A real estate agent who knows the area like the back of her hand can make all the difference in finding the perfect home. She’ll have the inside scoop on every nook and cranny of the area, which means you’ll reap many benefits during your home search. Here’s how having a geographically savvy agent is… Read more »
Advancing technology has transformed home shopping. More than 80 percent of prospective buyers begin their home search online. A consumer might be tempted to “do it yourself,” buying or selling without a professional real estate agent to save on an agent’s commission. But agents provide vital services in real estate transactions. Here’s how an agent… Read more »
For much of the public, the terms “real estate agent” and “REALTOR®” are used interchangeably. In reality, they are not the same. All REALTORS® must be licensed agents, but not all licensed real estate agents are REALTORS®. What is the difference, and why is it important to you as a buyer or seller? REALTORS® are… Read more »
When selling your home, you might consider a discount brokerage firm to save money on commissions. Using a discount firm can save you lots of money, but discount brokers typically don’t provide the same level of service as a traditional real estate agent and could cost you money in the long run. Consider the costs… Read more »
In residential real estate, the weekend open house for prospective buyers is as traditional as the “For Sale” sign in the yard. A broker open house is also a strong marketing tool. What is a broker’s open house? How can it help you sell your home? Comparing open house types With a traditional open house,… Read more »
Working with a real estate agent when buying a home will save you both time and money. The more complicated the move, the more helpful an agent can be. Here are seven advantages to having an agent guide you through the home-purchasing process. Time saver. Searching for the right home is time-consuming, and your real… Read more »
Think you know real estate because you’ve bought and sold a home? Think again. Commercial real estate is a different ballgame, whether the property involved is an apartment building, shopping center or office space. How do these types of real estate differ, and how do those differences affect your choice of an agent? Intentions of… Read more »
When you list with a real estate agent, you may want to sit back and let her do all the work. But selling your home is a team effort. You can make a big contribution by beginning to market your home before the listing even goes public. It’s a concert, not a solo You hire… Read more »
If you’re relocating for your career, look for real estate agents on both ends of your move with expertise in relocation services. Here are six ways that experience will work in your favor. 1. Cost-of-Living Comparison With a deep understanding of multiple locations, an agent who specializes in relocation can offer you a cost-of-living analysis… Read more »
Real estate commission rebates can be a great tool to help clinch a deal. What exactly is a commission rebate? How do they work? Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know. How does a commission rebate work? A rebate — often a percentage of the price of the home — is granted to the… Read more »
When hiring a real estate agent to help buy or sell a home, you expect the agent to work in your best interests. There are, however, a few instances when an agent’s loyalties are split. It’s important to know how agents work and how they get paid before you sign on the dotted line. A… Read more »
Veterans and active-duty military require special help when buying and selling real estate. From frequent moves to special government loans, members of the military need a specially trained real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of military life. Agents with knowledge and experience. When looking for a good real estate agent, ask other… Read more »
Your real estate professional is your best asset when searching for potential homes, but your agent needs certain key information to find the right fit. Knowing what to tell your agent can help you make the most out of this important partnership. Budget. Figure out what you can afford. Think carefully about all the costs… Read more »
If your house has been up for sale for two months — or longer — without a nibble of interest, it’s probably time to ask yourself some tough questions. What causes a house to languish on the market and when should you lower the price? Pinpoint the problem. With a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA… Read more »
When you get an offer to buy your house, take a deep breath and set aside your emotions. It’s time to negotiate using solid numbers based on the real estate market’s current conditions in your area. Crunch the numbers. Ideally, you and your agent did a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA before listing your home,… Read more »
DIY projects are in vogue. And why not? People like to save a buck or two by doing a full range of work themselves. But sometimes, DIY is not worth the effort or the savings. Purchasing a home is an activity that is best navigated with a professional leading the helm. Using a real estate… Read more »
When you decide to sell your home with an agent, one of the most important decisions you will make together is the asking price. Set the price too high and your home could languish, causing buyers to wonder what’s wrong with it and forcing you to drop your price. Set the price too low and… Read more »
Putting out a “For Sale By Owner” sign is tempting. You certainly cannot be blamed for wondering if you could do it all yourself. It’s not impossible, but it may be a bigger job than you realize. Before taking it on, here are six issues to seriously consider. Agents are home-marketing specialists First and foremost,… Read more »
The complexities of selling a home can be daunting. You don’t have the time or inclination to sell it yourself so what should you expect when hiring an agent to list and sell your home? A specific plan. The agent representing you should put together a detailed plan for marketing your home for the best… Read more »
When buying or selling a home, most people look into hiring a professional. But what type of professional is best? Agent? Broker? REALTOR®? You may have used the terms interchangeably, but there are significant differences. Here’s what you need to know about each type of real estate pro. The real estate agent is the entry-level… Read more »
