Whether you are a first time home buyer or a property pro the information you will find here will certainly help you make the right decisions about the best course in buying or selling real estate.
I'm sure you've noticed in the past few years a number of new real estate services available to consumers. Options are fantastic. Of course once you have the options you must understand them in order to decide what works best for you. The information in this blog is intended to identify and explain some of the various options you have available.
Let's face it, there is a lot of competition out there. In sales it is our job to highlight the pros of our product or service. However, all of the services available to you have both pros and cons. What might work for your neighbour, friend or family member might not be right for you.
Over the years we have found that some people we've met were not satisfied with their experience. Often they express that they wish they had more complete information about their options before they started looking for a home or trying to sell their existing property.
Q: WHEN I SELL, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE TEAM?
A: In My opinion, Receiving full service should include the following and more. A Full MLS Listing, including a recommendation for a competitive asking price and provide you with a written competitive market analysis based on current available information. This critical first step will ensure your realestate team has done their homework and informed you in advance of launching the listing what you can expect. This analysis would also include the Preparation of a personalized action plan for listing the property for sale. What is the team is planning to do to expose your property to the open market? Questions to ask might include; Will you be conducting an agent open house? Will you be organizing public open houses? At what frequency will my property be advertised in print media? Will you be using social media to get the word out? What web sites might my listing be syndicated to? Its important to have a clear understanding of your Realtors intentions on marketing and advertising. They should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of where, when, and how often advertising will be purchased on your behalf.
In some situations your team should also provide professional home staging consultation which might include full window cleaning or home cleaning services.
Another very important component of a successful listing is professional photography and virtual tour including online interactive tools for your prospective buyers. As a consumer myself, I invest in online research before I venture out to go shopping. I want information before I spend my valuable time with boots on the ground. Consumers in todays real estate shopping market are no different. Your team should ensure second to none web exposure for your listing and quick access to all of the important information and imagery associated with your property.
It is your Realtors job to keep you well informed of changes to the market throughout the listing period. Important and timely changes might be needed to keep you on the front pages of social media. Your Realtor should take command of every situation by leading offer negotiations and represent you throughout the conditional and unconditional phases of the trade throughout your closing. If you don't understand something keep asking until you do. Ensure you have a complete understanding of the documents involved in the trade
The best Real Estate teams will work on your behalf not only in the trade negotiations but with your mortgage representative, home inspector, solicitor, buyer representative, property manager, municipality, insurance provider, re-location specialist, and renovation contractor. I like to call it “The centre of the hour glass” Nothing passes through without your agent ensuring its in your best interest.
VIP TIP: Make sure you position yourself as a great client too. Have a well-defined list of wants and needs. Show that you are prepared, qualified, and are serious about taking action.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO USE YOUR SERVICES IF I WANT TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY?
A: The simple answer is nothing! To purchase we offer our services to our buyer clients with no obligation for them to pay real estate fees. How about that!
Q: WHAT IF I WANT TO BUILD A NEW HOME THROUGH A BUILDER? DO I NEED YOU?
A: We like to introduce our buyer clients to the local builders while searching for resale properties. The reason we do this is because should you decide to build a home we can negotiate on your behalf. Many people don't realize that we successfully negotiate thousands off the builders prices, and help our clients avoid hidden service costs and lot levies by reviewing the contracts and making changes that are in your best interest. Most importantly we are there to ensure accountability to you. Builder sales reps work for the builder, we work for you!
Q: ARE THEIR BENEFITS TO BEING A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER?
A: YES! If you are a first time buyer their are a variety of Federal, Provincial and Municipal programs, tax rebates, interest free loans and grants that you may qualify for! We can provide all of the information you need to ensure you maximize all of the available benefits.
Q: I NEED A PROPERTY EVALUATION TO DETERMINE ITS VALUE. CAN YOU HELP?
A: We often provide opinion of value letters with supporting comparables to assist Executors, Power of Attorney, Trustees and Solicitors for the division of Family assets. Depending on the application nominal fees can apply for these types of services.
Q: HOW DO I FIGURE OUT WHAT THE TOTAL COSTS WILL BE TO MOVE?
A: Their are a number of costs associated with a move. However, calculating the expenses is something we can help with to ensure that what you need in your pocket can be attainable. Some of the costs to buy or sell your property might include legal fees, Title Insurance, home inspection, Land Transfer Tax, moving company or Brokerage fees. Not all will be applicable to every situation and thats where we can help.
Q: WHAT IF I WANT TO BUY LAND OR SEVER A PARSEL OF LAND? WHERE DO I START?
A: Often purchasing land or applying for severance can be a daunting task dealing with many layers of bureaucracy. It important to ask your Realtor if they have experience dealing with these types of transactions. I always look forward to assisting my clients navigate the minefield of planning, zoning and building obstacles when it comes to severance or rezoning.
Q: IM THINKING ABOUT SELLING PRIVATELY. WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?
A: There are a variety of service companies available to choose from when making the decision to sell your property. Today, technology and social media make it much easier for organizations and Brokerages to get their brand of product and service out to the consumer each one filling a small niche in the market. This is a good thing because competition ensures accountability.
Every Buyer and Seller has a unique set of needs, wants and expectations. Its our job NOT to BUY your business. Its your Realtors job to ensure you have all of the information before making a decision to hire a service professional.
In summary, The Basics of Finding real estate agent isn’t that difficult. Many agents work extremely hard. There are thousands of them scaling the walls of Facebook, and putting their faces on signs. But how do you choose a great one for your transaction?
•Check the internet
•Ask for referrals
•Look for those specializing in your type of transaction
•Interview them
Cut through the sales hype. Ask about their values, approach to business, and see if they take the time to really inquire about what is most important to you. Seek out a Realtor who is respected and liked in the industry. Look for an agent with the right balance of hustle and experience. Make sure you know who you will actually be working with.
Lee Oldham is a Realtor based in Guelph Ontario at Remax Real Estate Centre a member of the City Team. gocityteam.ca