How NOT to Hire a Real Estate Agent

If you do NOT read this report you will almost certainly lose thousands of dollars when you sell your home…

Home sellers don’t know how to spot a good real estate agent

This is understandable when you consider that you will only buy and sell one or two properties in your lifetime. Your home is probably your biggest asset. So, be careful whom you choose to sell it; one slip-up from an agent will wipe thousands off your selling price.

Ask the right questions

Many home sellers ask the WRONG questions when they interview an agent. They ask questions such as „How much do you charge?“ or „What’s my house worth?“. While these questions are important, they should only be asked after the agent has told you what they’ll do for you and how they’ll get you the best price.

This report is your guide to hiring a real estate agent. I’m going to show you how to spot and select the best agent to sell your home. After all, I believe there’s no one better to sell your home than a highly skilled agent. The problem is that highly skilled agents are hard to find.

WARNING! Don’t settle for second best. Too many sellers make the mistake of picking the ‚best of a bad bunch‘. You could be better off without an agent

Check out your agent

It’s a sad fact, but many people don’t check-out their agent until after they have signed with them – by then it’s too late. After you sign you’re stuck; you could be locked into a ‚minimum 90 day‘ contract.

The questions and information in this report will give you the knowledge you need to keep the power when you’re selling a house. After you sign you lose your power.

Agents love to say they are all different but basic research will prove most are the same. It’s the ‚cookie cutter‘ approach when it comes to selling your home – every property is sold the same way.

What to look for when choosing an agent

In 2006 Neil Jenman (my Dad) was asked to provide a list of questions, comments, and hints to help home sellers choose an agent for a TV show he was hosting. He called his list of questions and comments, GUIDE TO GRILLING AGENTS. Over the last few years I have given the guide to many home sellers. This report contains many of the questions and comments in his original guide.

What does a good agent look like?

Most agents will be well dressed, on time, and prepared. But the best real estate agents will be the ones who put your interests first. They will offer solutions that suit you first, not them.

Agents who ask for money to advertise your home should rarely be hired. After all, if advertising was the only reason your home sold why do you need a real estate agent?

Questions are the answer

Sometimes the answer to one good question will give you the confidence you need to hire the best agent to sell your home. Good questions do the hard work for you. Before you jump in and start grilling real estate agents, take a step back.

Put your home buyer shoes on. And start with a mystery shop…

MYSTERY SHOP

Department stores do it, so why shouldn’t you? Use the ‚process of elimination‘ to weed out the poor agents. Why bother interviewing a real estate agent who doesn’t bother to return buyer’s calls? Start with an email. Approximately half of all buyer enquiry arrives via email.

If you send out 10 emails to 10 local real estate agents, I can almost guarantee that you will not receive 10 replies. If only 5 reply, then you have just saved yourself having to interview 5 agents. Include your phone number in your email. Do they call you back? Or do they just email a standard response? An agent who follows up with a call has a much better chance of ‚closing a sale‘ than an agent who sends a standard reply.

QUESTIONS ARE YOUR BEST WEAPON

If you don’t ‚test‘ your real estate agent before you hire them – one thing is for sure – the buyers for your home will do it for you.

What follows are questions that have proven to be a huge help to sellers.

REMEMBER: You are the owner of the property. You are considering employing an agent to sell your property. You are the boss. You have the power BEFORE you sign up. Make sure you keep that power at all times. Control the agents, do not let the agents control you.

Your home’s selling price is determined by your agent’s ability to negotiate

• HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THE BEST PRICE FOR MY HOME?

When you ask this question many agents will start throwing around the word negotiation. You want to be certain that they are capable of negotiating a high price for your house, ask them to teach you something about negotiation.

Question their ability to negotiate.

Ask them what they know about negotiation. It’s a big point that most home sellers miss because they focus on what the agent says rather than on what they do.

Here’s one of my favorite questions to ask a real estate agent:

• WHEN/IF YOU BRING ME AN OFFER, HOW CAN I BE CERTAIN THAT IT’S THE ABSOLUTE BEST PRICE THAT THE BUYER CAN PAY?

Many real estate agents will have difficulty answering this question. It’s a question that’s rarely asked of agents. Ask it. The answer will tell you a lot about an agent.

Some more questions you can ask are:

• Are you a good negotiator?

• Can you tell me some of the main points you know about negotiation?

