Selling

Q.        I have had realtors that are all gung ho to get my business. Once the contract is signed I don?t see them until there is an offer. They have put lock boxes on my house and a sign on the lawn and that is it.  Do you do that?

A.        NO.  You are hiring me to sell  your home that includes being present when it is being shown.  Buyers have questions, how can a Realtor that has never been to your home possibly answer them?  First impressions are important, I arrive at your home to set the mood by turning on the lights and heat as well as making sure your home is ready.

Q.        When you list my home will I be able to deal with you or do I  have to speak with your assistant?

A.        Well to start my assistant is unlicensed and therefore can not show properties, nor give you advise on your property.  You will always be dealing with me directly.

Q.        What is your commission rate?

A.        The cost of selling your home is usually less than 4% of the total selling price.  Discount companies focus on saving      20% to 50%  on fees. My value added approach is about maximizing the selling price and terms in any type of  market.   Most discount companies will focus on what little they charge, with no emphasis on their  negotiating skills,  experience or marketing program  LESS IS NOT OFTEN BEST!

Q.        Should I put my house on an Exclusive Listing?

A.        Some Realtors will tell you that  you can save money by offering your home for sale by way of an exclusive Listing.  Are you really saving money when the objective is to sell your home? Why keep it a secret? MLS is one of the best Real Estate Marketing tools.  By listing your home exclusively for the first 30 to 60 days you could be missing the right buyer. To save what?

Q.        I see ads where  Realtors claim to be #1, what does that really mean?

A.        Well I guess it is a perception that more is better.  The reality is that sales volume bears no relationship to the   quality of each individual transaction.  Would you think  that a high volume fast food outlet was the place for the best      meal in town?   What does # 1 mean?  Number of sales, dollar volume of sales, volume of commission earned, medallion statistics, area statistics, company statistics?  We are all #1 in our own minds.

You should choose a Realtor on the basis of market knowledge, expertise, negotiating ability  as well as the ability to recognize and help you to achieve your goals.  Don?t be shy about asking for letters of reference?  I have LOTS of them.

When choosing a  Realtor  many people feel they need to interview 3 realtors to see who comes up with the best price for their home.  Think about it, Realtor number one comes in and gives you a price, Realtors number two & three will already know that they are next in line and this tends to encourage ?bidding up? of the price in order to get the listing.  Work with the Realtor that you feel you can work well with.  You should feel comfortable having that Realtor in your home and around your family, this is probably the one that  will do the best job for you. 

A Realtor no matter how busy they are should treat you as if you are their only client