Real Estate Update

Posts Tagged ‘Qualified’

“Why It Makes Sense to List With a Qualified Real Estate Agent”

Are you considering purchasing or investing in property? If so, it is advisable that you enlist the help of a real estate agent to help you navigate through this process. It’s important to note here, that when choosing to sell your home there are two types of real estate professionals you will come across: a realtor and a real estate agent. It makes sense to list with an agent if you wish to work with a professional who has the expertise to guide you through the entire process.

Let’s Get to the Point:  The Difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor

Often used interchangeably, the words ‘realtor’ and ‘real estate agent’ should not be confused. In the case of a real estate agent, this is a person who is licensed by the state to represent consumers in the sale or purchase of home. A real estate agent is one who has been granted legal permission to help aid you through the home buying or selling process from start to finish.

On the other hand, a realtor is a real estate professional who is an active member of a real estate organization, most notably, the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The National Association of Realtors offers ongoing legal information, education, information regarding government regulations, and contractual updates that affect the real estate industry. Usually realtors will consist of property managers, appraisers, brokers, and/or loan officers. As a result, it’s important to note that not all realtors are real estate agents, which helps determine the significance between the two.

So Which One is the Best to Use When Listing Property?

By and large, using a real estate agent to list your property may prove to be the better choice compared to a realtor, depending on your needs. For example, real estate agents can be extremely efficient in providing you with a list of potential homebuyers who are very specific in what they want in their next home purchase. Real estate agents often have firsthand knowledge of what homes are on the market and they can sell to even the most hesitant customer since they cater to their needs and are knowledgeable enough to track down the perfect house for clients. While some people may prefer to list with a realtor due to their NAR accreditation, a realtor may not have as much first hand – or “field” knowledge as a real estate agent when it comes to knowing the specifics of homes, certain communities, etc.

Highly Esteemed Qualities of a Real Estate Agent

If you decide to list with an agent, ensure that you do so with an agent whom you feel most comfortable working with. Most homebuyers list with agents they know of through personal referrals, or those who have a positive reputation in the community for selling homes. A high quality real estate agent will ensure that the entire listing process goes smoothly, all the while being honest about the details. When listing with an agent, be sure to ask questions and listen to the answers provided. Your real estate agent will guide you towards obtaining the desires you have for selling your home.

Myth #1: You don’t need a realtor when you build a new home because you can save a commission and, therefore, get a better deal from the builder.
Myth #2: You don’t need a realtor since you will be working directly with the builder. The builder will take care of the financing, the title company, and all of the administrative paperwork associated with the purchase of a new home.
Myth #3: Realtors know little or nothing of construction, so why would you need one? A realtor would just be in the way.
Let’s discuss Myth #1:
New home construction prices are generally based on the builder’s cost plus their profit or markup. In most cases, homebuilders either have a marketing budget, which includes commissions or they use a percentage profit or markup which includes a commission. What generally happens when a buyer/client works directly with a builder is that the builder pockets the commission as additional profit. Most builders or their salespersons will advise you that their is no need for you to have a real estate agent. It is important to remember that builders represent themselves; not you as the client.
Myth #2: Builders will make it seem simpler without a realtor and that having one is really not necessary. This might be true if the builder represented your interests instead of theirs. Do you think he does? Did you know that most homebuilders have their own mortgage and title companies, not for your interest, but for theirs? The builders need their lender and title companies to finance their business and buy your lot and others. This is big business for both of them and be assured that those relationships favor the builder’s interest way ahead of yours.
Myth #3: Remember the title of this article says “qualified realtor”. The very best arrangement is for you, the buyer, to have a qualified, seasoned, realtor to represent you in a real estate transaction. Would you represent yourself in a lawsuit? Would you represent yourself in probably the largest investment you will ever make…your home? Interview a few realtors to determine their knowledge, experience, and success on new builds. You can ask them to justify the commission dollar wise, but remember, as discussed above, you are not the one who will be paying the commission.
Here are some of the things that a realtor should and will do for you if they are qualified:
- Most buyers will use a builder’s floor plan without consulting an architect. A good realtor will insist on a professional architect’s input. Because architects will introduce ideas and standards that builders want to avoid, builders will almost always discourage a buyer from using one.
- Typically, 4-6 meetings are conducted between the builder and the buyer before a contract is executed. Usually the buyer signs the contract on the spot. However, if a realtor is present, the realtor insists on waiting several days so that additional negotiations can take place. A good realtor may require more than one additional meeting to ensure the buyer gets the best contract price possible.
- Most buyers will do only a walk-through with the builder. A good realtor will insist on an inspection by a licensed professional prior to closing and will attend the inspection with the buyer.
In conclusion, having a qualified realtor to represent your interests when having a new home built is essential. Although the builder will do their best to make it seem otherwise, the commission saved will go back into their pocket and not yours. A real estate agent will keep a detailed account of the builder’s actions and make sure that you are getting the most home for the money. The best part is that there is no additional cost to you. So when you go to buy a new home, find a seasoned realtor. It makes sense.