Florida Treasure Coast Real Estate Resource

What are the Traits of a Successful Realtor? There is more to selling real estate than just showing houses. A Realtor's success is based as much on what he does to ensure you get to the closing table as procuring a ready, willing and able buyer for your home. A successful agent will, amongst other things:

-Be skilled in computer applications to create compelling presentation materials for buyers and sellers.
-Maintain a database to efficiently manage client relationships (CRM).
-Know local neighborhoods and subdivisions, real estate inventories and real estate statistics.
-Leverage the Internet to gain maximum exposure for sellers' listings and target buyers' home searches.
-Have strong negotiation skills; knowing what to say, how to say it and when to say it.
-Be adept at handling short sale and foreclosure transactions.
-Obtain all available seller disclosures and addendums prior to writing an offer.
-Use appropriate forms for transaction processing (and know how to complete them properly).
-Know the importance of getting a mortgage pre-approval vs mortgage pre-qualification.
-Work with a reputable mortgage professional to explain all loan options.
-Be present at the home inspection and subsequent inspections.
-Meet the appraiser and provide comparable sales information.
-Manage the transaction with continuous support from offer through settlement and beyond.

So when you sit down with your prospective Realtor, it is important that you raise questions about what got him to this point in his career and what he is doing to ensure continued success in the industry. Remember, any agent can show houses but your Realtor should be a trusted resource when it comes to selling or buying a home.

When it comes to selling a house you should consider performing minor repairs and maintenance to help get the best price for your home. Here are some helpful tips:

1. You will want to do some handy work like replacing cracked tiling, filling holes or repairing leaky faucets. Remove or replace anything that makes the house seem worn like dated drapes and old carpets. Pay attention to small things such as burned out light bulbs, broken fixtures and missing wall plates.
   
2. Think about things like doors and windows. Make sure that they close and lock properly and cracked or broken windows are fixed. Sliding or bi-fold closet doors should be secure and function properly within their tracks.
   
3. You may also need to do some painting (no one wants to purchase a home with crazy colored walls). Paint your walls a neutral color using light shades of brown and off white. 
   
4. Clean your home thoroughly from top to bottom. You need to make sure that every surface in the house sparkles. Take the vacuum out and suck up every inch of dirt by swiping the carpets and blinds; anything that you can clean with your vacuum you should. Wash your windows inside and out. Cleaning not only makes your home show better, but it will also make the house smell as good as it looks.
   
5. Make sure that that the outside is warm and inviting. Plant some flowers, mow the grass and wash the sidewalks. Shrubs should be neat and trimmed. Your house numbers should be clearly visible from the road so that you don't have people turning around out of frustration trying to find the house.

Do not wait to take care of needed repairs - you do not want to lose any potential buyers by letting them see the home without the finished product.  These easy fixes require little work and will ensure your home sells for the most money and in the least amount of time.

As a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can you really compete in today's Real Estate Market?  Yes, FSBO's can compete but selling your home by yourself is not easy, despite the T.V. commercials you may have seen showing exuberant owners who successfully sold their homes.  When potential buyers see a FSBO, they think discount.  They know you're not an agent, and you are representing yourself,  just like someone going to court and representing themselves without an attorney.  If you are not a strong negotiator or able to handle the marketing, showings, paperwork, inspections and settlement procedures, you may feel more comfortable having a licensed real estate professional who will assist you in securing the sale and make sure all conditions are met.  That's where I can help.  For a flat fee or commission, I will assist you in completing the paperwork, and provide professional consultation throughout the closing process. If questions arise or changes need to be made, I am there to help you through the closing of the sale.  

Visit my FSBO Free Help Web site for more information about my For Sale By Owner services and download a free special report that explains in detail exactly what you need to do to sell your home and for top dollar... and do it yourself without hiring an agent!