Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. As an Atlanta native, I have an extensive knowledge of the many different areas in and around Atlanta. My goal is simple...to give professional service so that all my transactions are smooth from start to close. Marcia Todd, Realtor Atlanta Communities 678-409-7704 I would love to be your "Realtor for Life"!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.com Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. Marcia Todd, Realtor Belvedere Realty, LLC 678-409-7704
Brand New Listing!
Monday, October 3, 2011
For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Marietta, GA, $324,900
For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Marietta, GA, $324,900
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
For Sale: 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Marietta, GA, $139,000
For Sale: 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Marietta, GA, $139,000
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Are you considering the purchase of home but having trouble deciding?
Are you considering the purchase of home but having trouble deciding? Now, is a great time to buy if you are financially secure and have all your ducks in a row; i.e. downpayment saved, credit rating in good repair. Some Experts are saying now is the time to buy: 1. Rates are lower now than they have been in years! It's a great time to take advantage of the rates now in order to keep your monthly payment at a reasonable amount. 2. Homes on the market are pretty much held by motivated sellers and it truly is a great time to find your dream home! Those wanting to downsize or move to a condo in their senior years can find really great deals... and so many handymen and construction people are available to help you alter a new home to match your needs at reasonable money ...
www.ToddTeamTagsItSold.com Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. Marcia Todd, Realtor Belvedere Realty, LLC 678-409-7704
www.ToddTeamTagsItSold.com Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. Marcia Todd, Realtor Belvedere Realty, LLC 678-409-7704
Saturday, September 3, 2011
For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Marietta, GA, $324,900
For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Marietta, GA, $324,900
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
WOW! JUST REDUCED! $299,900 3 SIDES BRICK RANCH HOME!
www.ToddTeamTagsItSold.com Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. Marcia Todd, Realtor Belvedere Realty, LLC 678-409-7704
Monday, August 15, 2011
Market Concerns Push Mortgage Rates to New Lows
Market Concerns Push Mortgage Rates to New Lows
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.comMoving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home.Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate.Marcia Todd, RealtorBelvedere Realty, LLC678-409-7704
Friday, August 5, 2011
Update on 2011 Property Taxes in Metro Atlanta
Update on 2011 Property Taxes in Metro Atlanta
Tax bills for 2011 are going out in some of the metro counties, and here are some of the important dates:
County Tax Bill Out Tax Payment(s) Due
Cobb 8/15/11 10/15/11
http://www.cobbtax.org/Search/GenericSearch.aspx?mode=PARID;
DeKalb 8/1/11 9/30/11 & 11/15/11
http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/tc-home.html#;
Fulton 8/4/11 10/15/11
http://www.fultoncountytaxes.org/fultoniwr/11a_depts_property_taxes.asp;
Gwinnett 9/15/11 11/15/11
http://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.manatron.com/Default.aspx;
City
Atlanta 8/4/11 9/30/11
Sandy Springs 8/4/11 10/15/11
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.com Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. Marcia Todd, Realtor Belvedere Realty, LLC 678-409-7704
Tax bills for 2011 are going out in some of the metro counties, and here are some of the important dates:
County Tax Bill Out Tax Payment(s) Due
Cobb 8/15/11 10/15/11
http://www.cobbtax.org/Search/GenericSearch.aspx?mode=PARID;
DeKalb 8/1/11 9/30/11 & 11/15/11
http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/tc-home.html#;
Fulton 8/4/11 10/15/11
http://www.fultoncountytaxes.org/fultoniwr/11a_depts_property_taxes.asp;
Gwinnett 9/15/11 11/15/11
http://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.manatron.com/Default.aspx;
City
Atlanta 8/4/11 9/30/11
Sandy Springs 8/4/11 10/15/11
www.ToddTamTagsItSold.com Moving to the Marietta, GA (Atlanta) Area? I would love to help you find your next home. Marcia Todd specializes in helping you make wise decisions in Real Estate. Marcia Todd, Realtor Belvedere Realty, LLC 678-409-7704
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Featured Builder for Fallwood Community in West Cobb
Wilmont Williams is a testament that tough times never last, but tough people do. Since 1970, Wilmont Williams has shaped the landscape of metro Atlanta from developing shopping centers, constructing apartment projects and office complexes, developing communities and building homes. Williams has been involved in several companies throughout his 40+ years of construction experience, but he is most excited about his latest company, Fallwood Builders, LLC, a residential building company. Fallwood Builders, LLC provides semi-custom and custom home building services in metro Atlanta.