• Can you give me some examples of the results of your negotiating ability?

The Biggest Liar Gets the Job

When hiring a real estate agent, the biggest liar (the agent who quotes you the highest price) often gets the job. It’s an old (and very true) real estate saying.

Unfortunately many home sellers hire liars. This happens because people who hear what they want to hear don’t perceive the information as being a lie.

One of the best questions you can ask is:

• WHAT WILL YOU DO TO GET THE BEST PRICE FOR MY HOME?

Once you are satisfied with the answer then ask:

• WHAT PRICE DO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL MY PROPERTY FOR?

Most agents will try hard to hedge around this question. They may be vague and say such things as „It depends on the market,“ or they may use the common ploy of answering a question with a question, such as, „How much do you want?“

Sellers should stand firm and press the agent on this point by making such comments as:

You are the agent, you sell lots of properties in this area, surely you know how much you can sell my property for – even if you have to give me a range. After all, you are the expert, aren’t you?

Once the agent has given a [verbal] quote, ask the following:

1. Will you give me that quote in writing?

2. Do you usually sell properties for the price that you quote the sellers?

Regardless of the answers, don’t dwell too long on any point at this stage. Just keep the questions rolling…

It’s not what you pay an agent, but what they cost you, that counts.

• How much commission do you charge?

Most agents will talk about ’standard rates‘ or they will say that the rate is recommended by the Real Estate Institute – this is to soften the shock. Sellers should make comments such as:

Is your fee negotiable?

Have you ever reduced your fee for anyone?

If you should ask me to accept a lower price than the price you have quoted me, will you also accept a lower fee?

NOTE: Be wary of agents who cut their commission to get your business.

These agents are often poor performers who rely on discounts to get you to sign with them.

• What is it about you and your agency that makes you better than other agents?

This is a great question. The agents all want to say that they are „the best“ but they will struggle to define what is meant by „best“. Of course, „best“ to a seller means the highest price with the lowest risk and the lowest cost.

The Issue of Advertising

With almost every agent, advertising will be a big point. Be careful, this is the most common way in which thousands of home-owners lose thousands of dollars without selling their homes!

The Golden Rule when selling a home: Never pay any money for any reason to any agent until your home is sold and you are satisfied.

The Silver Rule is this: Don’t sign anything that requires you to pay any money [in the future] for any reason if your home is NOT sold.

Some agents will say „you don’t have to pay for advertising until your house has sold“ but what they fail to mention (or make clear) is that if your home fails to sell you will still have to pay.

Here are some comments and questions that can be made to an agent which show the absurdity of the advertising policies in most real estate offices.

• Why do you expect me to pay for the advertising to find a buyer? Surely the commission should include advertising?

• Why should I pay twice – once for advertising and once for commission?

• If you put ads in the newspapers [and charge sellers for those ads] and the buyers are going to come via you, what are you doing that sellers can’t do for themselves?

• If you advertise my home and I pay for the ads and you get calls from buyers and those buyers buy a home other than mine, do you give me any money back? If not, why not?

• If I pay you [thousands of] dollars for advertising and you do not sell my property, what happens to the money I paid?

• I notice that your advertising has your name and the name of the agency prominently featured. Surely I don’t have to pay the cost of advertising you and your agency?

• Based on the length of time you have been in business and the number of people who contact your office, don’t you already have a list of buyers on your books?

• I am not going to be paying any money to any agent for any reason until my home is sold. Once my home is sold within the price range that you quoted me, I will be delighted to pay you a GENEROUS commission as a reward.

This is my firm policy as a seller. Do you accept my policy?

Random comments and questions… [or other ways to make the same major points] might include…

• I want an agent who will get me the highest price at the lowest cost with the lowest hassle and, of course, without any risk of loss if there is no sale. Are you comfortable with being able to meet these simple requests of mine?

• How many properties do you sell? (Let them ask you if you mean weekly, monthly or annually, to which you reply that the time frame doesn’t matter. You just want to know that they are capable of getting results).

• What provisions do you take to ensure the security and safety of my home when it is being shown to prospective buyers?

• If I find a buyer – such as a close friend or relative – will you want me to pay you any commission?

• Have you ever had any unhappy clients?

• What were they unhappy about?

• If I employ you and I am not happy with your performance, I want to be able to dismiss you without any penalty to me. Is this okay by you?

