Buyers - Ask Before You Choose
It can certainly be confusing! "Discount brokers" abound with their promises of "saving you money..." Agents attempting to "buy your listing" with unrealistically high property valuations... Your property not receiving the proper marketing and exposure... The list goes on and on! Well, we believe you should have ALL of the facts BEFORE locking into what can be a frustrating, money-losing endeavor. We've listened to countless horror stories, and we want you to have all of the facts about the type of service you are entitled to receive.
Below is critical information and general tips some brokers bank on consumers NOT knowing! Please take the time to educate yourself and read all the information below. A great Realtor knows your market, provides excellent service, and works for YOU and in YOUR best interests. A great Realtor can actually maximize your sales price in a minimum amount of time!
Questions to Ask BEFORE You Hire:
- Are you a Realtor?
Make sure you're hiring a Realtor - not just a real estate agent.
(see next section - Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent)
- Are you a FULL-TIME Realtor?
Part-timers need not apply! Make sure your Realtor is available to you and potential buyers who might want to view your property - not at their so-called "real job!"
- Are the Realtors within your sales office full-time, experienced Realtors and will they be familiar with my property?
At Carolina Mountain Real Estate, only the listing agent answers inquiries about your property - NOT a secretary or part-time Realtor! This ensures that all questions regarding your property are answered in an intelligent and professional manner.
- Which Multiple Listing Services (MLS's) will you use to properly market my property?
Carolina Mountain Real Estate is a member of both the McDowell and Burke county MLS, giving your home double exposure. It is imperative that your home be listed on these services! (Most Realtors are members of only one MLS and some aren't even members at all because it costs money they don't want to spend!)
- Do you have a list of references?
Speak with someone who has recently sold or bought a home through Carolina Mountain Real Estate.
- What methods of advertising will you employ to market my home?
Internet Postings, Magazine Ads, Lawn/Directional Signs are all important advertising components and should all be utilized for maximum exposure. See what we do and compare!
- What share of the commission will you offer a cooperating broker who finds the buyer?
THIS IS CRUCIAL!! Before you list your property, ask how much of the commission the Realtor will keep for themselves for marketing your home - and how much they are offering to the Realtor who sells your home! We at Carolina Mountain Real Estate always offer a 50/50 split to a cooperating broker. We want a win-win situation for all parties involved.
- Will you be present at the closing?
Your Realtor should be part of your transaction from the very beginning until the very end. Issues sometimes pop up at the closing table. Your Realtor should be on hand to help act as a buffer among all parties present. Your attorney is there to offer you legal advice and protection; however, the Realtor is the person who should know every aspect of the sale.
More Important Info:
A Realtor should be a member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), and a member of the appropriate Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
- Your Realtor should explain and disclose Agency Relationships. At the "serious first contact" a Realtor is obligated to discuss their Agency role. Do they represent the buyer or the seller?
- Your Realtor should advise you on how to best prepare your home for the market to minimize time on the market and maximize your sales price.
- Your Realtor should listen attentively to your personal goals, take detailed property notes, operate in a professional manner, and make you feel that you have a comfortable and trusting business relationship.
- Your Realtor should compile a Comparative Market Analysis to determine your property's value complete with detailed property information of recent home sales and photos.
- Your Realtor should thoroughly explain all documentation and paperwork involved in the sales transaction.
Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent
The terms Agent, Broker and Realtor are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings. For example, not all agents (also called salespersons) or brokers are Realtors.
A Realtor is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate - the world's largest professional association. The term REALTOR is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's 750,000 members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial Realtors®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. They can join one of the many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in their appraisal and international real estate specialty sections.
REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Working for America's property owners, NAR provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.
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