A Chicago Tribune article cites a National Association of Realtors (NAR) study validating the importance of staging your home before going on market. The article states, Owners..."cannot view their homes as the commodities they become once they are on the market."
The article says, "Staging the house so prospects see it in its best light "can have a profound affect." "Many HomeOwners don't know how to make their homes show well." "They fail to remove the clutter or put away all those personal items that distract visitors." "To them the house is wonderful as it is." "They don't look at it through the buyers eyes."and that where the problem is.
Most real estate agents are happy to refer their clients to Home Stagers. There's a conflict of interest between obtaining listings and critiquing your home. Some homeowners are not ready for constructive criticism. Without a Home Staging Professional, Realtors may have to rely on your broker open house to obtain the constructive criticism you need from their peers.
I always recommend that you start with a pen and paper. Walk through your property making some notes of the obvious things that you think may need to be get it done. Every perceived problem is likely matched with a price reduction.
most people automatically assume, major remodel expense, tearing down walls, ripping out cabinets, etc.But, that is not what Home Staging is about. If you see the other side of it you see. You spend zero dollars for real, with the exception of the staging fee, you spend almost nothing. And for the cost of the staging fee, and this is so important for the homeowner to understand, you will get your staging fee back, when your house sells quicker and for more than the one in your neighborhood.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Dealing with Real Estate Agents
Historically, real estate agents have represented the seller of a property. The seller, after all, is usually the one who pays their commission, and agents therefore have a fiduciary relationship with the seller. This in no way means that agents may operate outside the bounds of the law and ethical conduct of course. It just means that the real estate agent is just that, an authorized agent of the seller for a particular transaction. Another way to get an agent to take you seriously is to offer a fast closing. Nothing makes an agent salivate more than the thought of a commission check in ten days
More recent trends have introduced buyer's agents, who usually work on a fee basis exclusively for the buyer and the agents. Agents represent both seller and buyer, particularly in cases where the agent's company is the listing company. The higher the price, the higher their commission, so their reasoning is that agents never really have the buyer's best interests at heart. Sometimes you will get the opposite of an uncooperative agent - an overzealous agent. Be suspicious of an agent who tells you what a deal you are getting on a property. If it is such a good deal, why didn’t he buy it? Don’t take his word as to the value. Ask for a printout of comparable sales . Be aware that information contained in the MLS computer was entered by the listing broker and may be exaggerated. If a comparable sale shows the same square footage as the house you are looking at, take a drive by and see if it is accurate. Do your own assessment of value.
If you cannot finesse an agent, don’t be afraid to stand up to him. Some agents are unethical and will refuse to present your offer.The bottom line in dealing with a dual agent is to remember that the buyer and seller have conflicting interests in the price and other terms of the sale. It's very difficult for an agent to truly and equally represent both parties, since the conflicting interests make that inherently impossible. If you do choose to use an agent, be sure the exact nature of your relationship with the agent is clear, know what services the agent will be performing for you during the transaction, how the agent will be paid, and how any conflicts that arise will be handled.
More recent trends have introduced buyer's agents, who usually work on a fee basis exclusively for the buyer and the agents. Agents represent both seller and buyer, particularly in cases where the agent's company is the listing company. The higher the price, the higher their commission, so their reasoning is that agents never really have the buyer's best interests at heart. Sometimes you will get the opposite of an uncooperative agent - an overzealous agent. Be suspicious of an agent who tells you what a deal you are getting on a property. If it is such a good deal, why didn’t he buy it? Don’t take his word as to the value. Ask for a printout of comparable sales . Be aware that information contained in the MLS computer was entered by the listing broker and may be exaggerated. If a comparable sale shows the same square footage as the house you are looking at, take a drive by and see if it is accurate. Do your own assessment of value.
If you cannot finesse an agent, don’t be afraid to stand up to him. Some agents are unethical and will refuse to present your offer.The bottom line in dealing with a dual agent is to remember that the buyer and seller have conflicting interests in the price and other terms of the sale. It's very difficult for an agent to truly and equally represent both parties, since the conflicting interests make that inherently impossible. If you do choose to use an agent, be sure the exact nature of your relationship with the agent is clear, know what services the agent will be performing for you during the transaction, how the agent will be paid, and how any conflicts that arise will be handled.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
