Ten Jobs for Your Real Estate Professional
Your real estate professional is there to help you through the most challenging aspects of selling your home. This includes marketing, negotiating and closing the sale. While it may be hard for you to relinquish control of such an important job to your agent, there is plenty for you to do to make your transaction successful.
Your job is to make your home appealing to the marketplace with the right price and by keeping it in show-ready condition.
Jobs Your Agent Will Happily Do:
The CMA - While you choose the price of your home, your agent provides the most up-to-the-minute market information to let you know the approximate range your house will sell. The Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) shows recent homes for sale and homes recently sold that are most similar to yours. The CMA will feature homes similar to yours in neighborhood, type of home, price and other relevant variables.
Listing Your Home - Selling your own home is possible; but it is also stressful, time consuming and won't save you the money you think it will. Real estate professionals sell your home faster and for more money. Over 85% of home owners list with a professional.
Sales Strategy - Your agent knows the market, what buyers are responding to and what lenders are willing to loan. He or she will help you choose a sales strategy based on your personal needs.
Communications - Your real estate professional will be in touch as often as needed with feedback and changes in the marketplace. You are also welcome to call anytime for updates.
Marketing - Every market is different. Your real estate professional knows where to put your listing for the most exposure, how to present your home online and in flyers, and how to network to get more qualified buyers into your home.
Showings - Opening your home to qualified buyers is important, but the key word here is qualified. Your agent will make certain that other agents only bring serious buyers inside your home.
Negotiations - It’s easy to get frustrated with buyers who make low offers or ask for numerous concessions. Keeping negotiations between your agent and the buyer’s takes the emotions away.
Contracts - Your buyer will likely use a state-approved contract for the offer. This contract is carefully written to avoid misunderstandings and to protect both parties from misinterpretations. Your agent will carefully look it over to make sure your interests are protected and make appropriate suggestions or changes if necessary
Moving The Transaction Forward - Your agent will work very hard to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction preform all necessary parts in the appropriate time. By moving the transaction forward, your closing won't be delayed.
Coordinating the Closing - Once you and your buyer have reached an agreement, the transaction must be turned over to a closing agent. This closing agent is typically a title company that manages the paperwork for the closing sale. You will meet in a neutral location and sign the documents. Your agent will accompany you to make certain the closing goes smoothly.
Trust your agent to do their job. Selling a home can take weeks or months, depending on market conditions. Remember that your agent wants to sell your home as much as you do. Their business depends on repeat customers and referrals.