Thursday, November 10, 2016

Why Buyers Should Call the Listing Agent - Myths and Realities

Some prospective home-buyers I have spoken with over the years called me about one of my listings.  One of the early questions I always ask is whether they are working with another real estate agent.

Sometimes the answer is no.

Sometimes the answer is yes.  If a caller already has an agent I send them back to their agent in a very nice way.

Having an established relationship with a buyer's agent prohibits the listing agent from interjecting them self into that relationship.  If a listing appeals to a buyer, call your real estate agent.  A buyer's relationship with their real estate agent is not open to interference by another real estate agent.

By placing a property in the local multiple listing service (MLS) system listing agents have agreed to pay a buyer's agent a "coop fee."

Remember, it does not cost a buyer anything to have their own representation (don't call the name on the sign out front!). 

Sometimes the purpose of the call is try to get a better price.  However, thinking "I can get a lower price by working with you because you know what the seller will take" is flawed.

First of all, even if I knew what the seller would take for the property, I would not disclose that to anyone.  Listing agents work for the seller - not a prospective buyer.

Sometimes the call is motivated by thinking the listing agent will lower their commission because there is no other agent involved.  This reduced cost can then be passed on to a seller in the form of a lower selling price.

Listing agents have a contract with their sellers.  That listing agreement already has a predefined payment.

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Ready to buy a house in Melbourne, Florida?  Call or text me at 321-693-3850.

agent@moving2brevard.com

Elections and Life....

To paraphrase the Serenity Prayer "Change the things you can, accept the things you can't."  This came to mind this morning as I watched reports of protesters dissatisfied with the election results.

And to those college students skipping class...the rest of it goes like  " and the wisdom to know the difference."

There have been fifteen presidential elections during my lifetime.  Although I have been mistakenly thought of as old I was not old enough to vote in all of them.

But I have voted in every one ever since I became of age.
 
Relax, boys and girls, here is the secret to surviving afterward.....
 
After every one of those elections the sun came out.   And it will tomorrow as well.
 
Relax.  Take a deep breath. 
 
Hurry back to class.  Get back to work... 
 
If you are ready to buy or sell a house in Melbourne, Florida, call or text me at 321-693-3850.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Monday, November 7, 2016

Selling Your Florida Home: The First Step....

Selling a home is a process.  There has been much written about the process.   Once a decision is made to sell your home what is the first step?

Some say it is hire a real estate agent.  Some say prepare your house.  There are probably as many answers and recommendations as there are people!

I say that choosing your real estate agent is the third thing to do.

So what are the first two things to do when getting ready to sell your home?

Number one: Manage the mindset.  Sellers need to change the thinking from selling my home to selling a house.   The house is now someone's future home.  Go ahead and clear the mind so when feedback comes a defensive posture is not assumed.  This is key for the second step.

Number two:  Choose the real estate agent who will sell the house.  Notice "the" house and not "your home."  Part of this process will be require an open and frank discussion about the property condition, competition and market prices.

Step 3:  Know what the next step is going to be.   This does not refer to the step in the closing process but the bigger picture.    Where are you moving?  Where will  you live?  Where is life going? 

Thinking about selling your Melbourne, Florida home?  Call me and lets talk about "the house" and where you are going next!  Call or text me at 321-693-3850.

agent@moving2brevard.com



 Image courtesy of ddpavumba at FreeDigitalPhotos.net