if they would work with that broker again.
On a second visit, top brokers will usually make a formal presentation, giving you a detailed marketing strategy that describes their plans for advertising, open houses and marketing to other brokers. You should also get a suggested list price for your home (based on comparable sales in the neighborhood) and an estimate for the amount of time it will take to sell. Don’t be fooled into choosing the broker who gives you the highest price. Some brokers will set an unrealistic price just to get a listing.
You can't be sure you've found your sales agent until you actually sign the listing agreement. Some brokers will balk at the guidelines we recommend and you may need to alter the agreement a little. You want the right to take the property off the market for any reason, to switch brokers or cancel the agreement without penalty if you are unsatisfied with the broker's efforts. The agreement should be in effect 90 days and should only have a six-month period where you would owe this broker a commission if someone they showed the home returns to buy it later. The listing agreement also puts in writing the agreed upon commission, parameters for marketing your home and receiving offers. Your agent should agree to continue to show the property as a "pending sale property" on the MLS until closing.
All this may seem like a lot of work before you've even put your house on the market. But if you choose your broker wisely, the selling process should be fairly hassle-free. After the sale you may even feel like the agent actually deserves the fee.
the video below is from 2008 and might not apply now, where there was special offers in various us states like Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana.
Minneapolis Mortgage broker| rural guaranteed housing loan
The Guaranteed Rural Housing loan program is a government insured Single Family home loan program for low to moderate income borrowers looking to purchase a home in a rural development are. Up to 100% of the home's appraised value can be financed. Call us for details at 952-285-4319. We finance in Minnesota ONLY-although the program is available nationwide.
How To Select A Baton Rouge louisiana Real Estate Agent
"How to select a Baton Rouge Real Estate Agent with video tips on the home buying process. Real Estate Video blog explains how to buy a Baton Rouge House find homes in MLS"
Large 4 bedrooms home for sale in Fords, New Jersey (NJ) Real Estate
Large 4 Bedrooms Home in Fords, New Jersey. Very Quiet Cul-de Sac. Move Right in.
"Spacious and Spotless 4 bedrooms home in Fords, 2 baths bi-level located on quiet cul-de-sac. Coming with all conveniences, central air, lots of closet space and storage room. The current owners have spared no expense in many upgrades. Foyer with cathedral ceiling, formal dining room and living room. Eat-in kitchen has been upgraded. New hardwood floors, fresh paint & new oak railings. Large master bedroom. Central air & gas BB 2 zone heat!
Enclosed screen porch with cable. 2 car garage with openers. EZ commute,1/2 blk to daycare,blks to NYC bus,close Metro Park train station, all major hwy, shopping & schools. Just unpack"
PH11SE-The Court House-NY Casa Group -New Yorks Preferred Broker
Casa Group Marketing present the penthouse at "The Court House". Brooklyn's most talked about building. One of the largest residential buildings in the borough, featuring 320 units, full service concierge, valet dry cleaning, on site parking, oka wood floors, granite tops, stainless steel appliances, high 18' ceilings, double paned windows, AMAZING southern views and your very own private roof deck. Call now to schedule a viewing
I have read your post.In fact this post is very informative.One thing which i ever felt that most of the people can not ignore its fact advertisement is the best way of promoting business.Without advertisement one can not sell his house easily.
ReplyDelete