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How a Good
Realtor Could Maximize Your Real Estate Profits
We provide real estate services to buyers
and sellers in Pennsylvania (Berks County, Chester County, Delaware County,
Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Drexel Hill, Haverford Township, Havertown and Upper Darby) as well as in
New Jersey (Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Camden County and Gloucester
County).
Most of us are not aware of the trends and fluctuations of the real estate
market. Likewise we don’t know the steps necessary to maximize profits on the
sale of our home. We rely heavily on the real estate agent to lead us down the
path of profits. Considering your home is typically the most valuable asset you
possess, doesn’t it make sense to list with someone who will be able to generate
the most money in a sale?
This page was designed to empower you with critical information necessary to
evaluate an agent’s qualifications and help you identify the professional that
will best serve your needs. The more meticulous you are in your search for an
agent, the higher your profits will be.
Start by doing some research. Find out who the most active real estate agents
are in your market. Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for referrals, then
compile a list and find out how the agent markets his or her listings to sell.
Place a call to each of the agents on your list. Document how quickly they
return your call. Remember, they will be returning calls to your prospective
homebuyers. Do an initial interview over the phone so when you meet, you will
be prepared.
Request a step-by-step MARKETING PLAN for your sale
including everything from title to escrow so you know exactly what services the
agent will provide. Evaluate the team that your potential agent has assembled.
Top producers will have established relationships with lenders, title reps, and
inspectors. They are there for your benefit. Should any of these people not be
prepared to handle any aspect of the sale, then you are not receiving the best
possible service.
Request a complete report of your property with ideas for improvements, cosmetic
changes or structural repairs that can add value to your property. A small
investment up front can pay huge dividends at the time of the sale. Also
request detailed information about current market conditions, the competition of
other homes for sale and proper pricing. Have your agent educate you on all
aspects regarding your sale.
Insist that all potential buyers be pre-qualified to purchase your home. Screen
out unwanted prospects before getting to the final stages of negotiating.
Request a complete net sheet, minus commissions and fees, so you know exactly
how much money you will profit at the time of the sale.
Insist on a step-by-step marketing plan of how your home is going to be marketed
and sold. Look for innovative ways to attract homebuyers. Demand 24-hour
advertising through the internet (since most buyers start their search here), lead accountability, and tracking services. These services do
exist and you should make sure they are part of your home’s marketing.
Investigate the agent’s marketing strategy. Do they waste their time cold
calling all day or do they have a MARKETING PLAN in place to attract qualified
buyer prospects? Do they contact those leads? Also find out what type of
direct mail campaign the agent has in place. Is it professional? Does the
mailing generate buyer prospects that would be interested in purchasing your
house?
What type of advertising will they use? Insist that the advertising
be well written and professional in appearance. They should be advertising in the local newspaper
with greatest circulation and with yard signs. The
quality of the advertising will directly affect how well your home will be
perceived.
Have a written and well-conceived negotiating strategy. A sound negotiating
strategy can make thousands of dollars of difference when the final sale goes
through, so your agent must have a plan in place for this aspect.
Finally, have a written closing checklist. You need to know how to conclude the
sale of your home in an orderly and legally sound manner.
A strong, qualified agent must meet all the requirements listed
here if they are truly going to sell your property for TOP DOLLAR.
Choosing your Agent wisely. Any agent will show enthusiasm and will want to list
your house for sale but choose your agent based upon:
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Experience at listing and marketing houses for sale.
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Ability to use technology to market your house world wide to buyers 24/7.
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Reviewing with you a comprehensive Marketing Analysis of home sales in your
area.
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Ability to offer a written detailed MARKETING PLAN that will get your
house sold at the highest possible price.
Working with a full-time professional real
estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions of him
or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for
sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your
agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer
service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing? A good
listing agent can get your house sold quickly at TOP DOLLAR and help you find a
new home.
To receive
your FREE copy of Homebuyer's Handbook or Homeseller's Handbook, click here.
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