What To Know When Hiring a REALTOR®

2024-11-05T00:19:45-06:00

No one is better at guiding you through a real estate transaction than a REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® is a trusted professional who can help you understand local conditions, find and market properties, negotiate, and keep your transaction on track through closing. Here are a few things to know when hiring a REALTOR®: There Is No Standard Compensation There are no rules that set the amount brokers charge. Each brokerage independently decides what to charge and what services to provide. Some brokers charge a commission, while others charge a flat fee, hourly fee, or fees for specific tasks. Just like when you hire a lawyer, car mechanic, or architect, you get to shop around for the real estate brokerage that best suits you—the one that provides the services you want for a price you are willing to pay. Some brokers may choose to negotiate fees and services with clients, while others may decide not to. It is an independent business decision up to each broker. Expect a Written Agreement (Even if Just Looking) Business relationships work best when all parties are on the same page. Whether you’re buying or selling, you and your REALTOR® will sign a written agreement that spells out what services the broker will provide and how you will be charged. Even if you’re just looking and a broker agrees to show you homes for no charge, you should expect a written agreement noting those details. Cooperative Compensation Is an Option Selling brokers are not required to share their compensation with the buyer’s broker (a process referred to as cooperative compensation). However, many homesellers and listing brokers do offer cooperative compensation to help market the home. Why? Most mortgage lenders don’t allow broker compensation to be added to home loans, and many buyers do not have the financial ability to pay their buyer’s broker out of pocket on top of the other costs of buying a home. Cooperative compensation can make a home more affordable to a greater number of buyers. Your REALTOR® is the professional who can make your next move as smooth as possible. REALTORS® have the knowledge and skills to help you make informed decisions and reach your real estate goals.

What To Know When Hiring a REALTOR®2024-11-05T00:19:45-06:00

Get the Data You Need To Reach Your Real Estate Goals

2024-10-08T01:23:42-05:00

Data is king when making big financial decisions. That’s why it’s essential to know recent prices, current market trends, and related data when you’re buying, selling, or renting property. Who has access to that type of information? Your REALTOR®. Just as important, your REALTOR® can help you understand what the numbers and trends mean for you. Relevant Data For Your Transaction REALTORS® can pull the most recent sales in a neighborhood to help buyers and sellers know market conditions. They can show you what prices and rents have been doing over time to inform your decisions. REALTORS® can show you the big picture—is it a buyer’s market in your area?—and the hyperlocal picture—what are properties on that street selling for? Accurate And Reliable An internet search will give you plenty of sites claiming to provide home prices in an area, the number of properties sold, days on market, housing inventory, etc. But how do you know if those numbers are accurate or recent? Thankfully, your REALTOR® has access to the most accurate, reliable data. Plus, your REALTOR® will filter out the noise, showing only what matters to you and your goal. Interpreted For Your Situation Not only can REALTORS® provide the data, but they can also explain how it affects your transaction. It doesn’t do any good to know what a property sold for if you don’t know if that should affect the price of your listing or your offer for that house. Factors such as precise location, home features, and condition all affect what a home is worth. Work with a REALTOR® so you understand your market and avoid big mistakes when you buy, sell, or lease property.

Get the Data You Need To Reach Your Real Estate Goals2024-10-08T01:23:42-05:00

Should You Fix That Before You Sell?

2024-09-10T01:27:18-05:00

Making repairs before you list your home can positively affect the selling price and how quickly you attract a buyer. But do you need to fix everything before you put it on the market? Not all projects will be worth the time and money. Here are a few questions to consider to make your property more appealing. Does your home make a good first impression? A broken fence, overgrown yard, or rusted porch railing can make your home appear run down. Spend time removing clutter, fixing eye sores, cleaning the windows, or replacing damaged screens to make the home more inviting. Do you need to replace the flooring? Adding new carpet or wood flooring can provide a good return on investment if there is a lot of wear and tear. However, if it’s in decent shape, replacing flooring to put in something that the new owner may switch out might not be cost-effective. If needed, refinish the hardwood or professionally clean the carpet to give it new life. Is it necessary to paint? Fixing faded, scuffed, or peeling paint can make the house’s exterior look newer. It’s also a good idea to paint over bright colors that may turn off buyers. Choose a standard, neutral color to lighten up the space. Are renovations worth it? Depending on the age and design, you may not need a complete kitchen or bath remodel. But if you started a project, you should finish it. An unfinished project can affect the home’s selling price and may limit potential buyers to someone looking for a fixer-upper. Contact a REALTOR® for advice on improving your property value and getting the most out of your home sale.

