Getting down to the real questions of real estate!

FORT ERIE REAL ESTATE MADE EASY

We’ve said a lot about needing to be comfortable with your real estate professional, and it’s a critical point. But never lose sight of the fact that that comfortable relationship is always to a purpose. You need to be comfortable discussing the real numbers of the real money that will change hands. Your agent should have ready, defensible answers to the following questions:

How would you price my home?

Ask about recent home sales and comparable properties currently on the market. It’s normal to get differing estimates from different real estate agents, so don’t be surprised at that, but be sure to ask how each agent arrived at their price opinion and why they think your home would sell for a given value. Request a written Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) as well. For all your Fort Erie real estate questions, contact us, we would love to connect with you.

What marketing strategy will you use with my home?

Real estate agents will deliver a listing presentation, where they provide a detailed summary of how they market homes, marketing strategies have worked in the past, and provide recommendations for the kind of marketing efforts that will be effective for your home. Understanding their marketing strategy will help you be comfortable with the decisions and action steps your real estate agent takes. Your confidence will free them up to do their job better.

What is your fee?

Brokerage fees are established in the marketplace – there are no laws or regulations other than the signed agreement. Of course you should expect to pay commission – the agent’s fee at the agreed-upon rate for handling your transaction. But there are other fees that are often associated with a real estate deal that you will want to know about: early cancellation fee, marketing fee, and MLS fee are some of the more common ones. Ask about these fees and any other costs that aren’t included in the commission rate.

What should you expect when working with a real estate agent?

Once your home is listed, your real estate agent will immediately begin to market your home according to the most appropriate conventions for your community – the marketing strategy that you discussed. As that process unfolds and as expressions of interest come in, your agent will keep you informed.

Your agent wants to keep you informed in an effective way, so specify how you'd prefer to communicate, whether email, text, phone call or in-person meetings. By clearly outlining those expectations up front, you will have confidence that your realtor is doing their best for you.

Whether buying or selling, communication is a key factor. Buyers tend to communicate with their agent more often than sellers to see properties and discuss the properties they’ve already seen. Make sure your agent is comfortable communicating with you in your preferred way.

Professional courtesy is a two-way street. Be on time for your appointments, and make sure your agent is able to do the same. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, we would love to represent you for all your Fort Erie real estate needs.