Consistent throughout every Wilmont Williams community and home is careful attention to detail and commitment to quality, value, and service. William’s personal and business philosophy that building homes where people live and raise their families is not merely an occupation – but a craft, and in many ways, an art form.
Wilmont Wiliams Signature Communities offer more than just a house for sale, as Williams designs homes and neighborhoods created to last a lifetime. “Designed for Life, Built for a Lifetime” is not just a slogan – it is a standard which is strived for every day! Williams’ success story is a strong testament to the quality, value, and customer satisfaction he consistently delivers.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
THIS HOME MADE THE NEWS IN YAHOO NEWS TODAY!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Fannie Mae is currently offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through June 30, 2011.
http://www.homepath.com/incentive/index.html
The HomePath property buyer must meet the following qualifications to be eligible:
Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer in order to be eligible.
The initial offer must be submitted on or after April 11, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011. If an initial offer was made prior to the effective date, the offer is not eligible for the incentive.
The sale must close on or before June 30, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.
Only buyers purchasing a HomePath property as their primary residence may receive up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance. Second homes and investment properties are excluded from the incentive.
Buyer must sign the Owner Occupant Certification Rider to the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.
If a buyer's total closing costs are under 3.5%, the difference will not be available as a credit to the buyer.
Note: Fannie Mae can give no assurance on the time required to close, but initial offers submitted after May 15, 2011 are particularly questionable for closing by the incentive deadline of June 30, 2011.
A bonus promotion may be available to selling agents who close on an owner occupant property meeting the above terms & conditions: specifically, a $500 selling agent bonus in Arizona and Texas and a $1000 selling agent bonus in California and Washington may be available on eligible properties.
Retail and public entities are eligible for the incentive; however pool and auction sales are not eligible.
The incentive may not be available for a property where Fannie Mae acquired the property in connection with financing under a reverse mortgage. Ask the listing agent for details
Fannie Mae reserves the right to remove any property from promotion or end the promotion at any time. Any dispute over the payment of the incentive shall be resolved by Fannie Mae in its sole discretion.
Buyers should consult their lenders for guidance on financing. Lenders and mortgage products may impose their own limitations on the use of the 3.5% incentive. For example, the lender may consider the incentive a Seller Contribution and limit the amount to 3.0%. In those instances, the remaining 0.5% will no longer be available to the buyer.
Fannie Mae's innovative First Look marketing period contributes to neighborhood stabilization by encouraging home ownership. During this period, owner occupants who occupy the home as their primary residence, some non profits, and public entities and their partners can submit offers and purchase properties without competition from investor offers.
The First Look period is typically the first 15 days a property is listed on HomePath.com, except Nevada where it is 30 days. Properties within the First Look period include a countdown clock on the property details page, which displays the number of days remaining for negotiation with eligible purchasers.
Investor offers submitted after the expiration of the First Look period will be considered along with all other offers.
Ask a Fannie Mae listing broker for more details
If you are concerned that the First Look marketing period is not being handled appropriately on a particular property, please contact the Fannie Mae Resource Center immediately at 1-800-732-6643.
Need help financing your new home?
Many state and local housing authorities offer financing programs that can assist you with the purchase of your new home. These public funds programs can provide down payment assistance, counseling, and more for those who qualify.
Currently many local housing authorities and non-profit groups are offering HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds through special financing programs for homebuyers. For more information about the NSP programs available in your area, please click here.
Fannie Mae is committed to meeting the mortgage and housing needs of communities across the country, therefore buyers using public funds are very important to us. Fannie Mae supports buyers using public funds in many ways, including the following:
The earnest money requirement for individuals using public funds is only $500. Fannie Mae waives the earnest money requirement for public entities using public funds to purchase a Fannie Mae owned property
Once an offer using NSP funds is accepted, Buyers have the opportunity to renegotiate their offer after receiving an NSP required Uniform Residential Appraisal value for the property.
The standard closing period for a public funds offer is 45 days, which allows the time it may take to fulfill the NSP requirements for funding.
During the initial listing and marketing period of a Fannie Mae owned property, Fannie Mae will only consider offers from Buyers using public funds, and Owner Occupants. This period is known as the 'First Look' marketing period. The 'First Look' period shelters these buyers from competition from investor offers during this time.
The HomePath property buyer must meet the following qualifications to be eligible:
Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer in order to be eligible.
The initial offer must be submitted on or after April 11, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011. If an initial offer was made prior to the effective date, the offer is not eligible for the incentive.
The sale must close on or before June 30, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.
Only buyers purchasing a HomePath property as their primary residence may receive up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance. Second homes and investment properties are excluded from the incentive.
Buyer must sign the Owner Occupant Certification Rider to the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.
