What should you expect from your real estate agent?

Today we’re getting into the details! What exactly is the role of a real estate agent in helping buy or sell your home?

A lot of people really don’t know what a real estate agent should be doing for them. And because they don’t know the role of a real estate agent, they often miss out on some of the benefits of having an agent that does their job well.

Maybe you just hire any agent because you think they all do the same thing, but really you miss out on some bonuses because you simply don’t know that they should be doing certain things for you? It’s hard to ask questions if you don’t know what questions to ask!

The road to homeownership—or getting your home sold—can be bumpy, and it’s often filled with unexpected turns and detours. That’s why it makes sense to have a great real estate to help guide the way for you.

A Great Agent Should:

1. Save you time!
2. Be very knowledgeable of your area.
3. Be an expert guide for your market and for the process itself.
4. Find the right price for your home.
5. Effectively promote and market your home.
6. Have a strong network of professionals and agents around them.
7. Advocate for you as a buyer or seller.
8. Assist you with negotiations.
9. Take care of your paperwork down to the finest detail.

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Neighborhood

Figuring out which neighborhood you want to move to is probably one of the first steps in the home buying process. Today on the show we’re going to help you figure out which neighborhood is right for you!

If you’ve already started the home buying process, and found a house you think you love—we’re also going to give you some tips for figuring out if you’ll get along with the neighbors before you buy that perfect house. See the short list below and listen to the show for more details!

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Do you have kids or are you planning on having kids anytime soon? You'll want to research schools, parks, open spaces
2. How far do you want to commute to work?
3. Do you want to be in a new neighborhood or an older neighborhood?
4. What do you want in a neighborhood? Close to restaurants, quite community, etc.
5. How much house can you afford?

Is a neighborhood right for you?

1. Remember your first impression of the neighborhood. 
2. Try to visualize your daily life in that neighborhood.
3. Check out the neighborhood at different times of the day and different days of the week.
4. Did the neighbors come out and talk to you during the showing? This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on if you're an introvert or an extrovert.
5. Talk to the neighbors to get the skinny on the neighborhood.
6. Is the neighborhood absolutely immaculate? Maybe not a good fit if keeping your property in perfect condition is not your thing.
7. Are there a bunch of high powered flood lights? Is this a sign of crime around the area.
8. Are there no cars in sight? Probably not the best if you use your garage as a shop or extra storage. Make sure you understand the neighborhood HOA rules.

9 Common Pricing Beliefs that Just Aren't True

When it comes down to it, the most important advice a real estate agent can give sellers is how to price their home. On today's show Robert and Dave discuss common pricing beliefs that just aren't true! No matter how beautiful, well maintained or great at showings, if a home isn't price well it just won't sell. See our short list below and listen to the show for more details!

1. Belief: "Better to price the home on the high side and buyers will negotiate."
   Fact: You could be missing out on buyers who are not willing to stretch their budget.
    
2. Belief: "A home that's priced just right, risks leaving money on the table."
   Fact: A well priced will generate strong interest and likely multiple offers--which actually drives the price up and sets you up to get more money!
    
3. Belief: "A quick offer means their home was priced too low."
   Fact: A quick offer is an indication your home is priced right--see above for why that's a good thing!
    
4. Belief: "I'll get a better price over time."
   Fact: The longer your home is on the market, the less likely you are to get what you want for it.
    
5. Belief: "X price is as low as the seller will go." 
   Fact: If you want to sell your home quickly, you have to be flexible.
    
6. Belief: "Offers should always come in a asking price."
   Fact: No buyer is going to be willing to offer more than they have to, especially on their first pass. They use the first offer to determine the seller's willingness to negotiate.
    
7. Belief: "Outdated features shouldn't affect my selling price."
   Fact: If you have outdated features in your home, you need to keep in mind that buyers will only purchase it for a price that allows them to room to make updates after purchasing.
    
8. Belief: "I'll get all the money back that I've spent renovating my home."
   Fact: The reality is that while you may get some of your money back, you will not get a 100% return on your money. The average home renovation return rate is 63%.
    
9. Belief: "A buyer's offer is too far of asking price to even counter."
   Fact: If you've got a low offer, don't kick it to the curb--counter the buyers and show you are willing to negotiate.