It is more important than ever to work with the right professional real estate broker or agent when buying or selling a home. Real estate transactions are complex and require attention to detail, as there are a lot of moving parts and coordination required to make it a seamless experience. Pricing a home at just the right price and buying a home at just the right price takes someone with knowledge of the current market, and the trends that are happening in the surrounding area.
The real estate industry can be impacted by many factors, including higher and lower interest rates, a variable stock market, which includes overseas and global trading, as well as Federal, City and State governmental agencies making adjustments to tax reform.
Today’s real estate market requires a keen, knowledgeable and seasoned real estate broker or agent. If you think you can save money by not using a broker, think again. A professional agent can use their experience and skill to guide you through the real estate process and save you time, which translates to money. And, let’s not forget the art of negotiation. A masterful broker or agent can use their expertise to assist you in delivering the best results.
There are additional things to look at when selecting a real estate agent.
When buying, a good real estate broker or agent can help you make informed decisions. A home purchase requires negotiating terms that can impact your mortgage payment and time line for moving into a new home, so it is important you are informed about all variables before making an offer.
To gain better insight into the buying process and to make sure your wants and needs are addressed, ask your broker or agent for a pre-purchase consultation. Don’t short change yourself by skipping this process. If your agent doesn’t offer this, find one that does.
Sellers benefit by using a knowledgeable agent because they have the know-how to market the property to the right audience. Sellers should also request a pre-sale consultation from the broker or agent. This allows the broker or agent the opportunity to present to the seller the marketing program and skillsets that are being delivered and provide the seller a developed strategy for the home sale. The seller can then tell whether there is a fit with the broker or agent.
When selling, your agent can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each offer and counteroffer so that ultimately you can make the best decision for you and your family. Even if you have the skills to sell your home on your own, consider the time and resources you need to get that done, and done in a timely manner. Vetting prospective buyers, ensuring the safety of your home to potential thieves or vandals, and marketing your property on your own may not be worth the savings.
When a seller works with an agent, they can rely on them to get things done. This includes finding potential buyers, marketing, open houses, negotiations, closing procedure, and much more.
Real estate agents have connections in the market that benefit both buyers and sellers. They work with loan officers, home inspectors and attorneys, and are knowledgeable about the processes, and vendors that may be needed along the way. If you have a problem or need a service, chances are your broker or agent has someone that can help you quickly.
When buying or selling a home there are a lot of deadlines and requirements to secure the transaction. A keen agent can guide you through the process to make sure your deal is on track and to make sure nothing is overlooked. There are times where closings are delayed or become problematic because the buyer or seller missed something – your real estate broker can help you every step of the way to ensure you are prepared.
A real estate broker and agent must be licensed to represent home owners with their real estate transactions. However, having a license doesn’t make you the right choice for every property. Not all realtors are created equal! When interviewing a real estate broker, agent or firm, ask them about the types of clients they have represented in the past, the types of homes they’ve listed, and how familiar they are with the area you are either buying or selling in.
Ask what sets them apart from other broker, agents or firms in their industry, and identify how they will communicate with you through the sale or purchase process. A good communication plan is pivotal to the success of the transaction.
When pricing your home, ask them how they support the price that they have set so you have a better understanding of what you can do to increase the price, should the investment be warranted. An overpriced home may sit on the market for an extended period of time and can cause a negative impact to your home sale.
When you find a broker or agent that provides you the time to really get to understand your needs, can intelligently justify the price of the home you are buying or selling, is familiar with the neighborhood – both good and bad, and has good outreach into the community, you can be more confident that you are selecting the right person for the job.
With every real estate transaction, always remember that your broker or agent work for YOU and are there to guide you along the way to successfully buy or sell your home.
Fran & Frank Reali, Owners -BHGRE Safari Realty – Licensed NYS Real Estate Brokers
(718) 442-5200 www.safarirealtyonline.com
