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Question: How does your Commission Free listing service work?
Answer: My Commission free listing service works like this.
If you are buying another property in Connecticut and allow me to represent you for its purchase I will list your current property for free. I will collect a sales commission from the seller of your new home. This will allow you to put the savings (2% or 3%) from the sale of your house towards the purchase of your new one. I will perform all the same marketing activities as I do for my normal listings. This way I make a living and you save!
To see all the marketing activities I include in my listing service
go to: http://www.DoAwalkTHRU.com/marketing/marketing.html
Realtors that work for a Real Estate Company tell you their particular companies' policies on buying or selling a home. What they don't tell you is "Everything in Real Estate Sales is Negotiable".
As an Independent Agent I focus on your bottom line Not some Real Estate Companies'.
Q: Why should I consider getting pre-approved before buying a home?
A: Years ago, buyers didn't worry about financing their home purchase until after they found the home they wanted to buy. Once they had an accepted offer, they'd shop around for a week or so and then submit a loan application.
The recent low inventory of homes for sale (in general) has made home buying highly competitive in some areas. To compete, many buyers are now getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This way, the buyer is seen as more stable, has greater influence in negotiating a purchase price, and can act quickly when they find a home they really love. A pre-approved home buyer is considered almost as strong as a cash buyer.
There are 2 parts to mortgage approval: 1) approval of the borrower, and 2) approval of the property. Mortgage pre-approval is a process whereby the borrower is approved for a specific mortgage amount. The approval is usually good for a period of time. A property approval is one with satisfactory appraisal and a clear title report. Final mortgage approval also requires a purchase agreement that is signed by the buyer and the seller.
Q: Before I list my home with just any Agent what should I know?
A: Before you place your home on the market make sure you understand the process of selling your home. An Agent who works for a Big Name Real Estate Company will most likely just tell you their particular company's policy on selling a home. Have them clearly explain the law versus their company policy.
- The Phone Interview place a call to each of the Agents on your list. Document how quickly they return your call; keep in mind, they will be returning calls to your prospective home buyers.
- Advertising Is it well written and professional? How many Ad venues do they utilize? They should be advertising in at least three. What is their advertising budget for your listing? Remember, the quality of the advertisement will directly influence how well your home will be perceived.
- Request a Complete Plan request a complete plan of all the services they will provide you when you list with them. Get it in writing!
- A Marketing Plan This is the heart of your Agent's overall strategy. Require a step-by-step plan with innovative new ways to attract home buyers. Your agent should have a 24-hour advertising, lead accountability and tracking service. These services exist and you should insist on them.
- Direct Mail Investigate the agent's capacity to send direct mail. How often do prospects receive mail? Is it professional? Does the mail piece motivate prospects to pick up the phone and call?
- Feed Back Ask the Agent what plan do they implement to keep you informed of the entire sales process, how do you get feed back from all showings?
Everything In Real Estate is Negotiable!
Q: Could You Give Me A Few Tips For Selling My Home Fast and For Top Dollar?
A: If you're thinking of selling your home, how you "position" it can mean the difference between getting a fast, top dollar sale, and having it sit on the market for a long time. If you're thinking of selling soon, you must call and get my Free report, "44 Money-Making Tips For Preparing Your Home To Sell." Just go to my "Free Insider Resources" page in this issue or call me directly at 325-1617. Here are a few quick pointers
- First impressions are lasting. Look at your home as if you were driving up to it for the first time. What does the home look like? The driveway? The lawn or landscaping? Pay particular attention to the entry walk-way and the front door area. Make sure all curtains are open and lights are on.
- Get rid of any odors. They're a big turn-off. Smoking and pets are the most likely cause. Have carpets cleaned and home deodorized before showing it.
- A coat of paint in critical areas (kitchen, master bedroom and baths) can do wonders to change the appearance and make the home look more valuable.
- Get rid of that clutter! The way you live in a home, and the way you SELL a home are two different things. You have to move anyway, so pack up all your clutter and get it out of the way. An uncluttered home looks bigger and more appealing. Make your home look like a model home.
Q: We entered into a contract with someone who wanted to buy our home. The agent representing the buyer presented us with a "pre qualification" letter from a lender. Today we discovered the buyer was rejected for financing. How can this happen?
A: You allowed the term "pre qualification" to lull you into a false sense of security. The loan amounts referenced in pre-qualification letters are conditional on verification of income, employment, funds on deposit, credit report, and more. A lender can issue a pre-qualification letter after just a simple 10-minute phone interview with a prospective purchaser.
As a seller, your best vehicle for peace of mind would be a pre-approval letter accompanying the offer to purchase. A pre-approval letter is a firm commitment to lend money and is issued only after verification of the crucial financial items mentioned above.
If you're thinking of selling your home in the next year, please call me at 203-325-1617 for important information that could save you thousands in the process, and avoid unwanted surprises like these other sellers experienced.
Q: How is the Market today and should I keep renting or is it time to buy?
A: If you have as little as 5% of the purchase price to put down then it is time to buy and stop renting. It's a Buyer's Market! In the last five transactions that I have been the Buyer Representative, I have negotiated purchases that have averaged 13% less than the listed sale price.
Interests rates are at the lowest they have been in 45 years. More people are putting their property on the market so that they can upgrade to bigger homes. There are condos available now for less than what you are paying in rent. And don't over look the Tax advantages of owning versus renting.
Don't be like most renters and think that your first purchase has to be your "ultimate dream home". This type of thinking will prevent you from becoming a homeowner. You should be thinking "Baby Steps". Take the opportunity of the low interest rates to purchase a starter home and begin saving now to buy your dream home later. Only 5% down, low interest rates, and Tax savings means stop renting and start buying!
Q: What service do you provide that the traditional Real Estate Salesperson does not and how does it keep Realtors from breathing Down My Neck?
A: That's simple! If you are thinking about buying a home all you have to do is go to my web site DoAwalkTHRU.com and register as a free member to begin receiving via email Virtual Tours of homes for sale that meet your particular specifications. Once you fill out the membership form I will call you to confirm that all information is correct and perhaps ask you a few additional questions to make sure I fully understand your likes and dislikes.
Because I am an Independent Agent working for you Not some Real Estate Company! I am able to comb the market place looking for private sales, sale by owners, and rent with option to buy that is typically over looked by the traditional Realtor. I do all the footwork for you. I preview all properties and only send you the ones that fit your specifications. I save you time and milage.
I can even provide you with school, State, and City, statistical reports. My service is free. I only ask that you tell me if you are working with another Realtor. If I were thinking about buying a home I wouldn't want a Realtor breathing down my neck either. No Hassles and No obligations!
Please Call Me With ANY Real Estate Question At: 203-325-1617
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