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Whether
you’re buying or selling real estate, having the right real estate
agent on your team can be extremely rewarding, both financially and
personally. Real estate agents are trained to analyze the marketplace,
be aware of what the competition is like, and take care of the mounds of
paperwork involved in any real estate deal.
Choosing
the right realtor is key to the ease of what can be a very stressful
time. The right agent will be someone you can trust, someone you connect
with, and someone who will understand your needs. Don’t be afraid to
consult with several different agents until you’ve found the one that
feels like he/she can be on your team.
Many
people feel that real estate agents are not worth the fees they charge.
Here are a few things to remember:
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The
realtor’s fee is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s
agent, reducing their commission by half.
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Realtors
must pay for their office space and office expenses, including their
telephone costs.
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Advertising
costs come out of their commission
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Realtors
drive nicer vehicles because the clients expect it, not because they
are filthy rich. Gas, insurance, and maintenance costs are higher
than average. (Who wants to go house-hunting in a rent-a-wreck?)
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In
many provinces, real estate agents must continually take courses to
keep their license active. These can be costly events and paid for
by the realtor.
An
agent acting on your behalf needs to have your cooperation in order to
do their jobs properly. If you are a prospective buyer, be considerate
by being on time for your appointments. Have a clear idea of what your
criteria is, so that you haven’t sent your realtor on a wild goose
chase. Consider any advice they may offer. When trying to sell your
home, keep track of when all your showings are. Leave the house if you
can, so that the clients can talk and move about freely. And of course,
make very sure that your home is as clean and tidy as possible. If you
are trying to sell a rental property, it is very important to let your
tenants know that if they choose not to cooperate with the showings,
they risk receiving an eviction notice. Your agent will have to work
extra hard to ensure that tenants have received proper notice, and some
tenants are very good at denying that they’ve gotten any notice at
all!
There
are a few things you can do to make house-hunting more comfortable and
pleasant. Bring along some drinking water. Wear slip-on shoes. Leave
yourself plenty of time. Your realtor will appreciate having happy
clients.
Having
the right realtor and keeping a positive attitude will make this
demanding time a less stressful experience. And possibly make you a new
friend as well.
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