Buying or selling a home can be especially difficult when
dealing with an incompetent or disloyal real estate agent. Now,
don’t get me wrong, I’m not out to knock realtors. I’m the first
to admit that many agents are excellent and worth their weight
in gold. However, most real estate agents fall into one of three
categories: good, average or poor. Then, there is that worrying
small percentage of agents who are downright incompetent. Every
industry is inflicted with this type of person and I suspect the
real estate industry has more than its fair share of incompetent
agents. The truth is; a good and a bad agent have one thing in
common – their job is to be a “deal-maker.” But, be warned -
some real estate agents will perform all sorts of tricks to
stitch up a deal. This is fine so long as they are not
“stitching up” the buyer or the seller. There’s nothing wrong
with enthusiasm to pull a deal together - it is to be applauded.
However, a good agent needs to remain professional and ethical
at all times throughout the selling process. Unfortunately, most
homeowner’s are reasonably inexperienced when it comes to buying
or selling a property. They rely greatly on the “perceived”
ability of the agent they are dealing with. In reality, most
homeowner’s are “fair game” for a disloyal, dishonest, or
incompetent agent! In any negotiation, WIN – WIN deals are the
best. But, sometimes when buying or selling a house, things
happen to benefit just one party… the buyer, the seller or
possibly just the real estate agent. Therein lies the danger.
Who is the real estate agent really working for? Where do his or
her true loyalties lie? With the seller, the buyer or
themselves? These 7 questions will help you decide who the agent
is really working for. Visit any open home and test these
questions out on an agent. Good or bad, the answers will reveal
something about that agent and his or her ability and true
loyalties. If the real estate agent betrays the seller, they
will betray you as well. If they defend the seller, it’s likely
they will defend you too. Ask the real estate agent these 7
questions:
1. How much will the seller take? You may learn the
bottom price that the seller will accept.
2. How much do you
think the home will sell for? You may discover that the agent
has an opinion less than the asking price.
3. When does the
seller need to move out? The agent may reveal an urgent
deadline. This could be an advantage in negotiating a lower
price.
4. Why is the homeowner selling? The agents may reveal a
confidential reason for selling.
5. How long has the property
been on the market? The agent may reveal if, or why, the
property has been difficult to sell.
6. Who priced the property? The agent may be quick to deny any
involvement and in some cases may blame the seller for being
greedy.
7. What other homes are there in competition to this property?
This is particularly useful information, so long as the agent
gives you an honest answer. Ask the agent to show you some of
these competing properties.
These questions are simple and not
hard to ask. However, failing to ask these types of questions
can put a buyer (or seller) at the mercy of a disloyal,
dishonest, or incompetent agent. Buying or selling a home is a
big investment for most people; so it is well worth the effort
to select an agent you can trust and have confidence in.
About the author:
Home Selling Secrets Revealed. Tips and ideas on how to get top
price selling your home, how to choose real estate agents, or
advertise your house for sale privately.
http://www.instantsellhome.com
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