• The agent I choose will be given an initial time period of 30 days on the selling agreement between us. If my property is not sold in 30 days and if I’m happy with the performance of the agent, I will be happy to extend the term of the agent’s appointment. Is this okay by you?

SELLERS‘ TERMS & CONDITIONS

Get the agent to agree to your terms BEFORE you agree to the agent’s terms.

Finally, the biggest and most important point of all for home sellers – DO NOT SIGN the document that the real estate agent asks you to sign – at least NOT on the agent’s first visit.

Ask the agent the following questions:

• If I decide to employ your agency to handle the sale of my home, what document will you be asking me to sign?

• Can I have a copy of that document so that I can get some independent advice about it?

• The following is the start of your final words to the agent at the end of the agent’s first visit…

As I am the owner of the home and as I will be employing an agent, I will be preparing a list of my own terms and conditions under which I employ an agent. I will be asking the agent to sign my terms and conditions before I sign any terms and conditions prepared by the agent. Further, if any of my terms conflict with the agent’s terms, then, of course, my terms will take precedence.

• Are you okay with me, as the owner of the home, telling you, the agent, what I require you to do?

Thank the agent for coming and tell the agent that you will be in touch should you require the services of his/her agency. Stand up, shake hands, walk towards the exit or front gate. Wave goodbye.

Smile, you have done well. You are in control.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Lloyd Jenman

Louisiana Real Estate is a Prime Investment Opportunity

If you’re considering purchasing real estate, Louisiana might not be the first place to enter your mind. Many Louisiana residents are still dealing with the aftermath of 2005’s devastating Hurricane Katrina.

The unpredictable economy and increasing foreclosures across the country are also deterring many potential buyers and investors; however, those with good credit or funding will be able to capitalize on plummeting prices and a glut of eager sellers, making now a prime time to buy real estate in hotspot locations such as Louisiana.

Homebuyers will find that real estate in Louisiana is a great investment opportunity as many locations within the state have consistently seen rises in property value even in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. There are even more opportunities if you’re considering renovating a damaged or out of date home. When looking to purchase residential real estate, consider the following:

1. Location

When you’re choosing a location, don’t only consider the distance of your daily commute. Real estate located in major cities or similar desirable areas may be smaller or more costly but usually offer greater return on the investment. Even in a buyer’s market these kinds of property will be the first snapped up.

2. Cost of Renovation

Most properties, unless brand new, will require some of your own investment to create a more modern appeal and to repair any damages left by the previous owner. When negotiating, use this as a tool to lower the asking price, helping you secure a hefty profit in the future when the housing market goes up again.

3. Time

How long you plan to live on a property can make a difference on the value of the investment. Long-term dwellers will find a larger return and will have the opportunity to wait until the market is in their favor. If your stay is going to be short-term, you may even loose money on your investment during these difficult economic times.

4. Insurance

Real estate will come with one hefty price tag, and that’s insurance. Of course, the location of your property will help determine what kind of insurance and excess is necessary to cover your home, but it is always wise to be fully covered for many natural disasters or other incidents that may occur.

Not only is it a good time for potential home buyers. Commercial real estate buyers will also find a wealth of opportunities in the state. Now is the time to snap up one or many commercial properties which will expand and strengthen your investment portfolio.

Big cities, such as New Orleans, that are consistently on the rise and attracting tourists and new residents pose great opportunities for a variety of property units. Rents are also on the rise due to the rash of foreclosures, which means attracting tenants has never been easier. If you think Louisiana real estate might be for you, there are many qualified real estate agents, both commercial and residential, who can help you get started on choosing an investment opportunity.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Andrew Stratton

Real Estate Photography Tips For Realtors – Don’t Do it Yourself, You’ll Lose Your Commission Check

I’ve done it myself; taken what I thought were great listing pictures and used them for my online MLS listing. My clients thought they were fine and I thought they were just fine, until I started working as a buyer’s agent in Seattle a few years back.

I worked with over 40 different buyers a week and everyday I’d hear, „Did you see those listing pictures? There’s no way we want to see that house, it’s a dump! Does the listing agent know how bad they are?“ Obviously, the listing agent didn’t spend anything on real estate photography.

My buyers would also see some great listing photos and want to get in to see the home that afternoon. We’d step inside and they’d wonder if it was the same home they saw online. They felt cheated because the pictures were nothing like the real home. (but at least the listing agent got buyers walking through the house).

