Know Who Your Real Estate Agent Really Represents

When buying a house one thing you can do to put yourself at a disadvantage is to call the real estate agent or office listed on the sign out front!  

I am not casting character aspersions on any real estate agent or office as I am both a buyer and sellers real estate agent.

Listing agents (and their office) represent  the seller - even if you call them up!  

I always caution the same thing whenever folks are considering new construction properties.  The sales representative in the builder's model home represent the builder first and foremost!

Florida real estate laws prohibit dual agency (i.e. representing both sides to a real estate transaction in a fiduciary capacity).  This is not to say a single agent can not be the transaction agent working "for the transaction."   

The main thing  is to know up front who the real estate agent is looking out for in a fiduciary capacity.

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida, representing buyers and sellers in Brevard County, Florida.

This is not to be considered as legal advice in any way as I am not an attorney.

A $60,000 DOLLAR REDUCTION - OH WOW!

I saw an MLS entry today that had a price reduction. The comments exclaimed and proclaimed this huge price reduction. I have to saw a really sarcastic ------ wow! Why?

Because this home is on my street. Because I knew this home was overpriced when it was listed. Is it priced right? In this market. I believe it is now.

Price is the most important component in real estate marketing. If it is not priced right, it will go un-seen! OK, it may be seen to make the others look like a good (at least better) deal!

Want to sell that Viera, Rockledge or Suntree home? Price it right from the get-go. There is a "golden period" when a new listing hits the streets and gets the most attention.

It is shameful to miss the "golden period" by being skipped over....and believe me, at almost $4 bucks a gallon folks are not going to waste gas seeing an overpriced listing!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty Melbourne, Florida -

Selling Suntree, Melbourne, Rockledge, Viera.

Top 10 Things Your Real Estate Agent Should Not Say

OK, this is probably - no, it is, written tongue-in-cheek. When you are looking to "hire" a real state agent to sell your home, be cautious if you here these words of "wisdom(?)".

1. You want to list your house at that price? That is way too low for this market!
2. Don't worry about the yard...buyers only want to see what is inside!
3. For you I will reduce my real estate commission
4. Advertise on the Internet? Why? I only advertise in newspapers.
5. Oh, a sign out front is really all we need.
6. I only return calls in the evening.
7. I don't work weekends.
8. Staging a home in this market is not really required.
9. A lockbox is not required. We can have all showings scheduled when you can be home!
10. I will try....

What do I say? For a further explanation of these responses, please feel free to contact me.

1. Price it right;
2. Enhance the curb appeal;
3. This is my living;
4. Most clients come from Internet promotion. Newspaper ads are nice for open houses;
5. A sign out front is only the first step;
6. I return calls at my earliest convenience - several times a day;
7. I work every weekend;
8. Staging is critical;
9. Ease of showing is a critical marketing step;I do what I say.
10. I do. If I can't do more than "will try" then I don't take on the task!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Email me at agent@moving2brevard.com or contact me by phone at 321-255-2600.

Please read my other blogs at www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21 and www.moving2brevard.blogspot.com