Tag Archives: Realtor

The Top Ways that Real Estate Agents SAVE You Money

Sunday, 08 November 2015 21:18
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YoungCoupleSaveMoneyMovingThe beauty of hiring an experienced real estate agent is that they make the process of selling your property look easy.  However, the truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of work and knowledge to get a home through the closing process, which is worth remembering when the desire to stick a “For Sale by Owner” sign in your yard rears its ugly head.

Plain and simple, while you may cringe when thinking about the standard 6% commission that your agent will get when your home finally sells, it’s important to think about all of the advantages they bring to the table, especially when you find yourself in a tight spot.

FREE MARKETING – When it comes to selling, marketing is key. Effective sales strategies include marketing materials that will not only cost you some serious out-of-pocket cash, but require professional-looking design skills, which—let’s face it—most of us lack.

Instead, a great agent will not only provide you with an abundance of professional photographs, brochures, mailings, and advertisements, but will make sure your listing is seen by the right contacts.  Often times, finding a buyer is about numbers.  If no one is seeing your home, no one will buy it.

THEY’LL PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD – When it comes to staging, most of us have our furniture and belongings organized for function; however, while comfortable, chances are good that your layout may not be what’s best for the look of the room. If the goal is to show things in best light possible, you’ll need an agent who can objectively assess your space and help you decide what to keep and what to place in storage. Clearly, buyers will be looking for aesthetic appeal, so having someone on hand to redistribute your furniture, make recommendations, and increase your home’s flair is crucial.

THEY KNOW PEOPLE – A solid agent will have a solid team working behind them—which includes everything from honest lenders, plumbers, electricians, inspectors, contractors, brokers, designers, landscapers, etc. Whether selling your home will require a bit of a backyard cleanup or a few coats of fresh paint, your agent should be able to recommend someone who will not only do a great job, but give you a fair price.

When attempting to sell your home on your own, it’s easy to cave and throw money at the problem; however, an agent will save you from spending your hard-earned money when not absolutely necessary.

MORE MONEY AT CLOSING – Whether you always understand it, a great agent will approach the home selling process with a strategy, which means they’re going to work their magic to get you the most money for your home. Whether that means under-pricing to stage a bidding war or showing your property before listing to entice that super-motivated buyer, they know exactly how to play things so that you get more money.

TIME IS MONEY – Plain and simple, agents do things what you cannot. Unless you went to school for real estate or regularly spend your time researching trends in the local market, chances are good that they have a better understanding of what it takes to get a home sold in as little time as possible. The longer your home stays on the market, the more money you lose, so it’s important to have someone in your corner who can do the heavy lifting and move the process along.

In the end, regardless of the season or time of year, if you’re looking to sell your current home, I can help.  My background is extensive and I know how to move homes from market to close.

To learn more about what I can do for you and your family, please feel free to contact me.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789

Difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor

Friday, 23 October 2015 05:31
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iStock_000000849291_Large1If you’re looking to buy your first home, chances are good that you may not have had a lot of prior experience in the real estate market.  Aside from the fact that the entire prospect of purchasing a home is daunting to most people, it can be even more confusing if you are not sure of the differences between a standard real estate agent and a REALTOR.  While it’s common to use both terms somewhat interchangeably, there are actually variances between the two titles that separate them from each other.

Yes, both are licensed to sell real estate; however, one is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, which means they are bound by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.  As a consumer, it’s not surprising that you may be wondering what this means since the idea of a code of ethics is somewhat arbitrary, but it’s important to note that the code which bounds each member of the National Association of REALTORS® is strictly enforced.

In short, The Code contains 17 articles, as well as certain Standards of Practice that bind REALTORS in a way that does not impact individuals who simply hold a real estate license.  While it’s impossible to guarantee that all REALTORS will adhere to the standards at all times, The Code exists as a way to regulate and require ethical behavior.

While it should be noted that this in no way means that non-member real estate agents fail to be ethically-minded, it’s important to realize that most REALTORS take their promises very seriously.

