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  • what else a real estate agent can do other than working as a Realtor?

    Posted on July 19th, 2010 admin 3 comments
    B2 asked:


    Hi,
    I have done real estate salesperson course got liscenced, but I cant do write know a salesperson agent work because of a time constrain, i have a small baby n salesperson has to go on showing in the evening and in weekends, where no day cares available.
    Please advice I need something in related field and office job morning hours when I can leave my baby in day care.

    Sara
  • Real estate tips – interviewing listing agents w/ Jim Klinge

    Posted on May 19th, 2010 admin 25 comments
    katsid asked:


    Thinking of selling your house? To sell for top dollar, it’s critical that you get the right agent to help you! “Jim the Realtor” works in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, CA – if you’re thinking of selling around here, give him a call. He’ll answer these questions and more. Also take a look at his website for current market conditions and statistics that will help you see exactly where the market is in North San Diego County. www.bubbleinfo.com His email address is jim@jimklinge.com

    Charles

  • How do I go about job shadowing for a real estate agent?

    Posted on May 10th, 2010 admin 3 comments
    Katie asked:


    im 16 and im doing this graduation project for school. Im really interested in being a real estate agent after college (preferrably beach houses) So for my project I was thinking about job shadowing for a realtor. I live in montgomery county Pa and I was wondering if anyone had a clue of where I could go to shadow. and any details or anything about being a real estate agent or job shadowing for it or anything like that would be cool too. thanks :)

    April
  • Real Estate Agents and Realtors in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

    Posted on May 5th, 2010 admin No comments
    PalaceProperties asked:


    Find a Indian Harbour Beach Florida Real Estate Agent to start your search for buying or selling property. A Realtor is the best way to buy or sell Indian Harbour Beach Florida homes and land.

    Allan

  • Any real estate agents out there? Please help I am sooooo frustrated?

    Posted on April 19th, 2010 admin 4 comments
    me asked:


    Hello there! I am in desperate need of some advice. My fiancee and I are looking to purchase a home. We are looking in a very low price range because we want the cheapest payments possible at this time, hopefully when we sell we can make a little money and buy a nicer house. Well, due to the economy, we are finding some good deals, however as soon as we find one we like the property is usually bought right up and usually by a real estate agent who then does some repair and puts it back on the market at a higher price.

    Anyway, we have found the cutest, best house we have seen by far. This is the problem: I called the agent who is listing the property and she said that it is a foreclosure and to hurry if we wanted to make a move because they have received two offers on this house. I asked her what that meant, and she said it was like a contract.

    Please tell me how this works, is it like they see how many offers they receive and then pick the best one? We can’t move too quickly because this house shares a well with the adjoining property and our bank says we need some kind of legal agreement between the two properties which my realtor is looking into.

    I really want this house so badly! We have been looking forever and I am about to just give up. I am so exhausted by this whole process. We are pre-approved by a bank for a little more then the asking price so we have everything in order and ready to go.

    Also, what is a good offer for $105,000 in this situation?

    Thank you so much! Any advice is appreciated very much!
    leaiara, I know, house hunting is starting to really suck! Good luck to you, and about the basement, I don’t know if I agree, around here they all seem to leak ;) but this house does have an unfinished basement.

    Beverly

  • Realtors- Characteristics of Good Real Estate Agents

    Posted on September 19th, 2009 admin No comments
    Derek Weeks asked:


    In Denver, there are many real estate agents to choose from. Selecting the right person is a daunting task. With so much riding on your choice you need to know you have selected the right agent. There are some characteristics of good real estate agents. This article will tell you what to look for so you can make the right choice.

    When buying or selling real estate the first impression may be the last impression. If your first impression is anything less than positive take a look at why. Is it your own personal bias or is something wrong? A good real estate agent should give you a good first impression.

    Professionalism is required in all areas. If your realtor doesn’t behave professionally with you, he or she won’t be professional with other potential buyers or sellers either. Is the agent dressed neatly? Is the office tidy or are there piles of papers on the desk? Is the waiting area comfortable? The answers to these should always be yes.

    Consider how fast phone calls and emails are returned. This says a lot about how hard your agent is willing to work. Calls and emails should always be followed up in a timely manner.

    Your agent should be knowledgeable and should be able to help you through the process of buying or selling. Agents should know the state and local real estate requirements and applicable laws as well as be familiar recreation spots, schools and hospitals.

    Good agents enjoy working with people. They make you feel at home and are always willing to answer your questions. Agents should be polite, friendly and should never rush you. They should make you feel that you are their focus and not a sales commission.

    You want an agent that goes beyond the call of duty. These are agents who give you regular reports and do everything they can to help. In short, these are the most effective at doing the job you need.

    Realtors should be forthright and honest at all times. You deserve to have an agent that takes the time to make you Number One. If you even suspect that your realtor is dodging your phone or doing less than their part, sever the relationship and look for another agent.

