The 2015 selling season is off and running in Oxford with us realtors busy as a bee! From all indications I’m hearing that this year appears already that it will trump 2014, which was a pretty good year all around.
My featured guest columnist this week is Billy Clark. Billy has been a licensed general contractor since 1990, and he became a realtor in Oxford in 2010. Billy is focusing on all the reasons why it’s beneficial to use a realtor when buying and selling real estate.
With so many buyers turning to the Internet to begin their home-buying process, and with so many sites available to home owners selling property, many sellers decide that selling their homes themselves will eliminate paying the Realtor’s commission, thus pocketing the extra money for themselves. But before choosing to put a “For Sale by Owner” sign in the yard, consider a few reasons to list your home with a realtor. Did you know…
1. A realtor can sell your house for more money.
According to the National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
2. Realtors have the market knowledge to price your home competitively.
Realtors have recent comps for homes like yours to use as the basis for pricing your home, and a home correctly priced will sell faster.
3. Realtors do this full time.
Are you available to show your home at the convenience of the buyer, or do you show your home around your schedule or your family’s activity schedule?
4. Realtors pre-qualify buyers.
Potential buyers brought to your home have been screened as to their ability to receive financing required to purchase your home.
5. A Realtor can be objective, handle the criticism of the house, and focus on how well the home suits the buyer.
Owners have emotional attachments to the house, and will focus on the home rather than the buyer’s needs. Buyers are reluctant to offer criticism to an owner, but will speak freely with a Realtor. Often a Realtor can talk a buyer through perceived problems. If not, the criticism may be helpful in correcting the problem prior to the next showing.
6. Realtors screen buyers as to their genuine interest in purchasing your home.
Screening buyers eliminates those looking only out of curiosity. Screening buyers also helps eliminate would-be thieves, checking out your home to return later to steal your valuables.
7. Realtors know how to negotiate and how to overcome objectives.
Handling counter offers and contingencies can be frustrating to inexperienced owners.
8. Realtors understand how to complete the many contracts, forms and disclosure statements required in a real estate transaction.
9. Realtors guide the transaction to closing.
Realtors work with closing attorneys, banks, inspectors, etc., to see the process through to a successful closing.
10. Realtors advertise your home.
In addition to multi-media available to owners, Realtors work with other Realtors to make sure your property is marketed to all potential buyers, regardless of the agency/Realtor the buyer has selected to represent him. Realtors make sure copy is available, press deadlines are met, and your Realtor pays for your advertising!
Interview several realtors and choose the one you are comfortable working with -— the one you feel has the knowledge and experience to get the job done. You’ll be glad you did!
