The main job of a Realtor is to bring together buyers and sellers with a fervent sense of integrity born of experience and honor for the profession. Effective real estate agents will have an arsenal of strategies and plans at their disposal so that clients will feel confident and comfortable working with them.
Whether your desire is to buy a home or sell a home, it is incumbent upon the agent to present, in the utmost professional manner, how he or she will bring about the sale or purchase that will be the best.
The onslaught of HGTV shows of flipping, staging, and designing homes may cause buyers and sellers to have unrealistic expectations. The professional Realtor will honestly assess your property and provide a realistic expectation. He or she should also be willing to walk away if you insist on fantasy land.
Buying a Home
To buy a home is probably one of the largest investments most people will ever make. It is not surprising that it seems daunting. That is why the service of a knowledgeable real estate agent is the best way to achieve the home of your dreams. Nowadays, prospective buyers have access to many online resources, and the agent is able to sift through the many questions regarding the purchase. Some of the significant factors to take into consideration when purchasing a home are:
Schools – The quality of the neighborhood usually attests to the quality of schools. Homes for sale in very desirable school districts often are more expensive than the same size home in less desirable areas. Even if there are no children in the home, buyers are seeking nice homes in your area.
Location – The overall Realtor’s mantra is location, location, location. It not only affects current value, but it is a good indicator that it will retain its salability. While a good agent will always point out the positive and negative points about a property, some situations are standard for a desirable location, such as views, proximity to public transportation or expressways, and access to commercial districts.
Crime Rate – People generally do not want to live in a neighborhood where they do not feel secure. Finding a home in a safe neighborhood is going to appeal to buyers. Check with the local police department for a definitive answer to questions about crime. Also, drive the neighborhood at different times of the day or night. Realtors cannot legally guide or inveigle a buyer to any particular neighborhood, so do your due diligence in this regard.
Resale Prospects – Agents who are knowledgeable and well-informed will help to traverse the bewildering process of buying a home, such as choosing the right home down payment. They are cognizant of the dynamics which will affect the purchase, as well as the future sale, of a home. Even if you plan to be there for the rest of your life, it is a good idea to purchase a home with the prospect of selling it one day.
Selling a Home
Realtors can help determine when to put your home on the market and offer tips on preparing it for sale. Pricing the home well is the trademark of a good agent. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a Realtor to sell your home are:
Marketing – Ask the agent what strategies he or she plans to use to sell your home.
Salability – Your agent will be able to tell whether it is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. A Realtor can help set the price for a sale within a reasonable period of time based on assessments of comparable properties in the area.
Timing – Most often, the best time to sell your home is during the warmer seasons. Likely buyers are out looking, unlike times when it is cold, rainy, or snowing. If it is absolutely necessary to list your home during times of inclement weather, make it more desirable by adding ambiance that will attract buyers. Your agent can help with that. The saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is appropriate in a situation like this.
As an additional option, you can sell your home cheap and save thousands of dollars by using a discount real estate broker.
Whenever you decide to take the leap, the trust and integrity offered by professional agents are characteristics that will bring success to the table. Contact your realtor once you’re ready to get started.
