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Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost me to sell my house?
My fee is paid at closing on a sales commission basis. My standard rate for home sales is 6%, and 8 to 10% for land sales. My rates are very competitive and I offer a great value based on the services that I provide to sellers. I only get paid when your home sells. If your home does not sell, you pay nothing for my efforts. While my fee is paid on a contingent basis, my work begins on the day of signing. And the sales commission that I charge pays not only for our listing services, it provides for compensation to buyer's agents in the process of selling. I am a member of the Portland Board of Realtors and through the local Multiple Listing Service I offer all cooperating offices, brokers and sales agents a 50% commission share for selling any property that I have listed. My goal is to get you a premium price in today's market so that you the receive the highest net proceeds for the sale of your property.
How long will it take to sell my house?
There is no way to say for sure how long it will take your property to sell. Factors such as price, location, and demand are all factors in how long it will take to sell your home. We do know that properly priced homes sell faster and at a higher price during the first three to four weeks of the listing. If your price does not stack up, buyers will quickly move onto the next listing. I strive to take advantage of this initial listing period, so that your market time is short and your sale price is high.
Will I make more money if I try to sell it myself?
Probably not. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes that are sold by owners bring an average of 22% less on the market. The most important aspect of selling real estate is to maximize your property value and bring premium prices. Selling your home on your own is much easier said then done. It involves a lot of time and requires exclusive connections and a strategic market plan. As a result, many 'FSBO' properties hoping to save money on a sales commission end up with an overall lower return.
Why shouldn't I consider a discount broker that charges one flat fee?
In my opinion, when you shop in a discount store, you expect to pay discount prices. When you list your home with a discount broker, you have put a discount sign on your property. Saving money on commission should not mean selling your home at a discount. My premium marketing brings premium prices, netting you more money at the closing table. Additionally while discount brokers often advertise a flat fee program, however most of these programs do not provide even basic services, like inclusion in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The omission of crucial services may diminish your potential market reach and limit showings.When these flat fee programs don't satisfy a consumer's need to reach a wider audience, consumers may be offered choices of much more expensive plans. The sales fee for some of these plans may be just slightly less than the fee charged by a full-service broker!
What are the benefits of working with you?
I provide top quality marketing and representation to help my sellers obtain the best price possible. I am responsive to the market and to the needs of my clients. I value communication in the entire selling process, so I listen well. In negotiation, I work for a 'win-win,' and present the information necessary to support my seller's best interests. I follow up weekly with my clients so you always know where you stand. I will follow up with all other agents to provide you with feedback on all of your showings.
Where do you advertise your listings?
I customize a marketing plan for each and every property listed. I constantly monitor where buyers are responding, so that I can maximize my marketing plan. My advertising venues include a variety of newspapers and print publications, custom websites with enhanced features, direct mail, area buyer contacts, as well as many networking contacts. I strive to get the best information to the best buyers in the most effective manner. I look to generate a good deal of activity early in the listing, with the goal of getting you one or more offers to consider at the same time.
Will my property be on the Internet?
Yes, your home will be accessible from a variety of websites, big and small. With more than 73% of buyers searching for real estate on-line nationally and locally, the Internet is an integral part of my marketing plan. I will not only make sure your property is on the Internet, but I'll showcase your property on the largest websites available.
I don't want to sell until I find something to buy. What should I do?
In the current market, it can be harder to be a buyer than a seller. You don't want to sell without having a plan. I can offer a variety of solutions for your situation. I can even make your ability to find a suitable replacement property a condition of any sale.
I have a friend or family in the business. Should I work with them?
That depends. Of course, if your friend is a great Realtor, then certainly. However, if you feel obligated to a friend or family member just because they are in the business, you could be costing yourself a lot of money. Representation does matter, and experience and ability count. The easiest way to end a friendship is to get into a bad business relationship with a friend.
Will buyers be qualified?
Yes. To save you time and unnecessary traffic through your home, I'll pre-screen the buyers to ensure those viewing your property have a sincere interest to buy and are able to make the purchase. For your safety, all showings will be scheduled through my office.
Will you call me in advance to set up showings and not call at the last minute?
Every effort will be made to give you at least 24 hours notice of showings. You should understand, however, that there are a few instances where serious buyers show up on a very brief notice and want to see your house. I will discuss this possibility with you before we put your house on the market and you can let me know how you want to handle situations such as this.
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