GARYANDLANA

Real estate professionals seem to think that buying and selling public knows everything about real estate, just because there are many real estate websites to visit.

This is not necessarily true.

For example, some buyers think they can save money by buying without an agent. The idea is that the listing agent will retain only half of the committee and give the other half to the buyer.

Need to know that does not work that way – and in fact the broker could lose its license for the payment of a person without a license.

The next bit of misinformation, I believe, a direct result of watching TV. Shoppers across the country have come to believe that there are thousands of homes for sale for pennies on the dollar. In some areas, sales prices are really into that category, but … wait a minute. The quoted prices already reflect that drop.

The other thing that the TV can not reveal is that all real estate is local. If you live in Texas, prices in Arizona are irrelevant.

So, what can be done to inform buyers and sellers?

You can use your newsletter, your blog, and your auto responders to send true information. You can share the reasons for a buyer’s agent and let prospects know all those things you do as an agent for them … the first vision until the final closure.

You can come right out and talk about misinformation. Discuss the news on TV and how it relates to your local market will help your buyers and sellers see that not all people are equal. So give them the real goods to your local market.

Perhaps your area has not been affected by the bubble at all … or maybe it’s the one that was hardest hit when the bubble burst. Whichever way it is, national news does not tell the local history.

When you talk to your dealer … You need to educate them on how to look for buyers for the houses now. And I think that should be done the first time you take the list. Otherwise, they may insist on expensive newspaper ads that do not work in your area – or open houses that nobody attended.

They also need to be educated about their responsibility for presentation – especially if yours is an area with a lot of competition.

Some people seem to think you are a dependent of the properties. ” (more…)

Whenever you buy or sell real estate, you may be like millions of other people out there, in thinking that you don’t need a real estate agent.  Most people who buy or sell homes, generally think that a real estate agent is a waste of money.  Those who choose to buy a new home, think that real estate agents only add to the cost of purchasing the home.

What most people aren’t aware of, is the fact that real estate agents are normally paid by the seller, not by the buyer.  As a buyer, you’ll get to work with a professional real estate agent without really having to pay for it yourself.  The policies can vary greatly from state to state and company to company, which is why you should always check any paperwork or contracts that are provided to you to ensure this is the case.  When you are interviewing agents, make certain to ask about any type of fees as well.

A lot of real estate agents out there may work with both buyers and sellers, although most specialize in working with either the buyer or the seller.  If you are buying a home, make sure that the agent you choose has prior experience of working with buyers and transactions that involve no money down.  This way, you can count on your agent to be there when you need him the most – especially if you don’t have a down payment.

If you are interviewing a real estate agent and he or she isn’t familiar with down payment assistance programs, you shouldn’t hire their services.  Agents who aren’t familiar with these types of programs generally aren’t on the level, or they may lack the experience necessary to help you purchase the home of your dreams.

You can also make a list of real estate agents that you can interview based on referrals from friends, lenders, and even family. Lender referrals are normally a great choice as most lenders have worked with their recommendations in the past and both are already familiar with each other.  Choosing a lenders referral can also prevent you from encountering any obstacles or surprises.
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