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Real estate transactions
involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in
their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a
$100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the
help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it
without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the
large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate
without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.
But if you're still not
convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more
reasons to use one:
1. When selling your home,
your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is
happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition
of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property
sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
2. Your REALTOR®
markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often,
your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will
significantly enhance the salability of your property. In many
markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative
sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer.
Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing
information about your property to other real estate agents through a
Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open
houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR®
Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these
cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.
3. Your REALTOR®
will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a
misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the
result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends,
family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of
your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home.
Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified
prospects through your property.
4. Your REALTOR®
can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without
compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the
beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of
possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally
binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the
process.
5. Your REALTOR®
can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales
agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example,
unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title
is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most
sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you
resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
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