Should You Fix That Before You Sell?2024-09-10T01:27:18-05:00

3 Tips for Staging Outdoor Spaces

2024-06-04T01:31:05-05:00

You’ve cleaned your house and arranged the rooms to showcase the best features. But what about your outdoor spaces? Don’t underestimate the power of highlighting the exterior property to boost the home’s value. Here are three strategies to get your outdoor space looking as impressive as the inside: Enhance the Entrance Create a great first impression. Don’t let overflowing gutters, mildew on exterior stone, or peeling paint spoil the welcome. If needed, pressure wash the driveway, install a new door, or stain the fence. Remove Distractions Lawn decorations like statues and garden gnomes are fun ways to include your personality when living in your home, but buyers are looking for a home they see themselves in. Remember to put away gardening tools, yard equipment, and kid toys. Set an Expectation Just like you would do with a kitchen or living room, arrange the outdoor furniture to show potential buyers the extra opportunities to dine, entertain, and unwind. For additional advice and tips for preparing your home for sale, contact a REALTOR®.

3 Tips for Staging Outdoor Spaces2024-06-04T01:31:05-05:00

Do You Trust the Internet to Solve Your Real Estate Problems?

2024-02-20T16:18:34-06:00

The process of buying, selling, or leasing property can get complicated in countless ways. Just look at the comments on real estate forums and websites. People encounter all manner of issues and are looking for advice about what do when … The seller has a lien he didn’t know about. A person buying a home is thinking of renting out her current home rather than selling it. The seller accepted the buyer’s offer, and now the buyer found a home he likes better. The homebuyer wants to move in before closing and rent the home until the closing date. An inspection revealed costly repairs are needed, and the buyer wants to renegotiate the purchase price. A buyer has a contract to buy a home and learned the seller has another a contract with a second buyer. The buyer and seller disagree about what items should stay with the property after the sale. A buyer of a commercial building doesn’t understand the seller’s reply to his offer. The seller wants to know how to handle multiple offers. The seller didn’t show up to closing, and the buyer doesn’t know what to do. This list could keep going and going.  When you “ask the internet,” you don’t know if the answers you get are accurate. On the other hand, a REALTOR® is a professional with the experience and knowledge to help you avoid many problems, deal with those that arise, and help you reach the best possible outcome on your real estate transaction.  If you’re not working with a REALTOR®, find one here. 

Do You Trust the Internet to Solve Your Real Estate Problems?2024-02-20T16:18:34-06:00

4 Ways to Make Your Home Sell Quickly

2024-02-06T01:20:57-06:00

Did you know there are actions you can take to make your home sell swiftly? Here are four tips to do just that: Use a REALTOR®  Those owners who hire a REALTOR® sell their homes more quickly than if they tried to sell their home on their own. That’s because REALTORS® know how to market your property so it reaches the right buyers. Make the Price Right  An overpriced home is destined to sit on the market. Your REALTOR® will give you accurate information about comparable home prices in your area as well as the current marketplace, so you can choose the right price from the start.  Declutter  It’s important for potential buyers to see themselves in your home. Make it easier for them by putting away the kid’s playhouse, the dog bed, and your collection of doll heads. Cleaning often and storing items will be worth it for a quicker sale. Fix Lingering Problems  People will notice the door that doesn’t quite shut all the way, the scratches on your baseboard, and the rattling ceiling fan. Even small fixes can make a big difference in how attractive your home is to a buyer. Your REALTOR® can give you specific advice for your home that can help you take your property from for sale to sold.