To help aid in your understanding, the 17 REALTOR promises are as follows:

  1. Pledge to put the interests of buyers and sellers ahead of their own and to treat all parties honestly.
  2. Shall refrain from exaggerating, misrepresenting or concealing material facts; and is obligated to investigate and disclose when situations reasonably warrant.
  3. Shall cooperate with other brokers / agents when it is in the best interests of the client to do so.
  4. Have a duty to disclose if they represent family members who own or are about to buy real estate, or if they themselves are a principal in a real estate transaction, that they are licensed to sell real estate.
  5. Shall not provide professional services in a transaction where the agent has a present or contemplated interest without disclosing that interest.
  6. Shall not collect any commissions without the seller’s knowledge nor accept fees from a third-party without the seller’s express consent.
  7. Shall refuse fees from more than one party without all parties’ informed consent.
  8. Shall not co-mingle client funds with their own.
  9. Shall attempt to ensure that all written documents are easy to understand and will give everybody a copy of what they sign.
  10. Shall not discriminate in any fashion for any reason on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
  11. Expects agents to be competent, to conform to standards of practice and to refuse to provide services for which they are unqualified.
  12. Must engage in truth in advertising.
  13. Shall not practice law unless they are a lawyer.
  14. Shall cooperate if charges are brought against them and present all evidence requested.
  15. Agree not to bad mouth competition and agree not to file unfounded ethics complaints.
  16. Shall not solicit another REALTOR’S client nor interfere in a contractual relationship.
  17. Shall submit to arbitration to settle matters and not seek legal remedies in the judicial system.

If you’d like to learn more or are interested in buying or selling a home, I’d love to show you what makes REALTORS so great.  Please feel free to contact me at my direct number below.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.MarieDinsmore.com | 770-712-7789

Why You Need a Realtor When Buying New Construction

Saturday, 11 July 2015 18:30
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new-constructionAs the economy has improved, so too has the construction of new homes.  What were once sad, empty parcels of land are now beautiful new developments, so it’s no surprise that sales in these neighborhoods have increased as buyers have returned to the market.

Building your dream home can be exhilarating, especially if given the opportunity to not only pick your lot and layout, but everything from your interior finishes to your upgrades as well.  While today’s homebuilders work hard to make the process as easy as possible for potential buyers, it’s still important to remember that purchasing a home involves a large financial transaction that can have an abundance of financial implications if handled incorrectly.

Therefore, while most new housing developments have their own agents on site to assist future homeowners in procuring a home, it’s still extremely important for buyers to maintain their own representation as well.

BUILDER REPS HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THE BUILDER—NOT YOU.

While builder reps help detail things like the difference between various models and floorplans, as well as upgrades and available financing, it’s imperative to remember that those reps are still contractually obligated to place the interests of the builder first.  Therefore, in order to be sure that your total wellbeing is given priority, buyers should seriously consider utilizing the services of an experienced Realtor who can make sure their wants and needs are placed at the forefront of the deal.

While you may think that you can easily go forth without an agent, especially in the hopes that the builder will negotiate the 3% agent fee back into your pocket, the reality is that they’ll probably keep it unless you have the representation of a Realtor who can research how much negotiating can be done.  Without this outside assurance, chances are good that you may find yourself over paying for your property.

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY.

Real estate transactions involve a good deal of paperwork and legal considerations which can be difficult to navigate if you are not completely sure how the process should work.  If you’re making the decision to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home, you need to make sure that someone is looking out for your best financial interest.  A Realtor will not only be contractually obligated to protect you, but can help you navigate the various clauses, riders, and upgrade options embedded in the final new-construction contract.

SMOOTH NEGOTIATION PROCESS.

Part of the buying process involves the negotiation of terms, upgrade options, and closing costs, as well as selecting the best financing for your needs.  A Realtor will be able to present other attractive options for financing or will be able to work directly with the builder’s lender to secure a better rate for your mortgage.

A GUIDING HAND FROM SEARCH TO CLOSE.

From here, it’s important to remember that buying a new home is more than the fun process of selecting your finishes and signing on the dotted line.  It also involves everything from working with title companies to attending numerous inspections, so it’s worth having a Realtor on your side who can manage the overall process and ensure you’re not missing anything before the home is completely yours.

Therefore, if you’re in the market for a new home and would like some help navigating the waters, I’d love to make my services available.  Please call me for more information or to set up a meeting.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789

Simple Reasons Why Great Agents are Vital to Sellers

Sunday, 31 May 2015 18:38
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iStock_000018444654Small_SignPapersWhether you’ve sold a home in the past or are considering doing so in the near future, chances are good that the thought, “Come on, how hard can it be to sell on my own?” has crossed your mind—especially if you live in an area that has a high buyer demand.  Even so, while it may be tempting to play seller and real estate agent, it’s possible that you may have overlooked a few real estate challenges.

At the end of the day, real estate agents have a significant job, so it’s important to understand why agents prove to be indispensable during the selling process.

