Realtors are a critical resource when it comes to buying and selling a home. Not only do they have in-depth knowledge of the real estate market – from current trends to neighborhood characteristics to appropriate pricing – but they also provide incredible guidance and insight throughout the process, which (let’s be honest) can be daunting. There are so many reasons for a buyer or seller to use the services and the expertise of an agent and firm. Here are just a “few” things our agents provide…
- An understanding and overview of current market conditions and direction
- Explanation of transactional and agency relationships
- Federal and State laws and Realtor Code of Ethics
- Confidentiality
- Preparation of legal documents
- Assurance that material facts become known
- Understanding of market pricing, market trends, and MLS services
- Information as to popular features in a home
- Understanding of zoning and building restrictions and how they might affect value- sellability
- Help protecting against risks of wire fraud
- Help reviewing closing documents for tax, HOA, utility, and other appropriate prorations
- Help assuring that all prepays are included and verified
- Confirmation of title insurance
- And a communication advocate throughout the process.
A Buyers Agent:
- Helps make and confirm appointments
- Is available to answer and advise Buyer
- Can check credentials and accomplishments of the Selling agent and firm
- Can help plot communication during the sale
- Can learn Buyers non-negotiable needs
- Help direct a Buyer to quality lender resources and analyzing loan estimates
- Partner with buyer matching suitable with available properties
- Help explain property disclosures and available resources about neighborhoods and schools
- Help explaining closing costs and costs of home ownership
- Help coordinating between the Buyer and lender
- Help with market research as to prospective house to view and schedule showings
- Network with other agents to help find homes being considered for sale
- Assist in negotiating strategies the best price
- Explaining contingencies, inspections, appraisal, and financing
- Help navigating multiple offers and ways to turn that into a successful offer
- Organize inspections- plumbing, electrical, HVAC, radon, mold, termite, and appraisals
- Negotiate repairs and explain Sellers responsibilities as well as assisting finding contractors and assuring their payment
- Follow loan processing and coordinate clear-to-close with lender, Seller, and attorney helping meet contract deadlines including due diligence periods, earnest money deposits and managing/ protecting escrow account funds
- Schedule walkthroughs
- Mediate any conflicts that arise in the process
Listing Agents:
- Research comps and advise on Best pricing and pricing strategies
- Research and verify all subdivision, deed, land use, zoning restrictions that might affect a properties value
- Verify legal ownership
- Recommend changes to improve curb appeal
- Recommend changes to interior decor to improve saleability
- Advise Seller on market conditions and projections
- Discuss goals, benefits of different types of marketing that an agency can offer
- Reconfirm square footage and lot size, liens and easements
- Verify HOA fees and restrictions
- Verify utility providers, termite bonds, ownership of natural gas tanks etc.
- Lead paint disclosures
- Detail amenities
- List repairs and updates
- Arrange to have property photographed and proper signage installed
- Enter into MLS and company website, adding pertinent documents
- Prepare brochures and marketing fliers
- Plan a way for the home to be shown- lockbox, coordinate with Seller etc.
- Receive, present, and advise on offers
- Negotiate with Buyers Agent or Buyer and advise on repairs
- Assist providing Seller info as needed to the closing attorney.
We could go on! Clearly our agents have value.
