Why Use A Real Estate Agent?
Many people think they can save money by not hiring a real estate agent, but when you use a licensed real estate agent, you hire an expert to market your home. An experienced agent brings a wealth of knowledge to your real estate transaction. When you work with a Northpoint Brokerage, LLC ("Northpoint Brokerage") agent, you can expect accurate property evaluations, professionally hosted open houses, and immediate exposure to other Northpoint Brokerage agents and their extensive client data bases. Our agents expedite the process by pre-qualifying buyers to ensure a timely and successful sale, and eliminating “window shoppers” who just take up your time. More importantly, our experienced agents possess the negotiating skills that assure the best price for your property. As service-driven real estate agents, we are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to achieve maximum exposure for your property.
What’s The Difference Between A Seller’s Agent And A Buyer’s Agent?
A seller’s agent has a legal obligation to represent the interests of the seller and is always paid by the seller. This agent works with the home owner to establish an appropriate sale price for the home then markets that property, often through a multiple listing service. A seller’s agent is paid only if the home is sold, taking commission on a percentage of the final sale. A buyer’s agent represents the interests of the buyer, yet the buyer agent’s fee or commission may be paid by the buyer, seller, or negotiated between buyer and seller. In either case, whether representing the buyer or seller, the agent’s expertise in real estate can help his or her client comfortably negotiate the purchase and sale process. Regardless of whether the buyer is found by a seller’s agent or a buyer’s agent, both as licensed real estate agents, are required by law to treat both the seller and the buyer fairly and ethically.
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What About Home Enhancement?
There are often inexpensive steps you can take to increase your home’s marketability. You want to always present your house in the best possible light to ensure that it sells quickly at the strongest possible selling price. Your Northpoint Brokerage agent will guide you through steps you can take to present your home and set it apart from the competition. More importantly, our agents have access to our development company’s subcontractors who can assist in showcasing your home to sellers with the most cost-effective repairs and enhancements.
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Do I Need To Provide A Seller’s Disclosure?
Full disclosure of your property’s condition can facilitate a successful transaction by minimizing problems at inspections and eliminating misunderstandings between seller and buyer. But sellers often wonder what they should disclose. Generally, a seller should disclose any problems or facts not readily apparent to a buyer. For instance, if your basement floods, and evidence of flooding is not obvious, this should be disclosed. Sellers should not be afraid of disclosure, as the more you disclose about your house, the more supportable the asking price. Undisclosed information “discovered” by a buyer could result in a last moment request for repricing.
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What Affects The Market Value Of My Property?
In the simplest possible terms, the market sets the price. Your agent will look at the prices of recently sold comparable homes in your area, homes that are currently on the market, and the length of time on the market. They will also evaluate homes that were on the market but did not sell. This will tell you what buyers are willing to pay in the current market. Surprising to many sellers, the price originally paid for your home may have no effect on its current value, and the costs of improvement made to your home over time may not be fully recoverable. When a home does not sell in an otherwise robust market, you can assume the market is speaking...and it is saying the price is too high.
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How Can I Be Sure I Am Asking The Best Price For My Property?
Establishing a selling price can be one of the most emotionally charged aspects of selling your home. As difficult as it may be, one of the most important things you can do is abandon your personal point of view–this is a time for objectivity. You will want to consider a number of market conditions. Are home prices in your area trending upwards or downwards? How long are homes on the market? Are interest rates attractive? Will you be selling in a buyer’s market or a seller's market? How is the economy–the local job market? Your listing agent wants you to realize the highest obtainable price for your home. You can rely on your Northpoint Brokerage agent’s local market knowledge to guide you in establishing the correct price for your property.
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What Is The MLS?
MLS means Multiple Listing Services, a tool which informs agents of properties offered for sale by other agents in a given area. Only a registered and licensed real estate agent has access to the MLS. Through the MLS, an exclusive listing is submitted to all members of a real estate association, so that each may have an opportunity to sell a listed property. While the term MLS is commonly used in today’s real estate market, the benefits to buyers and sellers may not be fully appreciated.
If you are a buyer, the MLS provides your agent with access and information to all listed properties in your market area. If you are a seller, you will enjoy the benefit of the wide exposure the MLS offers since all licensed agents are able to share, show and sell MLS properties. With the Multiple Listing Service, real estate companies agree to share their listings with other companies without the need to ask permission to show or sell them.
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How Can We Work Together And How Will You Market My Property?
We welcome the opportunity to work with you. You can be sure of our commitment and meticulous attention to every detail of your real estate transaction. In addition to personalized service and a commitment to excellence, your agent will then offer immediate exposure not only to other agents within the Northpoint Brokerage network, but to all other area agents. We ensure that your property receives consistent advertising in a range of publications targeted to the correct buyer profile, and we will regularly host open houses. Though it may seem simple, the presence of a yard sign is also critical to the sales and promotion effort. Yard signs are yet another method of advertising that constantly remind the public that your house is on the market. They capture the attention of drive–by potential buyers and provide important ‘on the spot’ contact information.