It all came down to the listing pictures they saw online. That’s essential marketing for listings! Give buyers a great picture and they’ll jump inside the house that day. Give them a „do-it-yourself“ picture and they’ll move onto the next home. The listing pictures make the difference, especially when you spend a few bucks on professional real estate photography!

Even when the listing pictures were better than the actual house, guess what? It still got the buyers inside! That’s your goal as a listing agent; get as many showings as possible. Professional real estate photography makes that happen.

With upwards of 80%+ of buyers looking online now, the listing photos are the first thing they’re looking at and basing their initial impressions on.

How much money in lost commissions do you think you’re missing because you won’t spend a couple hundred bucks for professional real estate photography?

If you did spend the well invested marketing dollars on some professional real estate photography…….

  1. You could have more satisfied clients because the home sold faster.
  2. You could have made more cash because you didn’t have to drop the sales price when the listing became stale on the market.
  3. You could look like a top producer in the area because of the quicker sales, better looking listings and more satisfied clients. Your overall image is enhanced, big time!

Isn’t it funny how such a small aspect of your business can affect the whole thing? Anytime you realize how one issue affects your net profits, that’ll make you perk up, right?

Now don’t give me the excuse that it’s too expensive because it’s not. Look at it as a marketing and advertising expense because that’s exactly what it is. And real estate photography is one of the best things you can spend your marketing dollars on.

You have a couple options……..

You could grab a professional in real estate photography in your local area and offer them $50-$200 to come to your listing and take some fabulous photos. Make sure they’re top notch, have all the right equipment and understand the goal of these photos. You don’t want to pay for real estate photography that’s no better than your own.

Your other option is to go with a company like Vicaso.com who does real estate photography exclusively. Their business is listing photos for real estate agents!

You can schedule your photo shoot on their website, pay about $200 or so and get the most captivating listing photos you’ll ever see. Even if you have a crack house listed for sale, their real estate photography will make it look like a palace.

I’m telling you; don’t skimp on your real estate photography. Look at the cost as an investment. If you spent $200 on professional real estate photography and got back another $20,000 in commissions that year from faster sales, more clients, and higher listing prices, wouldn’t that be worth it? You betcha!

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Josh F. Sanders

Commercial Remodeling for a More Pleasant, Productive Office

Let’s face it, for most working adults, the majority of our waking time during the week is spent in our office or business location. Although, certain jobs require travel and moving to different locations, the average office worker spends the majority of their time at a desk. With so much time spent in one place, it’s important that it be a positive environment for the greatest productivity and most satisfied employees.

If you are a business owner, there are things you should take into consideration to create an environment your employees will enjoy coming to each day. Research has shown that factors such as workplace clutter, lighting, temperature, furniture and noise can all affect the productivity of employees. Here are some things to check in your office space. If you find any areas lacking, some commercial remodeling may be in order.

Lighting

Studies have shown that dim lighting lowers productivity, and fluorescent lighting has been known to cause headaches. It’s a good idea to incorporate both natural and artificial light in the office. Many employees find that being near windows helps them feel more focused and relaxed. Keeping the office bright creates a more cheerful mood. Take advantage of large windows or even sky lights to allow as much natural light as possible then supplement with artificial light as needed.

Color

In addition to more light, adding color to an office, also helps brighten the mood. You can decorate the office with colorful accent walls or murals. Bright colored furniture and accessories can also add interest to otherwise boring decors.

Open Concept

Open floor plans have greatly changed the look of many homes today. In the same way, an open layout in the office can keep people more engaged. Instead of hiding in an office, employees are held accountable when they can be seen by others. Removing walls, or at least adding windows to walls, also allows more light be be shared. When the walls come down, productivity goes up and overall morale as well as in-person interactions increases.

Noise

The drawback of a more open office can be noise. Some people work better when there’s background noise while others prefer a completely silent environment to concentrate. Try to find a happy medium, by providing a space where employees can retreat for peace and quiet if needed.

Temperature

If the office is too hot or too cold, employees will find themselves distracted or not able to focus. There isn’t a perfect temperature for everyone, but try to find what most of the team is comfortable with, and update your heating and air conditioning systems as needed to keep a consistent temperature through all areas of the office.