4 Ways to Make Your Home Sell Quickly2024-02-06T01:20:57-06:00

How to Vet Your Next Moving Company

2024-01-09T13:18:33-06:00

Moving is rarely stress-free. During this busy time, don’t gloss over the important step of vetting your moving company. Watch out for these red flags. The Basics Aren’t in Writing Be suspicious if your movers don’t provide a written cost estimate or say they will figure out the charges after loading. Think twice if your movers—or a broker who works with movers—gives you an estimate without inspecting your stuff. Does that estimate seem low to you? Is it low compared to other written estimates? Furthermore, watch out if your movers ask you to sign blank documents or claim you have more possessions than the estimate says. Their Details Aren’t Clear Be wary if the company does not have a local address or doesn’t identify themselves when you call them. Do the movers say their insurance will cover your stuff but they don’t ask you to itemize or value your belongings? Are these movers even authorized to be movers? You can look up the company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Registered Mover Database. Consider checking with the Better Business Bureau, too. They Didn’t Share Required Information Movers and moving brokers are required to give you a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and the “Ready to Move” brochure. Did you receive them? Significant Payment Required Up Front Are the movers asking for a large deposit or cash before the move? Some sort of deposit may be required but it shouldn’t be an enormous sum—or ever required in cash. Talk to your REALTOR® about how to make your move as smooth as possible. Your REALTOR® has the knowledge and skills to help you make informed decisions.

How to Vet Your Next Moving Company2024-01-09T13:18:33-06:00

What GRI Means After a REALTOR’S® Name

2023-12-12T10:27:48-06:00

REALTORS® can earn different certifications and designations to increase their expertise. Often, they list the credentials as abbreviations after their name—showcasing their commitment to providing a high level of professionalism through advanced education. Have you seen the letters “GRI” and wondered what they mean? The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is a nationally accredited program for real estate professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the industry. The 90-hour program consists of 14 intensive training courses in business development, legal and regulatory issues, professional standards, sales processes, and the latest technology. When you hire REALTORS®, you know they will have the skills to navigate the real estate market and achieve your goals.

What GRI Means After a REALTOR’S® Name2023-12-12T10:27:48-06:00

Smart Steps To Take Before You Buy or Sell a Home

2023-11-28T01:22:06-06:00

When thinking of buying or selling a home, you can take actions ahead of time that will pay off even if you’re not quite ready to view homes or put yours on the market. These steps may help you avoid surprises, reduce your stress, and maybe even save a bunch of money. Assemble Your Team You will need several experts to complete any real estate transaction, and the best place to start is with your REALTOR®. No one has a more complete picture of real estate transactions than REALTORS®—the professionals who are involved from start to finish. You also may need to work with lenders, title agents, appraisers, inspectors, surveyors, attorneys, stagers, repair professionals, and others. Your REALTOR® can explain these people’s roles and how they fit into the overall transaction. You may also be able to ask your REALTOR® for referrals to trusted specialists who provide these services. Make a list Whether buying a home, selling, or both, you’ll face plenty of decisions. Prioritizing your goals helps you narrow down your choices so you can focus on the most productive actions. When selling, you might decide that a quick transaction is more important than maximizing your sales price. As a buyer, weighing the relative importance of price, location, and features will help guide your decisions. Your REALTOR® is invaluable here, too, identifying factors to consider and discussing pros and cons of the options you’ll likely face. Take Action When is the right time to start working on your home purchase or sale? Earlier than you may think! If you’re buying, you can work on financing, boosting your credit score, and researching neighborhoods and properties. If you’re selling, you may benefit from decluttering, repairs, and remodeling. Once again, your REALTOR® can provide a wealth of information and resources to start you on a path to success. Whether buying or selling, your REALTOR® is your trusted guide to help you achieve your real estate dreams.

Smart Steps To Take Before You Buy or Sell a Home2023-11-28T01:22:06-06:00
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