If a buyer's total closing costs are under 3.5%, the difference will not be available as a credit to the buyer.
Note: Fannie Mae can give no assurance on the time required to close, but initial offers submitted after May 15, 2011 are particularly questionable for closing by the incentive deadline of June 30, 2011.
A bonus promotion may be available to selling agents who close on an owner occupant property meeting the above terms & conditions: specifically, a $500 selling agent bonus in Arizona and Texas and a $1000 selling agent bonus in California and Washington may be available on eligible properties.
Retail and public entities are eligible for the incentive; however pool and auction sales are not eligible.
The incentive may not be available for a property where Fannie Mae acquired the property in connection with financing under a reverse mortgage. Ask the listing agent for details
Fannie Mae reserves the right to remove any property from promotion or end the promotion at any time. Any dispute over the payment of the incentive shall be resolved by Fannie Mae in its sole discretion.
Buyers should consult their lenders for guidance on financing. Lenders and mortgage products may impose their own limitations on the use of the 3.5% incentive. For example, the lender may consider the incentive a Seller Contribution and limit the amount to 3.0%. In those instances, the remaining 0.5% will no longer be available to the buyer.
Fannie Mae's innovative First Look marketing period contributes to neighborhood stabilization by encouraging home ownership. During this period, owner occupants who occupy the home as their primary residence, some non profits, and public entities and their partners can submit offers and purchase properties without competition from investor offers.
The First Look period is typically the first 15 days a property is listed on HomePath.com, except Nevada where it is 30 days. Properties within the First Look period include a countdown clock on the property details page, which displays the number of days remaining for negotiation with eligible purchasers.
Investor offers submitted after the expiration of the First Look period will be considered along with all other offers.
Ask a Fannie Mae listing broker for more details
If you are concerned that the First Look marketing period is not being handled appropriately on a particular property, please contact the Fannie Mae Resource Center immediately at 1-800-732-6643.
Need help financing your new home?
Many state and local housing authorities offer financing programs that can assist you with the purchase of your new home. These public funds programs can provide down payment assistance, counseling, and more for those who qualify.
Currently many local housing authorities and non-profit groups are offering HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds through special financing programs for homebuyers. For more information about the NSP programs available in your area, please click here.
Fannie Mae is committed to meeting the mortgage and housing needs of communities across the country, therefore buyers using public funds are very important to us. Fannie Mae supports buyers using public funds in many ways, including the following:
The earnest money requirement for individuals using public funds is only $500. Fannie Mae waives the earnest money requirement for public entities using public funds to purchase a Fannie Mae owned property
Once an offer using NSP funds is accepted, Buyers have the opportunity to renegotiate their offer after receiving an NSP required Uniform Residential Appraisal value for the property.
The standard closing period for a public funds offer is 45 days, which allows the time it may take to fulfill the NSP requirements for funding.
During the initial listing and marketing period of a Fannie Mae owned property, Fannie Mae will only consider offers from Buyers using public funds, and Owner Occupants. This period is known as the 'First Look' marketing period. The 'First Look' period shelters these buyers from competition from investor offers during this time.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Helpful Hints From Your Realtor
7 Tips for Staging Your Home
Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process. Read
5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale
Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time. Read
Home Improvement Apps for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry: Your Digital Toolbox
Downloadable iPhone and Android apps offer ways to maintain, improve, and save money on your home. Read
Energy Monitors: Seeing is Believing – and Saving
Energy monitors make managing your power consumption enjoyable and easy to do. Read
Save Money with Your Edible Garden
An edible garden featuring vegetables and herbs can save you a bundle if you keep it simple and raise plants that offer high yields. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
What's A Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract.
Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Furnace
• Water heater
• Heating ducts
• Water pump
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Stove/cooktop/ovens
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Washer/dryer
• Swimming pool (may be optional)
Source: American Home Shield, www.ahswarranty.com, REALTOR® Benefits Partner
Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Furnace
• Water heater
• Heating ducts
• Water pump
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Stove/cooktop/ovens
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Washer/dryer
• Swimming pool (may be optional)
Source: American Home Shield, www.ahswarranty.com, REALTOR® Benefits Partner
12 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your REALTOR®
Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.
1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.
2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS®, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.
3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.
4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.
5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.
6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive.
7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.
8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.
9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.
10. What’s your business philosophy? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.
11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?
12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.
1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.
2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS®, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.
3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.
4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.
5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.
6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive.
7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.
8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.
9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.
10. What’s your business philosophy? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.
11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?
12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.
Why You Should Work with a REALTOR
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.
1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)