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Thinking of Selling
or Buying a new home?
You Really
Need a Realtor®
Most
of us have lived in our Homes for a reasonable period of time, some from
its inception including the Building Process. It is a wonderful experience
as I'm sure you all agree. However, when it comes time to move on whether
from a job change, relocation, outgrowing your current home, down sizing
or any number of other reasons you need a Realtor®. Why? Let me give
you a few excellent reasons.
Selling
First, if you are selling,
it is crucial in most market conditions to establish a price point that
correctly places your home and its features in the minds of buyers as
having high value. If you price it too low you will not attract the right
types of buyers for your property. Price it too high and you may not attract
any buyers. Clearly, experience in evaluating competing properties and
market trends are a first ingredient for the best home purchasing transaction
experience. It is also crucial to take the time to prepare your home to
appeal not to just some, but all potential buyers in the price range they
are ready to commit to. Additionally, there is generally a large inventory
of homes available in every price range and buyers are usually comparison-shopping.
The "best" homes at the "right" price
are the ones that consistently attract qualified buyers.
Second,
exposure to other industry professionals provides a greater opportunity
to sell your home at the right price in the shortest amount of time. Your
agent will utilize a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing
networks. Once your property is listed, it is statistically probable the
buyer will be the client of another agent associated with yours.
Third,
It takes experience to know what works in advertising. Ads generate phone
calls to the real estate office but statistically have minimum effectiveness
selling a specific property. Overexposure of a property in any media may
give a buyer the impression the property is distressed or that the seller
is desperate.
Fourth,
A property needs positive exposure to the public. Your agent will know
best how to use fliers and open house days, and will mail to and meet
with ex-clients and other qualified buyers.
Fifth, you want to make sure
that your home is secure. Working with a real estate agent ensures showings
will be supervised. You can instruct unchaperoned buyers to call your
agent for an appointment so they can be prescreened, you will be safe,
and you can do your final polish before the showing.
Sixth, you want
to make sure you have a good negotiator, one who can take the emotions
out of the processes. Many "For Sale By Owner (FSBO)" deals
disintegrate because emotions between buyer and seller resulted in unrealistic
demands creating bad feelings or resentment. Most buyers prefer to negotiate
with someone they perceive as unbiased, not emotional, and professionally
trained. They are more likely to express objections to agents with the
hope of resolution, when they otherwise might move on to another property
rather than talking to you directly.
Seventh, there
are an overwhelming number of steps in the selling process. The process
of appraisals, inspections, and financing involves a lot of potential
pitfalls. There are many required legal forms and processes. Additionally,
you always want someone with experience reading and following escrow instructions.
Instructions must be clear and complete. Your agent is the best person
to objectively help you communicate these issues and move the transaction
to closing (or settlement). Additionally, an agent can meet specialists
and negotiate regarding repairs needed to complete your contract. Industry
contacts provide resources for workpersons in many areas with knowledge
as to their historical skill and reliability.
On the Buying
Side . . . . . . . . .
You can take the tedious steps of reading the ads, doing drive bys, perusing
the Internet, etc,lead you to your new dream home. However, working with
a Realtor® eliminates much of the hassle involved in the buying process.
It only takes a good agent a short meeting with you to obtain the information
about what your needs are, what you want, and what your dream house will
look like. The Realtor® takes it from there, previews properties that
fit your criteria, provides you with information and sets up the appointments.
You can then preview pre-selected homes, evaluate what you like and didn't
like and make informed decisions based on your review. Following that
you can then make an offer on the home of your choice with confidence
that you selected the right home for you and your family and that you
have a skilled agent working with you to see you through the home inspection,
purchase and sale, and closing.
Jim Kinahan's agents are some of the best Realtors in the business. I
am a proud to be a Jim Kinahan real Estate Realtor®. Please call me if I can be
of assistance to you or any of your family members. I will work hard to
help you sell your existing home or assist you with the purchase of your
new one.
Kerry Harkins, Realtor®
Jim Kinahan Real Estate
Mansfield, MA 02048
781-253-4029
Email: kfharkins@gmail.com
Website: www.kerryharkins.com
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