For some buyers and sellers the outlook of working with a realtor brings forth unknown fears. Though some agents are genuine and reputable and consider their clients best interest as their top priority, there’s no dearth of unscrupulous individuals either that are just trying to produce a quick buck at someone else’s expense. As a buyer or sellers of home, it’s your responsibility to select a estate agent prudently. So, this is a look at what you should know about real estate agents before you approach one.
What does a realtor do?
Depending which side he’s doing work for (the buyers or the sellers), the realtor acts as an intermediary between the buyer and the seller and helps East London for rent to perform the sale of a property. For his services, he emerges a commission from his client (seller, buyer or both). When working on behalf of the seller, the agent is in charge of putting the facts of home in the multiple listing services of the area and undertaking other efforts such as home staging to advertise the property.
In case there is a residential property, a realtor may start off by adding the facts of the property on his personal or company website according to whether he’s a part of a realtor firm or works on his own. The next step should be to market the property through postcards and advertisements in real estate magazines offline in addition to online.
Besides marketing the property, the agent who lists your property is also in charge of following up with other agents who might have clients that may have expressed interest in the property. A real estate agent is also supposed to assist you negotiate the very best deal possible. He/She has been you every step of just how till the home comes; advising you on all matters including procuring the services of a lawyer.
When working from the seller’s side, a realtor is in charge of rummaging through the property listings of an area that his client is interested in. He coordinates with the realtor handling the property on behalf of the seller and arranges to show the premises to his clients. A realtor from the buyer’s side also really helps to negotiate the very best deal for his client and has been the buyer through the purchasing process. He is also in charge of approaching a professional to obtain a property evaluation done. Some real estate agents may also provide other services such as advice and help for procuring home loans.
Agent can don three mantles that of an intermediary on behalf of the seller, the buyer or perhaps a dual agent. When buying a house, it could be better to hire the services of a real estate agent who are able to focus on your side, exactly the same is valid when selling a house as well; you’d be better of approaching a realtor who works for sellers.
The Sellers Real Estate Agent: A real estate agent working on behalf of the seller will have his loyalties towards his client an he/she will attempt his hardest to convince the seller to provide his client the lowest deal. So, as a buyer if you were to ask the seller’s agent if his client would accept an increased deal, he will be obligated not to divulge these records to you.
The Buyers Real Estate Agent: Similarly agents who work on behalf of the seller owe their responsibility to their clients and will attempt to obtain their clients the greatest deal possible. So, they will not be willing to offer information how low their client should go when it comes to the price.
While real estate agents are in the business of marketing properties, it’s not uncommon to allow them to play up their credentials; in the end, it’s a dog eat dog world and there is certainly no dearth of realtors in the market. While this is acceptable, many people resort to lying blatantly about their accomplishments and often their customers find yourself investing in their tall claims.
So, make sure that you check most of the claims that are being made by a potential estate agent. Do not hesitate to look for references. If he has not mentioned his experience in the brochure, allow it to be a point to ask him about it. Also, inquire about other properties he could have sold which were similar to one that you want to sell/buy; this will include properties in the sane area, of exactly the same size and price range.