Furniture

Make sure your office furniture is comfortable, especially if employees sit for long periods of time. Also, try to space out furniture so it’s not too close together, creating a crowded and cluttered area. Providing each employee with their own space helps them feel more relaxed and less stressed, thus increasing productivity.

Some of these office changes are simple fixes while others may require more extensive commercial remodeling. If you decide more extensive work is needed, a commercial contractor can help with the design and implementation of making your office more inviting and productive.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Scott Rajavuori

The 10 Best Security Tools for School Violence Prevention

Following every school shooting on a K-12 campus, there is no shortage of advice, suggestions, or demands for change. Not all of these approaches are practical or possible; some are expensive, not feasible, and don’t account for the culture of the school district and the community around it.

Many media-offered experts offer solutions that just can’t be practically done at most campuses: locking down the entire facility, issuing key cards to every student, installing expensive cameras or panic alarm systems, trying to screen every visitor, asking local law enforcement to station a fulltime officer on site. So what will work to prevent these unpredictable (and rare but catastrophic) events?

It’s time to go back to a calmer, common-sense response to this national discussion, using tools and ideas that may already exist or can be put into operation on campus. This requires an approach to use the critical components of school security and violence prevention: safety planning, finetuning existing policies, installing cost-effective security devices, creating District-led Threat Assessment Teams, and using real-time threat management protocols.

We can also get guidance from the 2002 „Safe School Initiative“ report created by the US Secret Service: Most shooters don’t warn their targets directly; they tell a third party, and many of them felt disconnected, disaffected, depressed, and vengeful. It takes a team to run our schools and districts; it will take a team to respond to the school violence issue. Consider these must-haves for our K-12 schools:

1. Hire more school counselors (trained in threat assessment and response).

The ratio of counselors-per-student is painfully low. They are pulled in many directions and don’t always get to speak to as many students as they would like who are in crisis. Besides increasing their numbers state by state, they need to be fully trained in the best practices for threat assessment and violence risk assessment.

2. Parental involvement (in school security and behavioral concerns).

The D.A.R.E. drug abuse and violence prevention program uses a triangle model, asking for the support of the schools, police, and parents. The parents are sometimes the least supportive and that helps the concept fail. Every campus should have updated contact information for the parents or guardians for every student. They need to be brought in to discuss what they are seeing at home with high-risk students.

3. Gun safety education (for kids, and urging that parents use trigger locks and safes).

Campus shooters often get their guns by stealing them from their families. Many people still believe their children won’t find their guns, so carefully hidden in dressers, nightstands, under beds, and in closets. We need a national campaign to secure every gun in every home. We need to use grant or federal funding, and even trigger lock giveaways or low-cost gun safes, provided by gun manufacturers.

4. Gold Star Program (reaching out to those kids who have fallen through the cracks).

This unique idea is simple: during teacher Staff Development days, print out lists of the names of every student in the school and post it on the walls of unused classrooms. Ask teachers to put a gold star near the name of any student he or she has had no contact with. Patterns will quickly arise, showing those kids who have not had support or interaction from anyone on campus (a risk factor in the Secret Service study).

5. Anonymous tip lines (for threats, pending fights, and other security problems).

Students who tell us after a shooting incident that they knew it might happen (another factor in the Secret Service study), demonstrate the need for them to be able to tell adults, in an anonymous, protected way. This includes recorded message lines, Twitter accounts, or other privacy-controlled social media sites, where campus administrators can monitor, investigate, and determine the validity of the tip.

6. Security officers and devices on campus (cameras, better door hardware, phone lines in classrooms, etc.).

In a perfect world, where costs were not a factor, we would have the luxury of putting a trained, screened, armed security officer on every campus. Until then, the use of trained, screened, and vigilant security officers has a deterrent and early-warning value. Cost-effective security devices are available, to create entry chokepoints, stronger classrooms, and mass notification systems. Security is not someone else’s job. Every employee should know he or she is in charge of keep themselves and everyone else safe. Teachers and staff who bring potential security problems to the principal or the police should be rewarded.

7. Media plans (already in place).

Just like the police and military have a „go bag,“ school districts need to create multiple copies of a current, organized media kit. They need a trained spokesperson, who has already met with the local law enforcement Public Information Officer or chief, and can speak accurately on behalf of the district and its campuses.

