The Real Estate II Seller Advantage

1. State Agency Law

Real Estate II practices Disclosed Dual Agency. This means that we represent both buyers and sellers individually, but may also represent buyers and sellers in the same transaction. In a dual agency situation we are required to treat both parties fairly and honestly but we cannot put one party at an advantage over another during the negotiating process. Real Estate II agents take their agency responsibility very seriously and will provide you with a brochure entitled “Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships” at your first meeting.

2. Comparable Market

Analysis (CMA) Appraisals are done on homes for many different reasons and with many different outcomes. A formal appraisal is an opinion of value as determined by a licensed real estate appraiser. An estate appraisal for probate may differ from an appraisal ordered by a bank or mortgage broker for a refinance. An appraisal done by a relocation company will have different criteria than an appraisal done to determine value for a first or second mortgage. We are not licensed appraisers, but we have access to the same information that licensed appraisers do. We perform what is called a Comparable Market Analysis or CMA. This analysis includes recent sales information for properties like yours in your neighborhood, information regarding homes currently for sale, and information on homes that failed to sell. This report will help you make an informed decision when it comes to pricing your property.

3. Current Market Trends

Your Real Estate II agent knows the local market because she lives here and works here every day. Your can count on your agent to keep you informed of any changes in the selling environment whether positive or negative. Knowing what is going on in the market allows you to make the decisions you need to make as a homeowner to maximize your proceeds at closing. The experienced real estate professionals at Real Estate II sell homes regardless of the real estate climate.

4. Pricing Your Home

Your Real Estate II agent’s job is to get you the best possible price for your home at terms that work for you. It is your job as the homeowner to decide where you want to price your home given your CMA, current market conditions, and your personal goals and requirements. Listing your home at too high a price can actually cost you as much or more in the end than asking too little for your home. Buyers are extremely savvy today and many are represented by real estate sales agents who will do their own market evaluations of your home. In the end, the market dictates the sale price of your home.

5. Preparing Your Home for Sale

Your agent’s job is to consult with you, and provide feedback and advice. Nowhere is this more important than when it comes to preparing your home for sale. There are times when a home and a situation warrant some upgrading before putting the home on the market. This may include hiring a professional cleaning service, painting, landscaping, laying new carpet, or even hiring a home staging expert to come in and ‘spruce up’ the place. It is important that your home be of the same caliber as other homes in the neighborhood in order to receive top dollar. On the other hand, there are situations when it may be best to leave the home ‘as-is’ and set the list price accordingly. In any case, your Real Estate II agent has the expertise and experience you need to make an informed decision.

6. The Marketing Edge

Regardless of whether we are in a ‘buyers’ market or a ‘sellers’ market, there is no substitute for a full time, full service, real estate professional with the tools and education needed to get your home sold. Real Estate II leads the local market in brand awareness and the Real Estate II “Bulls Eye” is one of the most recognized logos in the area. Our history and reputations have fixed Real Estate II in the minds of buyers and sellers as the ‘go to’ firm for integrity, marketing excellence, service and results. What does this mean to you the homeowner? It means your home is recognized as being marketed by a top performing real estate professional with the top performing firm in town.

7. Advertising Your Property

National Association of Realtors’ studies show that 85% of buyers today use the internet to search for a home. Every Real Estate II listing is available for view on every major real estate related website on the internet. www.RealEstateII.com is the internet source for finding a home in Clark, Champaign and surrounding counties. Real Estate II listings are also available for view on Realtor.com, as well as on branded web sites promoted by individual agents. Print advertising plays an important role in our advertising strategy as well. There is no substitute for a newspaper photo ad to drive people to an open house. In addition, consumers will find photo ads for all of our listings in the Homes Guide magazine available at various grocery stores in the area.

8. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The commission you pay to list your home includes two primary components. First is the ‘list’ side component which consists of compensation to the listing broker and shared with the listing agent for marketing, advertising, negotiation, pricing and professional consultation. The ‘buy’ side component goes to the firm that actually brings the buyer for your home. Listing your home with a Real Estate II allows you to employ every real estate professional in the area to sell your home.

9. Contract to Closing

Real Estate II agents work with the finest lender and title professionals in the area to ensure that your sale goes as smoothly as possible. Your agent will present all offers to you and explain your options in detail. He or she will evaluate the buyer’s qualifications, renegotiate all counter offers, take care of any earnest money deposits, and follow up on all inspections. Most importantly, your agent will keep you informed of where you are in the process every step of the way.

10. Our Commitment to You

At Real Estate II we never forget that you have a choice in regards to who you choose to list and sell your property. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and we pledge to never forget that we work for you and that ultimately it is your house, and the decisions made are yours. Thank you for choosing Real Estate II.