Seller FAQs
Why should I use a Realtor?
There are many reasons why you should use a Realtor. Here are a few:
MLS (Multiple Listing Service) – Your home will be listed in the MLS. This means instead of one person trying to sell your property, thousands of real estate agents will have access to it, working to get your property sold. Most real estate websites pull directly from the MLS, including Realtor.com.
Security – Without a Realtor, you will be opening your home to strangers who may or may not be qualified to purchase the home in the first place.
Interruptions & Inconvenience – Without a Realtor focusing everyday on your home and it’s sale, you will be the only contact for those interested in your home. Your phone number will be on all advertisements. Your day will be interrupted by phone calls, scheduling showings, marketing efforts and advertisements, etc. Let a Realtor do the work they are trained to do!
Buyer Agent Commission – Regardless of if you retain a Realtor’s services, most buyers DO. A buyer’s agent is still going to want to be compensated if they sell your home.
Negotiating, Paperwork, and Closing – A good real estate agent is an expert in negotiations, contracts and other paperwork required to get the property to the closing table.
These are just a few of the many reasons you should work with a Realtor when selling your home.
Should I start my listing price high since we can always reduce the price later?
If you decide to start out with a high asking price, and then lower it later — your property is “old news.” You will never be able to regain that flurry of initial activity which you almost certainly would have had with a realistic price. Your property will take more time to sell.
What is a CMA?
Before putting a home on the market with a Realtor, all home sellers should obtain a comparative market analysis, also referred to as a CMA. To determine a realistic listing price your real estate agent will go over recent sales, pending transactions, active listings, and expired/withdrawn listings.
How much is my home or condo worth?
Your property is worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. Many home sellers make the mistake of looking at active listings to determine what their property is worth. Just because a property is listed for sale doesn’t mean it is listed at a realistic price, and will SELL at that price. Look at recent sales in your community to determine the value of your property. Check out our article on pricing your home to sell.
What do I need to do in order to list my home for sale?
Find the right real estate agent and let us do the rest. There is very little paperwork to list a home.
What is a 1031 exchange?
A properly structured 1031 exchange allows an investor to sell a property, to reinvest the proceeds in a new property and to defer all capital gain taxes.
What is your commission?
Commission varies depending on a lot of different factors including property type, price, and marketing package needed.
What can I do to set my property apart from my all my competition?
Check out our article on preparing your home to sell. Following the simple steps outlined in that article will definitely set your home apart from the crowd.
What inspections will be done on my home prior to selling?
In most cases a home inspection, termite inspection (CL-100), and a certificate of assessment will be done. But obviously this can very depending on the type of property.
Other than commissions what costs should I expect when selling my home?
Attorney fees, deed stamps, and capital gains in some cases just to name a few. Contact your real estate attorney for a more detailed breakdown of the fees involved in selling your home.
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