8. Regular drills (evacuation, safe rooms, fire, earthquake, tornado).

Under stress we respond as to how we have been trained. If you have never been reminded that you need to dial „9“ first to get an outside line before you dial 911, or that if you dial 911 on your cell phone, the state highway patrol may answer, then under stress you may not respond correctly. Students, teachers, administrators, and staff need to participate in regular active shooter drills; lockdown / shelter-in-place / or safe room drills; and fire and disaster drills. The key to success against an armed perpetrator is safe evacuations, barricaded safe rooms, or fighting back until the police arrive.

9. Daily police presence (and student interactions).

If there is no assigned School Resource Officer, local police and sheriff deputies need to ramp up their patrols of the perimeters, parking lots, and even take a walk on campus, every day, at irregular times. The more they can see and be seen by students as a source of help, and not the enemy, the better.

10. A District-led Threat Assessment Team (who meet regularly).

As with workplace violence prevention efforts in organizations, there is great power and harnessed intelligence when the stakeholders in a school district can get together in person or by conference call, for high-threat situations. This includes bomb threats; gang problems; a student making veiled threats, or creating disturbing essays or drawings; threats to or by employee, including domestic violence; angry, disruptive, or threatening parents; or any event that poses a significant liability or risk to the District, staff, and students. Threat Assessment Team (TAT) members often include District administrators and school business officers, risk and safety managers, principals, master teachers, counselors, psychologists, attorneys, and security officers.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Steve Albrecht

How Great Real Estate Agents Create The DEAL?

When, someone decides, to, either buy real estate/ a house, or sell his home, he can, either, try to take care of this, himself, or hire, a quality, real estate professional, to assist him, and, hopefully, bring – about, and create the DEAL! Although, there are many advantages of hiring the right agent, for you, and your personal situation, and priorities, effectively, marketing it, and, creating, a meeting – of – the – minds, in order to bring – about the best, possible, deal, is one of the most important ones! After, over 15 years, as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, in the State of New York, I believe, strongly, effective representation requires the right combinations of skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise, as well as genuine empathy, and commitment! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why, it matters.

1. Delve deeply; deliver; determine; dreams: Many people strongly identify, with the so – called, American Dream, of home ownership, and the greatest agents, focus on ensuring this dream, does not become a nightmare, and everything goes smoothly, and properly, throughout the transaction period! To do so, requires, a degree of customizing, rather than, pursuing, a, one – size – fits – all, approach, and, consistently, under – promising, while over – delivering! Experience, and expertise, must help, to determine, the best pricing, marketing, and approach, to create the best, possible deal!

2. Empathy; efforts; emphasis; excellence; endurance: It’s important to effectively listen, and, consistently, learn, in order to proceed, with the utmost degree of genuine empathy! He uses his efforts, to emphasize, creating a meeting – of – the – minds, pursuing professionalism, and excellence! There are usually obstacles, along this path, so one must be ready, to proceed, with patience, and endurance!

3. Attitude; aptitude; actions; attention; align: How one aligns, a positive, can – do, attitude, with a well – developed, relevant aptitude, and skill – set, often determines, whether his actions, are as beneficial, as possible! When agent and client, work together, as a team, it permits them, to pay keen attention, and provide, extraordinary service!

4. Listen; learn; leading: A quality agent effectively listens, far – more than he speaks, so he becomes capable of learning, what his client’s goals, priorities, needs, and objectives, may be! In essence, it is a professional’s duty, to be leading, and assisting his client, to achieve quality objectives, and results!

There are thousands of real estate agents, so, a wise homeowner, or buyer, will choose, someone, who understands, the needs, and creates the DEAL! Since, for most, the value of their house, represents, their single – largest asset, doesn’t it make sense?

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Richard Brody

Ten (10) Reasons to Work With a Commercial Buyer’s Agent

Looking to purchase commercial real estate for your business or as an investment? The following are ten (10) reasons to strongly consider using a Commercial Real Estate Agent to represent your interests.

10. Provides a manager for the buying process.

A good Commercial Real Estate Agent will keep your property closing on track. For example – What is the status of the title commitment? Are there any questions or concerns with regard to the title commitment? Has the survey been ordered and completed? When is my feasibility period over? When does my earnest money go „hard“? Is the financing in place? Is an appraisal required and has it been completed? Have any necessary inspections been ordered and are they complete? Has an attorney reviewed the purchase contract? Have all of the closing documents been reviewed?

