How to select an Agent

1. Like anything else, shop around.
2. Go to open homes, and watch the agent in action.
3. Interview at least 3 agents.
4. Select an agent who has good knowledge of your area.
5. Choose an agent who listens to your needs & one you can trust.
6. Search on the internet and look at the agent’s article and photos on their listings, as this is the person who is going to be representing your home. If their work is slap dash, then you can expect the same!
7. Look for an agent, who can negotiate, it’s their negotiating skills that will get you the best deal!
8. Understand the difference between a pushy agent and one who knows how to sell.

Questions you should ask the Agent:-

1) How many listings do you have?:-

If an agent has too many listing, you may find that they won’t be giving your property the attention it deserves.

2) Do you have any referral letters from past clients:-

It is always good to see the comments of past clients; remember the agent is a stranger that you will be giving your most expensive asset for sale. If you are able to get contact numbers to speak to past clients, this would be great.

3) What are your fees and commission structure?:-

It is always good to find this out, as some agents will negotiate their fees. Bear in mind that the cheapest agent may not be the best agent!

4) How are you going to sell my home?:-

All good agents should be able to provide you with a marketing plan of at least 4 weeks; this should also include a weekly report as to what events have taken place.

5) Who pays for advertising?:-

Remember this is your home… some agents may offer to pay. Consider before accepting, is it in your best interest! Once an agent pays, they now have an invested interest in your property. They do not need any incentives; they have the commission as one.

What kind of listing should I have?

1) Open Listing also known as Multi Listing:

Pros:

· More commission for the selling agent, which does not affect the vendor.

Cons:

· Security – If you are handing out keys to your property.

· Agents give less attention.

· Multiple signage – makes the vendor look desperate

· Top agents will not list

It’s a myth that the more agents you have the more buyers! All agents have the same buyers.

2) FSBO – For Sale by Owner

Pros:

· No agent commission fees

Cons:

· Likely to get less money…

· Less inspections

· Lack of negotiating skills

3) Exclusive Listing

Pros:

· Likely to get more for the sale

· Quicker sale

· Dealing with one agent rather than four

· More attention

If you opt for an exclusive listing, make sure that the agent is prepared to conjunct with other agencies. Any agent that is not prepared to conjunct with outside agencies is not working in your best interest

Cons:

· Locked into an agreement, with one agent who may not be working very well.

It is important for you to do your research when selecting an agent. If you are not happy with your agent and want to terminate your agreement, you should put your request in writing to the office principal. If an agent has not fulfilled their duties you have every right to terminate.

Anne Harris of Jamaica Property Finder, a former licenced Real Estate Agent in Qld, Australia. With extensive experience in several fields is an entrepreneur with a vision of revolutionising the Jamaican real estate market through the creation of an interactive platform for consolidating property listings in the country.

http://jamaicapropertyfinder.com

It is safe to say that buying your home is one of the most important and expensive decisions you will ever make. It is due to this fact that you should get as much help and advice as possible when doing so. By gaining the right help and advice it is important that you know your legal rights and understand the buying process. The best way of doing this is by hiring the help of a real estate agent who is experienced and trained in all aspects of the Michigan real estate market.

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What is seller financing? You may have heard of this before but did not fully understand it. Other terms for this are owner carry back and owner financing. This is a type of loan given by the seller to the buyer. The concept may be puzzling. Why would the seller lend the buyer a certain amount if he were in need of the proceeds, right? To fully understand this type of loan, read on.

This can be used in various occasions. For instance, a borrower applies for a mortgage loan amounting to $300,000. However, the lender only approved $250,000. This means that the borrower is $50,000 short. He can consult his real estate agent. In return, the agent can discuss his condition with the buyer. If the buyer agrees to carry back the amount, then seller financing takes place. This would entail that the buyer will make two payments, one to the lender and the other to the seller. (more…)

Locating a real estate agent can be tough but this guide will give you some guidelines on how to find the perfect real estate professional to help you buy or advertise a home.

Places to Discover a Real Estate Agent?

There are several different methods to finding a real estate agent, but not all are equally beneficial. Here are the best places to find an agent:

Recommendation from friend
Calling sale ads/from signs directly
Online real estate agent directory (more…)