  1. Exposure.  A great agent is an expert at marketing, which means they will have the experience and know-how to help you not only increase your home’s exposure, but to market it in a way that will appeal to a wide audience.
  2. Outside Perspective. Sure, you may love your home and appreciate its quirks; however, a good real estate agent will bring a sense of objectivity into the equation.  While you may overlook your home’s imperfections, it’s important to remember that most potential buyers will not, so heeding the advice of a solid agent can make all the difference.
  3. They Handle All Showings. Whether you’ve already moved out or you’re simply dealing with a chaotic work schedule, an agent will be able to show your home to prospective buyers and answer their questions as needed.
  4. Market Awareness. Plain and simple, a great agent will not only be familiar with the area, but have access to an abundance of current market data regarding pending and recent sales.  While it’s completely reasonable to expect top dollar for your home, most agents understand that accurately priced homes tend to sell quicker than those that are priced too high.
  5. Negotiation Skills. While some people truly enjoy negotiating, many people find it to be a stressful experience.  Therefore, sellers with a real estate agent will find themselves in a great position because their agent can help secure a contract that will get them the most money.
  6. Legal Knowledge. It should come as no surprise that real estate transactions involve a long list of state and federal legal requirements, which can catch up with a seller if they decide to market their home without a reputable real estate agent.  To avoid legal trouble, an agent will help prepare the necessary disclosure documents and make sure that all of the seller’s paperwork is filed correctly.

If you’re considering selling your home, I offer free no-obligation consultations and would love to help you get the ball rolling!  Please contact me for more information.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789

Why You Need a Realtor

Friday, 10 October 2014 10:11
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RealtorWithClients-wide8Right off the bat, I understand that having a licensed Realtor write a blog about the reasons you should hire an agent may seem like a conflict of interest; however, I entered the complex world of real estate specifically because I believe that all current and future homeowners deserve to have someone in their corner when attempting to navigate the often confusing process of purchasing a home.

Plain and simple, with the over-abundance of technology flooding our consciousness every day, it’s no secret that searching for the perfect house has gotten easier.  Right at your fingertips, there are thousands of homes with details about everything from neighborhood locations and prior purchase dates, to photos, virtual walk-throughs, and a variety of builder specifics.  Gone are the days when you would have to spend hours driving through neighborhoods while collecting home fliers and scheduling dozens of showings—today, your access is instant.

Still, there’s a tried-and-true saying that is extremely pertinent in today’s market and it helps explain my list of reasons why you should hire an agent:

“Keep calm & let a Realtor handle it!”

1.)  APPRAISERS – When it comes time for an appraiser to look at your home, it helps to have someone who can run interference and provide them with the comparable sales which were used to determine your home’s proper listing price (this is especially helpful if the appraiser is not familiar with your neighborhood).

2.) BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER – While you may not realize it, closing on a home requires a lot of parties to be on the same page—from the loan officer, inspector, and appraiser, as well as the buyer’s Realtor and closing attorney—which means a lot of behind the scenes work will need to take place before everything is settled.  If you don’t want to see your deal fall apart before closing, it’s important to understand that a Realtor will keep things running smoothly.

3.) THEY KNOW THE MARKET – When it comes to getting a fair property price, a Realtor who understands the area is imperative so you don’t wind up overpaying for a home.  Plus, when it comes time for those nerve-wracking negotiations, an experienced agent will be able to fight on your behalf.

4.) SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS – One of the great things about Realtors who have been in the business a while, is that they have a wealth of information about a myriad of service providers.  From contractors and painters, to roofers, landscapers, and electricians, your odds are good that a Realtor will be able to send honest, good providers your way.

5.) GREATER ACCESS – Sure, the internet will help you see some of what’s available; however, to truly gain access to the listed homes in your area, you’ll need a Realtor.  Otherwise, while you may be able to peruse “For Sale by Owner” homes on your own, it’s also important to note that those owners are NOT obligated to use sales contracts or disclosure forms (which protect you as the buyer) upon closing.

6.) CUTTING ACROSS STATE LINES – If you’re looking to move to another part of the country, a Realtor is imperative, especially if you aren’t familiar with where you’ll be heading.  Instead of worrying about the unknowns, a local agent will be able to take note of adequate neighborhoods, schools, shopping venues, etc.

7.) EXTENDED REACH – If you’re considering listing your home on your own, it’s important to remember that this may drastically limit your pool of buyers.  Realtors have an abundance of networking, advertising, and marketing resources at their disposal, so your home will sell that much faster.

In the end, an important bonus of working with a Realtor is that they will be there AFTER your sale is complete.  It’s only natural for questions to arise weeks—or even months—after you sign those papers, so if you’ve been working with an agent, you can rest assured that you’ll never be left in a lurch.

If you’re looking to buy or sell your home, or if you simply need some advice about the current market in North Georgia, I would love to be of service to you.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com | 770-712-7789