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Why Work with a
Realtor?
You're selling your home and you make an
appointment with a real estate agent. You are impressed with the listing
presentation and the agent asks if you want to contract with them --
i.e., their assistance in exchange for a commission. At this point you may
be asking yourself: "Exactly what do I get for my money?"
Following are just some of the wide array of services you may receive
when you enlist the help of a real estate professional:
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Compiling information about your
home in preparation for the listing. This information can include
your home's square footage, type of heating and cooling, proximity
to schools, and so on. |
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Estimating your property's value,
taking into account comparable sales in your area. This is done in
order to help you price it right. |
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Preparing, coordinating, and paying
for advertising and marketing efforts in your home. This can include
putting advertisements in the paper, conducting open houses, placing
a sign in front of the home, putting your home on the local cable TV
station and on the internet. |
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Screening prospective buyers so
that only qualified buyers with serious intentions are shown your
home. |
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Listing the property on the MLS
(multiple listing service) and working with other agents to let the
maximum number of qualified buyers see your property. |
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Writing offers, placing the buyer's
deposit in escrow, and taking care of other necessary documentation
such as title reports. |
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Advising you on aspects of the
sales contract and dealing with the buyer on various elements you
may want to negotiate. This includes negotiating with the buyer on
price, if necessary, in an effort to obtain the full value for your
home. |
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Helping the buyer locate financing,
arrange for home inspections and an appraisal, and other details in
preparation for the closing. |
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Accompanying you to the closing or
attending in your place. |
Working with a real estate agent can
save you time, money, and headaches. When you enter into a contract with
an agent, you have the security of knowing that your agent is legally
representing you and acting in your best interest throughout the
property transaction. Additionally, choosing to work with a real estate
agent who's a Realtor can give you added peace of mind. Realtors are
more than licensed real estate practitioners. Realtors subscribe to a Code
of Ethics and pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to both
buyers and sellers.
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