9. Referrals for experts who can assist with the property purchase.

Commercial Agents know other real estate professionals that can provide their expertise to the property purchase process. Professionals such as attorneys that specialize in real estate, title companies, surveyors, engineers, architects, CPA’s, insurance companies, building / property inspectors, environmental consultants, contractors, appraisers, etc.

8. Assist with due diligence.

As a part of the property purchase process, an experienced Agent can assist the Buyer in making sure that the appropriate items are researched to make sure that the property works for the Buyer’s needs. Due diligence is the pre purchase effort made to discover, and analyze information about the property under contract. Agents can assist the Buyer with obtaining the necessary documents and provide a checklist of these items including information regarding zoning, jurisdictional requirements, floodplain, easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions, utilities, etc.

7. Identify and assist with evaluating property conditions.

Commercial Agents can assist Buyers with identifying the most important items to be considered as a part of the purchase and evaluation process including a look at:

* Location

* Physical condition

* Allowable uses

* Limitations on interior / exterior additions or renovations

* Adequacy of access and parking

* Opportunity for expansion or leasing excess space

6. Experience from working with other Buyers

Based upon past experience, Agents can recommend other considerations to the Buyer such as – „Consider purchasing additional square footage which provides your business room to grow and until the space is needed the extra space can be leased and provide help with paying the monthly bills“.

5. Allows you to spend time with your business.

Let a Commercial Agent spend their time finding you property which allows you to spend time conducting your business. Focus on your expertise and let an Agent assist you by focusing on theirs. Time is too precious a commodity to be spent driving around looking for property.

4. Price and term negotiation expertise.

There is not another business professional with the experience and expertise that a Commercial Agent has to assist with purchase price and contract negotiations. Issues such as – What is a reasonable and fair price for the property? Is this a good buy? What terms and conditions should be in the contract to make sure that my interests are protected? Should I get some amount of inspection and feasibility time as a part of my contract for purchase so that I can better study the property and confirm that it meets my needs?

3. The cost to the Buyer is zero, zip, nada.

The Seller pays the Buyer’s Agent’s commission through a commission agreement between the two parties. The full cost is borne by the Seller.

2. Local Market Expertise

No one is going to know the local commercial real estate market as well as a Commercial Agent. The Listing Agent isn’t going to tell you if his/her property is listed above the market rate and only an experienced Agent can advise you with regard to the location making sense for your particular type of business.

1. Buyer’s needs differ from those of the Seller and they need representation to protect their own unique interests

The Seller or Owner will be represented by a Listing Broker and this Broker’s fiduciary responsibility is to the Seller. The Texas Real Estate Commission’s (TREC) „Information about Brokerage Services“ states that „the Broker who lists the property for sale or lease is the Owner’s Agent“. It further states that, „a listing broker can assist the Buyers but does not represent the Buyer and must place the interests of the Owner first“. Finally it notes that „the Buyer should not tell the Owner’s Agent anything the Buyer would not want the Owner to know because an Owner’s Agent must disclose to the owner any material information known to the Agent. This is not a good situation for a Buyer to be in. Sellers have representation from their Listing Agents, Buyers need the same from a Commercial Buyer’s Agent.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Mark Pustka

How to Find a Good and Reliable Home Buyer?

Your home is the most important investment of your life. A home can be a really useful investment, as it appreciates in value quickly and can also be converted into cash easily. Your home is one single asset that would be able to generate a huge sum of money for you quickly at the time of need. Find a good buyer and make the sale, it is as easy as that.

When it comes to finding a home buyer what are the options that you actually have. The first option that would come to mind is the path that has been followed for several years now. The real estate agent has been the most sought after person when any person thinks of „how to sell your home?“. Looking for a good and reputed real estate agent and having your home listed for sale is what you must do. Your home would be listed among the many homes in the locality. For attracting a good buyer it is important that you refurbish the home and have it painted if possible. A good looking home at a good price is definitely appealing to a buyer. This however, means first the effort to locate a good and reputed real estate agent, paying his hefty fees and then the wait for a good home buyer. In the fast paced world of today, not everyone has the kind of time that a real estate agent would need to sell the home. It is time that you take advantage of what technology has to offer.

