Linda Marx Realty

Why a Realtor?

A Broker Makes It Happen! It Pays to Sell with a Broker!

In today's complex real estate market, there are many options available to someone trying to sell their home. No matter how you look at it, it makes the most sen$e to use a professional realtor. Here are some of the benefits of using a real estate broker:

Words for the Weary

Q It takes courage to write this letter but I want you to know you were right. You constantly advise prospective do-it yourself home sellers not to risk selling alone. But I violated your advice and sold my home without any agent. My first buyer, who only put up a $500 earnest money deposit, tied me up almost four months before he finally admitted he couldn't get a mortgage. The next buyer kept constantly coming back to the house and every time she came she found something else wrong. She got me to reduce the sales price $9,000 below the price we originally agreed upon. I was so happy to get rid of that house I could scream. I'm sure the sale would have been much smoother and for more net money if I had hired a successful Realtor, as you advised. Keep telling homeowners not to sell alone.

Lydia R.

A Thank you for warning about the dangers of selling a home without professional help from a successful real estate agent. I would love to tell home sellers they don't need to hire a professional agent. But, as you discovered the hard way, most people are not capable of selling their homes alone.

· More Cash with Less Effort ·

Most buyers believe (whether true or not) that owners inflate the price of their home by at least the amount of the commission. In this way, if they later decide to employ a broker the sales price will include the commission.

The buyer who deals directly with the owner will argue and insist that the seller reduce his price by at least the amount of the commission. The owner, of course, has had all of the effort and selling expense himself.

· Qualified Buyer ·

Many buyers over-estimate their financial ability to qualify for certain priced homes. By pre-qualifying his prospect's financial ability, the real estate agent eliminates the time consuming expense of contracts with buyers who cannot obtain the necessary financing.

· Sincere Buyers ·

A "for sale by owner" sign is an invitation to bargain hunters, real estate speculators, and "lookers" who just want to get an idea of the market.

A real estate agent screens all of his prospects. He is not going to waist the owner's time or his time by showing homes to anyone but sincere buyers.

· Financial Experience ·

The real estate agent's experience in arranging financing for the buyer can mean a much quicker sale. Since he or she plans many loans, the agent may get better terms and better service from the lending institutions. After pre-qualification an approval is guaranteed.

· Hidden Objections ·

Prospects will much more readily discuss objections with a real estate agent than with the owner. They do not want to put the owner in a position of defending his home.

Many hidden buyer objections can be overcome once they are known. This is one reason why homes sell much faster through real estate brokers.

· Proper Follow-Up System ·

Homes are frequently sold on the second visit arranged by the real estate agent. Real estate agents maintain an active follow-up system of prospects. When the situation is right, he or she can bring the prospect to a home previously seen and make a sale.

· No Undesirable Stranger ·

Most sellers don't like the idea of a strange man gaining access to the home with the wife alone. There have also been instances where they have posed as legitimate prospects in order to learn what is of value and how to later get access to the home. The real estate agent assures that only legitimate prospects will be admitted to your home.

· Your Home Is Always On The Market ·

When you attempt to sell a home yourself, your house is actually off the market whenever you are at a store, visiting friends, or doing anything away from home. When a real estate broker is involved your house is on the market 24 hours a day because there is always someone ready to talk business with the prospective buyer. The agent is committed to you!