
Real Estate Agents – Describe the Home-Selling Process
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by Matthew Butler
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Del Aria Team write: In addition to representing the Seller, Real Estate agents also act as go-betweens for both the buyer and the seller. Typically, a Listing agent is paid by the Seller to market a home and guide prospective buyers on a walk-through. They also communicate with buyer's agents and evaluate offers. In short, they are responsible for negotiating the best possible terms for their clients. Real estate agents are known by several synonyms, which has led to misinformation on various websites.
Selling a home is similar to buying a home
Listed in reverse order of purchase, selling a home is similar to buying a new one in many ways. First, it takes time. Second, it is emotionally challenging because strangers will come in and poke around your house, which might lead them to offer less than you deserve. Lastly, it will take longer to sell your home, since there are fewer buyers. But don't let this discourage you! Here are some tips on selling your home.
If you are a first-time buyer, sell your current home and buy a new one. While you might be happy with your current home, you may want to move to a new location or upgrade it. In that case, selling your home is a great way to get a down payment for your new one. However, you should consider the timeline of your closing and negotiate for contingencies. Even with careful planning, unexpected events can occur. Contingencies help you move your closing date or walk away with minimal financial pain.
Seller pays real estate agent's commission
When you sell a home, you pay a commission to the real estate agent who sells the property. Typically, this commission is around 6% of the price of the home. Of this commission, half goes to the listing agent, and the other half goes to the buyer's agent. The commission is split 50:50 between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, but you can negotiate an uneven split.
While most sellers don't want to pay the agent's commission, there are ways to make the transaction work for everyone. In the U.S., about 11% of agents are paid jointly by both sellers and buyers, and 6% of agents are paid exclusively by buyers. Some homeowners choose to sell their homes For Sale By Owner (FSBO) rather than using an agent. FSBO sales generate an average price that is 35% lower than agent-assisted sales. If the seller saves the commission on the agent's fees, they'll likely spend it on marketing the home, and may have to shell out for other expenses.
Listing agent is go-between for buyer and seller
A listing agent acts as a go-between between a buyer and seller throughout the home-selling process. In a seller's favor, a listing agent can provide professional consultation and walk the seller through the steps of the home-selling process. Among other things, a listing agent helps the seller set a competitive price that ensures the home sells quickly. Setting a price too high or too low may result in your home staying on the market for too long, and you might miss out on profits. Instead, a listing agent can perform a comparative market analysis to determine a fair market price based on the features of your home.
A listing agent works with the buyer and seller to prepare the listing document. Among other duties, he or she communicates with the buyers' agent and negotiates the sale price. A listing agent is responsible for coordinating the process of getting multiple offers, which involves negotiating the final price and the terms of the sale. A good listing agent will also recommend other professionals to assist in the home-selling process, including real estate attorneys, inspectors, stagers, and home-improvement experts.
Marketing a home
The process of selling your home is a competitive one. Potential buyers look for the best deal and base their expectations on what other homes in the neighborhood have sold for. By staging the home, you are attracting buyers who will imagine themselves living in it. Potential buyers will want to know how your property differs from other homes and what you have to offer them. When it comes to selling your home, marketing it in the most effective way will increase its chances of attracting a buyer.
A good listing agent will present a clear marketing plan, including MLS listings, open houses, targeted campaigns, and photo shoots. It's also important for sellers to be active in the process, taking photos, opting for virtual tours, and tapping into networks to attract potential buyers. Ben Reynolds, Founder and CEO of Sure Dividend, suggests that homeowners hire a professional photographer to take good quality photos of their home. A professional photo of the home will make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Negotiating with buyer's agent
A buyer's agent can be a great asset to your listing. It can help you make the best case for the price you'd like, while still putting the agent's best interests first. In order to find the best agent, know as much about your neighborhood as possible and choose one who seems motivated and willing to negotiate. If the agent is new to the area, a newer agent may be more responsive and willing to negotiate.
The commission that the seller pays the buyer's agent can be substantial. But it's not impossible to negotiate with them. You can do this in several ways, from providing information on competing offers to suggesting ways to make your offer more appealing. And if the agent accepts your offer, the agent will begin the paperwork, such as contracts and disclosures. Using a buyer's agent protects your best interests and is an invaluable resource during the entire process.
Del Aria Team write: In addition to representing the Seller, Real Estate agents also act as go-betweens for both the buyer and the seller. Typically, a Listing agent is paid by the Seller to market a home and guide prospective buyers on a walk-through. They also communicate with buyer's agents and evaluate offers. In short,…
Del Aria Team write: In addition to representing the Seller, Real Estate agents also act as go-betweens for both the buyer and the seller. Typically, a Listing agent is paid by the Seller to market a home and guide prospective buyers on a walk-through. They also communicate with buyer's agents and evaluate offers. In short,…