A cash property buyer is the new age answer for selling house quickly. A cash property buyer can be located easily with the Internet. With websites that can get a free estimate for your home by simply filling out a short application, you are on the fast track right from the beginning. You also save a lot of money as the fees for valuation and the legal fees is eliminated completely. A cash property buyer works as an important link to sell house fast. With no viewings and the condition or location of the home not being of any consideration while fixing the price it surely is a deal that has the interest of the seller in mind. Unlike a real estate agent who tries to make some good money both from the buyer and the seller, you would have here a deal that is both quick and transparent. With a reservation fee paid and the entire deal closed in 1-3 weeks flat, you have the money in hand even before your know it.

With many cash property buyers offering services of varied kinds, it is important that you verify the credentials of the company before saying a „yes“. A little research can save you a lot of time, effort and money. A reputed cash property buyer is a good and reliable home buyer and you can sell house fast without any hassles whatsoever.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Jane Hopton

Omaha Foreclosures – Why to Invest in Omaha Foreclosures Property and How to Buy One?

If you are looking at the real estate market to make a lucrative investment, buying a property through Omaha foreclosures could be the best option for you. With their large number of houses being offered at amazing bargain deals, foreclosed homes make a highly profitable investment option for prospective buyers and real estate investors.

Why to invest in a foreclosure property in Omaha?

Located in the US state of Nebraska, investing in a foreclosure property in Omaha has several benefits, some of which are listed below:

1. Financial assistance for first time buyers – The State Housing Department provides various financial schemes for first time home buyers interested in purchasing foreclosed homes such as down payment assistance and low interest loan facilities.

2. Youth employment programs – The city has been working on several employment programs for the youth through its Department of Community Development.

3. Eco city – Due to its various environmental friendly initiatives, the city has been ranked as one of the „greenest“ regions in the country recording the lowest rate of air and water pollution.

4. Wide recreational options – With a wide range of sporting events, large number of parks and walking trails as well as the popular Henry City Zoo the residents enjoy various family centered recreational activities.

How to invest in a property through Omaha foreclosures?

As the process of investing in a foreclosed home differs from other real estate deals, the following set of guidelines will be helpful for buyers in purchasing a property through Omaha foreclosures successfully:

1. Understand your housing needs – Begin by getting a clear idea of your housing requirements as well as your budget.

2. Research on the foreclosure process – Use the internet to visit various real estate and bank websites and read up on all the foreclosure related information available.

3. Search through the latest listings – Find the latest updates on Omaha foreclosures through online listings, local newspaper advertisements, county records office and real estate and business journals.

4. Choose appropriate properties – Now select a list of properties that suit your budget and housing requirements.

5. Zero in on the best deal – The next step is to compare the features and the prices of the selected properties to identify the most suitable value deal in the market.

6. Carry out a back ground check – Ensure that the property is in a good condition and free of back taxes by doing a thorough back ground check.

7. Submit your offer – Finally submit a reasonable offer to the sellers by considering your budget and making a fair estimation of the property worth.

So if you want to make a lucrative real estate investment, go ahead and purchase a suitable property through Omaha foreclosures at a great bargain deal.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Melanie Hogeveen

Buying a Flat From an Investor – What You Should Know

It is a popular concept in Mumbai to purchase Investor flats. Mostly, you find them through the builder himself, after the builder has exhausted the stock in his hands.

What is an investor flat?

An investor flat is one in which an investor draws an agreement with the builder to purchase a given flat at a certain future point of time. In return for this promise, he pays a small token money towards the price of the flat. This agreement happens even before the construction begins. So, the price agreed upon for the flat is also quite less.

Benefits of investor flats to all parties

Investors:

The benefit of this agreement to the investor is the fact that he is able to procure it at a very low rate and needs to make payment only much later.

Builder:

The main benefit for the builder is the cash flow that accrues to him even before commencement of the project. This will ensure smooth execution of the project. Also, he is making sales even before the goods are produced.

Consumer:

It is not any problem to a consumer to buy a flat from an investor. As the agreement will be made with the builder itself (in case purchase is before possession) the agreement will be one of first-sale and not of resale. Depending upon the investors needs, prices become negotiable. Recently, I heard of an investor flat being quoted at nearly Rs 1000 per square feet lesser than that of the builder. Isn’t that great?

Therefore, when you search for new flats, don’t rule out investor flats. They are as good as buying from the builder itself.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Archana Sarat

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close