    This is a great time to buy real estate in Denver. These characteristics of good real estate agents can help you do just that.



    Jorge
  • How to Survive as a Real Estate Agent

    Posted on August 27th, 2009 admin No comments
    Tim Kelly asked:


    As we all know that real estate career is well paid, as it involve with high value of property.

    However, it is no doubt that good fortune never come from easy work. People who make a lot of money in real estate industry have to work hard, be patient and sometime hope for luck. But how many know that how hard to be a good real estate agent, how expensive, frustrating, and stressful this job can be.

    As a general practice, it is commonly known that to become a good real estate agent is difficult but the most difficult is to stay in this business. Real estate agent industry in one of the most job that has high turn over in the USA. Many people go out while many new faces come in.

    For some body who already success in real estate business may know that it’s not really easy to become success and maintain in the business. As I am one of the realtor who have some experience in this business and I want to share with you about how we can stay in this business as much as we can. Because I have been in many difficult times in my career life as a real estate agent so I hope my know ledge will be useful for you more or less.

    Firstly, and this is probably the most important thing. Good preparation is a key element of success. There is no luck for the good successor and you have to prepare for everything, including prepare for both success and fail time. You have to have a secured plan on what you have to do if you are not get paid for about 2 or 3 months. You may have to have some spared budget during this difficult time as I can guarantee that every success realtor have passed this situation before.

    Secondly, looking for some expert in this field who can give you a constant advice. Especially if you are new graduate, find a company that has comprehensive training for new staff. You can not survive without having some initial knowledge. You may also have to find a paid consultant even though there will be some monthly expense for this but I recommend that it worth having.

    Thirdly, stick to the basic principle of good seller. Keep finding real estate owners, always find the list and call them or even come to knock the door of their house. Prepare some interesting presentation to business firm in your area. Try to find the way to be known n the community at possible minimum cost. Visit an organisation that has potential or strong influence in the community. This is only some of example that you can follow.

    The last, try to be optimistic as much as you can, not thing can make you fail as much as from yourself. Always be reminded that it is never easy to success and all problems have their own solution.



    Glenda
  • 7 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Agent

    Posted on August 13th, 2009 admin No comments
    Escapeso Austin Real Estate asked:


    Some people choose to use a real estate agent and some people choose to go it alone. One thing I have noticed over the years is that a number of seasoned investors looking in a new city will seek out a good agent while novice investors will frequently go it alone. I have even had a number of successful real estate agents seek out my help when they are moving to our city. Why do some of these seasoned investors choose to work with an agent? Below is a list of 7 benefits of using an agent.

    1. Understand potential restrictions of the property. I recently heard a story from a friend at the city development office in Austin Texas. A couple had saved up for their retirement. They wanted to retire and live out in the hill country. They went to the foreclosure auctions. At the auction they purchased a lot for 500,000. It had great views and they were going to build their dream house on it. They had researched the lot before the auction and found it was zoned SFR which means a single family residence can be built on it. After purchasing the lot they started plans to build their retirement house. At this time they discovered the lot was in the 25 year floodplain. My friend at the city development office explained that the lot could not be built on and was basically worthless.

    2. Know about new developments that might affect a properties value. A good realtor will know of proposed new developments that might affect different properties in which a buyer is interested. Whether these developments are positive or negative can be valuable information when weighing different housing options.

    3. Find potential problems with a property. It is always a good idea to have a home inspector look at a potential house. However, a Realtor is a good first line of defense to see if a house has inherent problems. A Realtor that can know about common problems, such as foundation or electrical, that affect a particular neighborhood.

    4. Understand contracts specifics. Whenever you buy or sell a house you are entering into a large personal transaction. It helps to have someone on your side that deals with these types of transactions on a daily basis. A Realtor can help you understand contracts and can explain what is typical for your area. The most common pitfall into which I see unrepresented buyers fall is to become involved in an atypical contract that is not to their benefit. For instance a seller will sign an offer that has an option period that is 4 times longer than what is typical. A buyer might put in offers on multiple properties with long option periods. The buyer will wait and see if the market appreciates. If the market has appreciated the buyer buys the house at now and undervalued price. If the market has gone down the buyer walks away.

    5. Misperception of a benefit of going it alone. Buyers frequently think that by not using a buyers agent they will get a better deal from the seller. In most situation the listing agent asks for 6 percent from the seller. If a buyer comes with an agent the listing agent splits the 6 percent with the buyers agent. If an unrepresented buyer comes the listing agent keeps the whole 6 percent. On the selling side, For Sale By Owners (FSBO) often think they are saving alot of money by avoiding a listing agent. Nationally, FSBO homes sell for 14 percent less than agent listed homes in the same neighborhoods. In addition alot of FSBO’s still end up having a buyers agents involved. There is also money spent on advertising. Since an agent has experience marketing homes the agent often can spend money more effectively on advertising. Agents often know which advertising sources produce the most potential buyers.

