May 2012 Houston and National Housing Market Trends
In this video we will discuss why a consumer should always use a realtor when buying, selling or leasing a property.
Realtors subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the buying process and selling real estate. Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Your realtor can help you determine how much you can afford to spend, and possibly more importantly, how much you should spend.
Your realtor can take that information and refer you to lenders who are best qualified to help you. Your realtor has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available, but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some legwork by your realtor to find all available properties.
Your realtor can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are realtors have access to a variety of informational resources. Realtors can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc.
Your realtor also provides insight during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspection for termites, asbestos, or roof condition just to name a few. Your realtor can help you find a qualified responsible professional to do most of these investigations, and provide you written reports.
Your realtor can help you negotiate. When selling your home your realtor can give you up to date information about what is happening in the marketplace. This is a key to getting your property sold at the best price quickly and with minimum hassle.
Your realtor acts as a marketing coordinator, distributing information about your property to other real estate agents through a multiple listing service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. In many markets across the country, more than 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sells, meaning a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer.
Your realtor can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your realtor is the best person to objectively help you solve these issues and move the transaction to closing.
So now you’ve learned why you should use a realtor when buying or selling real estate.
And remember, that a realtor is always the best source of information for all your real estate needs.
If you have not reviewed my monthly Housing Trends Newsletter - you could be missing out. Everywhere I go, people are asking me about the housing market conditions - it's on everyone's mind. Staying abreast of local and national market conditions and factors that can affect the future sale or purchase of your home can make the decision process less daunting. I always tell my clients that in order to make the best decision they need to have all the information they can upfront. My Housing Trends Newsletter is just one of the tools in my arsenal to make sure you keep informed.
The May 2012 Local and National Housing Trends has just been released. This month's newsletter is packed full of local and national housing market statistics and news you need to know to stay current with today's changing housing market.
This month's housing trends issue features:
Buying Condo For College Student is Smart Investment
Amazing Restorations Become Dream Homes
Swimming Pools: Alternatives to Chlorine
You can view the newsletter here.
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If you are considering selling your house or buying a home and need more information, I am never too busy to help, please contact me for more information.