What factors/attributes should you consider when selecting a real estate agent and brokerage firm? In this less than perfect market it is important to select an agent/firm that will give you the best opportunity to sell your property in the shortest time and for the highest price. You have too much at stake. You must COMPARE.
Market Knowledge
Your agent should eliminate guesswork by providing you with the most current real estate trends possible so you can make informed decisions.
Technological Ability
Find an agent who can use technology to market your property in a way that will make it stand out. Real estate is no longer sold in the same way as it was 10-30+ years ago. Your neighbor, relative, or club member may no longer be your best choice for an agent. The sign in front of your home and the ad in the paper are no longer the first point of contact. Real estate has gone GLOBAL.
Valuation Experience
Your agent should help you price your property properly so that it has the best chance to sell within a reasonable time rather than languish on the market. Beware of the agent who first asks, “What do you want for me to list it for”. Don’t let them “cheat” by relying on the tax records which are often unreliable.
Years of Experience
Your agent should bring to you and your property a solid background in real estate to help you with your particular situation. Today, in this information age, an agent should understand you are well-informed and he/she should be available as a resource, a trusted advisor, someone who provides you with guidance.
CHOOSING AN AGENT CHECKLIST
1. Are you a full time agent?
2. How many years of real estate education/experience do you have?
3. What is your ranking among all agents in the area?
4. How well do you know the market and our price range?
5. What is your sale price to list price ratio?
6. How will your marketing separate my property from others?
7. How long are your listings typically on the market? How will you keep us informed? How frequently?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Paradigm Shift
Real Estate Has Gone Global
Thinking of buying or selling real estate? Fasten your seat belts because the industry has changed immensely for both realtors and consumers over the past few years. You as a consumer now have the ability to view almost as much information as your realtor. In fact, you can: receive automated emails that alert you to newly listed properties in real time; view high resolution photos of every room in a property; study aerial photographs and GIS maps to identify boundaries, soil conditions, public improvements, etc; receive virtual tours of the property showing the interior and exterior of a structure; enhance your understanding of a layout by viewing floor plans; study public tax records online; and you can analyze neighborhood sales on your own without leaving your chair.
Your realtor is no longer a tour guide with the only access to information. Now you have the tools to research a market 24/7 using the internet. However, the value of a professional realtor has never been more pivotal in the successful purchase or sale of real estate. Now, the dissemination and interpretation of vast amounts of data presents an opportunity for those consumers aligned with a new breed of realtor who can set up systems to spot an over-priced or under-priced property or to market a property to consumers on the other side of the globe.
Social networking and local market knowledge have always been integral in the real estate sales process but the number of out of market transactions are on the rise. Exploiting a global marketing plan is critical in shortening the sale cycle and increasing the chance of selling at the highest price. This is particularly true for luxury real estate and commercial real estate markets. Placing a sign in front of a property gives notice to the local market that the property is for sale but does little to reach the global marketplace.
Increase your chances of reaching your real estate goals by making sure your realtor can provide: Global Exposure, Experience & Technological Expertise
Thinking of buying or selling real estate? Fasten your seat belts because the industry has changed immensely for both realtors and consumers over the past few years. You as a consumer now have the ability to view almost as much information as your realtor. In fact, you can: receive automated emails that alert you to newly listed properties in real time; view high resolution photos of every room in a property; study aerial photographs and GIS maps to identify boundaries, soil conditions, public improvements, etc; receive virtual tours of the property showing the interior and exterior of a structure; enhance your understanding of a layout by viewing floor plans; study public tax records online; and you can analyze neighborhood sales on your own without leaving your chair.
Your realtor is no longer a tour guide with the only access to information. Now you have the tools to research a market 24/7 using the internet. However, the value of a professional realtor has never been more pivotal in the successful purchase or sale of real estate. Now, the dissemination and interpretation of vast amounts of data presents an opportunity for those consumers aligned with a new breed of realtor who can set up systems to spot an over-priced or under-priced property or to market a property to consumers on the other side of the globe.
Social networking and local market knowledge have always been integral in the real estate sales process but the number of out of market transactions are on the rise. Exploiting a global marketing plan is critical in shortening the sale cycle and increasing the chance of selling at the highest price. This is particularly true for luxury real estate and commercial real estate markets. Placing a sign in front of a property gives notice to the local market that the property is for sale but does little to reach the global marketplace.
Increase your chances of reaching your real estate goals by making sure your realtor can provide: Global Exposure, Experience & Technological Expertise
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