    6. Save time when looking for listings. Looking for listings without an agent can take up large chunks of time. When looking with an agent you can see several homes in a few hours. When going it alone you have to call the listing agent for each house and wait at the house for the agent to arrive and open up the house. In addition agents often know houses which are not listed or may have already identified potential problems with a particular house of interest.

    7. Insure Security. When a home is listed with a broker, agents coming to the house have to usually log in. This allows the listing agent to keep a record of every party coming into the house. Since their business is on the line, agents are more likely to protect the house from damage or theft. For a variety of reasons, it is generally not a good idea to have random people you do not know come into your house. Often sellers simply have a phone number, but that phone could be their house, a friend’s house, a pay phone, or even a stolen phone.

    Searching for a home can be stressful and difficult but it can also be fun. Whether you choose to look for a home on your own or with a Realtor its a good idea to be a extremely careful when you seek out your dream home.



    Daniel
  • Myths About Real Estate Agents

    Posted on August 2nd, 2009 admin No comments
    Escapeso Austin Real Estate asked:


    There are some myths about real estate agents, many of which are not so flattering. But when it comes down to it, real estate agents are not too out there, and there is a logical explanation to each misconception. Let’s straighten out a couple myths and facts.

    Myth #1: They have big hair.

    Fact: Though occasionally real estate agents do have big hair, most are regular people who get up in the morning just like you do, and go to work just like you do. Many real estate agents, in fact, are going bald due to stress related hair loss. Same with the fancy dagger-shaped manicures; in actuality, many real estate agents have bitten their nails down to nubs.

    Myth #2: Real Estate Agents drive luxury cars while talking on their cell phones.

    Fact: Itâ??s true that real estate agents are often trying to do too many things at once, but they like to be careful about it. And though real estate agents would like to make a good impression on you, more often than not they drive Hondas and Toyotas and hope that their hard work will sell you, not their Lexus.

    Myth #3: Real Estate Agents know your area.

    Fact: Just like normal people, real estate agents canâ??t know everything. Though they do spend a lot of time driving around town, they canâ??t be in all places at once, and they themselves probably have preferences for one neighborhood versus another. Make it clear to your realtor what kind of area you want to live in, and they can help you look within that section of town.

    Myth #4: Real Estate Agents live outside of time.

    Fact: Real estate agents have lives too, and those lives happen to take place in the same physical realm as yours does. While it might seem like they spend a strangely disproportionate chunk of time speaking with you, they are actually trying to be as time-conscious as possible, so that you can move more quickly into your home and they can move more quickly to helping their next client.

    Myth #5: Real Estate Agents just want your money.

    Fact: What real estate agents actually want is an easy life. They want to help you find a home you love, and they want to make their (often small) bit of commission off of it (and thatâ??s off the sale, not out of your pocket). They do not want your soul or your firstborn, just some patience, consideration, and a positive home-buying experience for all.



    Marcus
  • How Real Estate Agents Can Make Open Houses Work

    Posted on July 15th, 2009 admin No comments
    Craig Berger asked:


    On any given weekend, there is a home somewhere in the area subjected to an open house. While some feel that open houses do not really help the sale of a home, others have had plenty of success selling after showing it to the public. Either way, real estate agents can use the open house to their advantage in many ways.

    Real Estate Agents And The Origins Of The Open House

    Before the Internet became the way people searched for information on real estate, open houses were one of the only ways to find out what property was on the market. Buyers could browse homes without having to go through a real estate agent.

    However, today most interested parties consult websites first. Serious buyers typically work with a Realtor who uses MLS to help find them a home, developing a schedule to look at homes on the market privately. It is up to the agent to know whether to view the house publicly.

    Real Estate Agents Can Make Open Houses Work To Their Advantage

    One of the benefits of holding an open house is not necessarily to sell the home, but to draw in other sellers. People in the neighborhood who are also looking to sell will be able to meet you, thus giving you a built-in opportunity to network with potential clients. Though this can work, you should combine this tactic with other serious marketing efforts.

    Of course, the main reason to have an open house is to attract buyers. Instead of showing the house individually to many clients, you can get all interested parties, plus a few more, to see the property.

    Making Open Houses Work And What To Watch Out For

    Since open houses are public, you need to be extra careful with any kind of potential liabilities. A swimming pool is a big selling point, but if someone falls in you are the one in charge at the time. Take precautions around the house and keep a careful eye on everyone coming in through the door.

    Another option for an open house is a “broker’s open,” in which the open house is for other agents. Again, this is a great way to network, but it does not necessarily sell the home. In any case, hosting an open house gets the word out about the property while giving you the opportunity to connect with other agents, buyers and sellers.



    Jean