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Real Estate
Choosing a
Real Estate Agency It is always good to
interview different realtors before buying or selling
a home.
Choose a realtor who has been in business for a
while and one who has a proven track record for the
results you desire. Make sure the agent you choose has
got the experience necessary to represent you well in
the buying or selling process.
Find out how many houses they have been involved in
on either the buying or selling side. Ask for
testimonials from past buyers and sellers that were
pleased with their services to ensure you that they
are experienced.
A clear line of communication between buyer, agent,
and seller is essential to a successful real estate
transaction. The selling agent should keep you
informed at every level of the selling process
including feedback from the agents and buyers that
look at your property on what the buyers like or
dislike about your house. This information is
invaluable in the sales process. If you are buying,
the agent should show you homes in your price range in
the areas you want to live in, as well as keeping you
informed of new properties that come on the market and
set up appointments for you to preview until you find
that right home.
Every real estate firm and agent should have a
resume, strong marketing plan, and knowledge of homes
on the market for sale—ask to see it. For more
information on marketing plans or to receive
information on services offered by a real estate firm,
please call 1-800-848-2384.
Relocation A relocation department
can save you both time and money when moving to a new
city.
When requesting a relocation package from a real
estate agency, you will want to get specific
information in areas such as certain locations,
photos, crime reports, and information on pricing,
schools, taxes, and shopping. This information should
be sent to you before you make a house-hunting trip.
Your real estate agent should be very knowledgeable of
the area that you are thinking of moving to.
No matter what area you plan on moving to, help is
available with dedicated service to relocating
families. For more information or to receive a
relocation package, please call 1-800-848-2384.
Buying a
Home Have some idea of the area you want to live in.
Find a Realtor that will represent you in the purchase
of a home by signing a buyer’s agreement.
Have Realtor send you properties in your desired
area with prices in your price range. If you have a
home to sell, find out how much equity you will have
from a Realtor If you need to sell it first, list it
at appraised value.
Get pre-approved through a mortgage company to save
time when you find the right home. Have your Realtor
make appointments on properties to preview in the
areas you would like to live in.
Have your Realtor check on schools, taxes,
shopping, and other requirements you may have. For an
individual or couple to buy a home is totally
dependent upon the unique situation of that person or
couple. In general, home ownership is a good deal. How
good of a deal it is depends on how well your home
satisfies your personal needs. Some important factors
to consider are: investment application, tax benefits,
equity growth and payment stability, increased space,
privacy, and status must also play a role. Make your
own personal list and consider the advantages and
disadvantages with respect to the financial
consideration, comfort, and lifestyle of home
ownership.
One benefit of owning property is the break you
receive on income taxes. First, property taxes
generally are tax deductible on your income taxes.
Secondly, mortgage interest, especially in the early
years of a mortgage, is also deductible. Thirdly, if
you own a rental property or investment property, some
operation expenses are deductible. Finally, the IRS
allows you to claim the appreciation if you are the
owners of the business or investment property.
Depreciation may be deducted as a business expense
even after the real value increases.
For more information on a buyer’s representation
agreement or to receive a buyer’s home-search package,
please call 1-800-848-2384.
Selling a
Home When selling a home, get your home in top
condition if you can, including paint inside and out,
carpet cleaned or replaced, yard, and mechanicals
working properly (heating, air conditioning, plumbing,
electrical, appliances), roof, and other major
structures should be in good repair.
Following are the items that affect what a buyer
will pay, or the "Sales Price". Four major areas
affect the sales price: Condition, location, market
conditions, and competition (other homes on the market
for sale).
The condition is very important because buyers do
not want to pay full price for a property that they
are going to have to pay additional money on repairs
after they move in. Poor condition will also warrant a
buyer to offer a lower price to compensate many times
for what the actual repairs will cost.
Location also affects the price and salability of
your property. For example, if your property is
located on a busy street, buyers with children may
eliminate your property from their buying list.
Properties backing up to a commercial area may also
reduce the price buyers are willing to pay and
increase the marketing time.
Competition is always a factor if there are homes
on the market like yours. If they are at the same or
lower price and better location and condition, buyers
will purchase those homes before yours. Market value:
Before you list with a Realtor, you need to get your
property appraised or have a Realtor evaluate your
property for the fair market value. This will save
time and money during the marketing period.
Exclusive Listing and Multiple Listing Service:
This is the most widely used type of listing service
in the United States. With the exclusive listings, no
matter who sells the property during the listing
period, the listing broker is entitled to a
commission. The advantage to the owner is that the
broker will use all of the company’s marketing power
in selling a property on which the broker has an
exclusive right to sell. Almost all real estate
agencies will offer the multiple listing service to
their sellers. This exposes the property to all agents
and buyers within your area and price range. In
summarizing, when selling your home, the maximum
exposure is to list with a Realtor It is important
that the seller is aware of the market value in
his/her neighborhood and is realistic about the asking
price. A Realtor’s current market analysis and closing
costs will include the commission in the overall
price. For a home to compare favorably with other
properties for sale, it should be as neat and clean as
possible. Any rotting wood, bad siding or brick,
rusted gutters, etc. should be replaced. All these
things are very glaring to potential buyers. Replacing
worn carpet and paint can be one of the best
investments you can make, and it more than pay for
itself in the price of the home and the amount of time
it takes to sell the house. For more information on
marketing plans or for a free market analysis, please
call 1-800-848-2384.
A Career in
Real Estate A real estate career can be most rewarding. You
help people find their dream home and make life-long
friends Have opportunity of unlimited earning
potential that is competitive with any profession.
Enjoy the freedom of making your own work schedule.
Less than $1000 investment to get started. Broker
pays overhead for office, including staff, equipment,
etc.
When choosing a real estate company to work with,
affiliate with an agency that is well established with
a good reputation and a very strong training program.
Interview with several firms before making your
decision. For more information, please call
1-800-433-4003.
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