Call Jack McSweeney, A successful Realtor since 1989! 310 346-0391
So you’ve decided to sell your home. Congratulations! It’s a big step, and definitely a life-changing event not to be taken lightly.
An obvious question you might be asking yourself is: How do I put this all into motion and formulate a plan that will work best for my family?
Truthfully, once you’ve decided that selling your home is the next thing on your to-do list, call a professional, local Realtor.
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- But why hire a Realtor? Why not just handle it yourself?
Selling your home without representation could place any family in a compromised position with complex, and expensive consequences in the event something goes terribly wrong. If you don’t understand your State’s real estate laws and practices about disclosure, fair housing, and contract negotiation (just to list a few examples) could find yourself sweating in a court room, when you should be relaxing in your new living room. Professional and competent real estate agents absolutely bring uncompromised value to every transaction. Keeping family’s on target and staying clear of trouble is imperative.
- Yes, Realtors must follow the National Code of Ethics.
Realtors in the United States are required by law to stay informed and take continuing education every two years. Otherwise, they can’t renew their license or practice real estate at all. Realtors spend a lot of time and money receiving education and being involved in the day-to-day challenges/events that not only protect the public, but serve their clients individual needs.
Call Jack McSweeney, A successful Realtor since 1989! 310 346-0391
- A quick note about full-time Realtors:
Many agents that work in a full-time capacity spend a lot of time dealing and negotiating with other colleagues “in the biz” and often form strong alliances. Sometimes, word of mouth between agents about an up and coming listing gets a deal negotiated and closed without it ever hitting the MLS, or if it does go public, a well-informed agent can help you get a jump start to the front of the line without missing an opportunity.
- What should I expect from my Realtor anyhow?
Generally speaking, a local, professional real estate agent will be able to explain the process of getting your home ready for sale.
- What to do when the agent arrives:
Walk your Agent through your home explaining what you love about it or how it’s helped accommodate your family. Talk about charming features, square footage, neighborhood amenities or proximity to shopping, schools, events you enjoy, and any other practical or functional facts.
It’s important to make sure you disclose any upgrades or repairs you might have done and when. Also let the agent know if they were completed professionally.
In addition, it’s a good idea to call your bank and ensure all the paperwork on your home is current and all lines of credit you might have taken out are satisfied, or at least have current pay-off amounts associated with them.
- The realities of selling. Fact and fiction revealed:
The agent should present the facts about your home and tell the truth about how your home currently stands among the competition that’s out there. It’s important to note that while many websites out there claim to know the value of your home simply by plugging in a few numbers, or submitting your address, are to be taken with a grain of salt. Those sites can be fun to explore but trusting the guidance of a local agent that can back up his or her facts with the latest MLS data is far more accurate and an absolute trust worthy source.
- A Simple Reality about Modern Buyers.
These days, it’s not just a “clean” home that attracts modern buyers. Today’s home shoppers are more educated and expect more than ever before. With so many Reality TV shows promoting fix and flip or home restoration style programming, along with having access to everything at their fingertips at all times via the Internet, the modern buyer is at a better advantage then yesterday’s buyer.
Don’t run screaming. This doesn’t mean you have to rehab your entire home simply to secure a buyer. A simple clutter removal, a good spring cleaning and a furniture re-arrangement goes along way.
- Talk about marketing strategy:
After placing your home into the local MLS, most agents make certain your home has a strong online presence. This ideally includes professional photos, a video tour. If it’s priced right, in good condition, in a desirable location, and we’re in a decent market, showings should come strong and steady, and a few offers should quickly follow.
- The bottom line on selecting your agent:
It’s important that you believe in your agent. You truly believe he is going to get the job done. You trust in your heart that you see things eye-to-eye regarding the pricing, the marketing, and everything else that will ultimately lead up to the grand finale – a successful closing.
- For your protection:
You might have noticed that some Realtors have designations behind their names. They all stem from receiving higher education from the National Association of Realtors.
Everyone out there that holds an active real estate license must follow the National Code of Ethics. They are standards of practice that MUST remain in place to protect the public’s interest first before their own addenda in any and all circumstances.
All practicing Real Estate must pass both State and Federal boards in order to obtain their license in the first place. If having a certain accreditation is important to you because you feel it might impact the process of selling or buying your home, ask your agent about it, and get the facts first.
Call Jack McSweeney, A successful Realtor since 1989! 310 346-0391
See some of my prior sales in the South Bay here.
