Our goal with this blog is challenging. Although we are Realtors and we do sell properties, we want our customers to trust us and to know that we represent their best interest. We have established a great reputation and hope to convey that message to our readers. I want to thank Rebecca Blood who has inspired me into writing more in depth about what we do with the idea of establishing a clear road of communication where we can dialogue openly and honestly about our market.
Rick and I specialize in the South Florida Real Estate Market, specifically The Miami Shores and surrounding areas. We work with sellers for the most part but also work with a limited amount of buyers, buyers that we can offer our time and effort because they are loyal.
As a buyer, you need to work with an agent you feel comfortable with, one that will show you a wide range of properties, not only their listings. If you are working with an agent that doesn't give you their opinion, that thinks every property you walk into is perfect for you, then it's probably time to find a new agent. A professional real estate agent will identify your needs, will be able to separate the emotional from the practical and will not be afraid to tell you, "don't buy this one, this is not the house for you".
During meetings with your agent certain questions should be answered:
- What is the single most important factor when identifying the perfect property, is it price, is it location, is it size?
- If you have never purchased a property before, the process should be explained
- What types of properties will you be looking at? MLS listings, For Sale By Owners, pocket listings
- What happens when you place an offer and what steps will follow after an offer is accepted?
- What is the closing process: Inspections, appraisals, financing, closing documents, etc.
As a seller, it is crucial that you keep an objective mind when interviewing real estate agents. Price is not everything; a lot of agents will try to "buy" your listing by promising a higher sales price. Getting more money is every seller's goal, but by pricing your property too high, you will only be doing yourself a disservice. In a buyer's market, like the one we are in now, there is a lot of inventory (a lot of choice for buyers), and not pricing a property accordingly will only keep you out of the race.
During your first listing appointment, a listing agent should:
- Explain the market conditions
- Have experience selling properties in your area
- Show you different models for pricing your home, including tax roll sales and MLS sales.
- Explain how they will communicate with you on a regular basis
- Have a specific marketing plan for your property
These are just a few guidelines to help you find an agent to sell or buy a property. Rick and I pride ourselves in great service and will be shockingly candid. We let our buyers know when a property is overpriced; we let them know what the repercussions will be when buying the most expensive house on the block. We also walk away from listings when sellers want to overprice. Our reputation follows us, we are ethical, we are open and our customers become our friends.
Please feel free to ask us questions about the South Florida Real Estate Market, if we are not familiar with your area, we will refer you to someone that is.
;)
;)
