Whether buying or selling, hiring the right agent can make the transaction go smoothly
Brian Bleeker
In a world where consumers are constantly striving to save a buck, the temptation can be strong to do-it-yourself for a short-term satisfaction and a little more money in the bank. This can be a viable strategy in minor home repairs or the occasional pansy planting, but when it comes to real estate, the perceived financial advantage of selling a home without an agent or purchasing a for-sale-by-owner property can be false economies — and treacherous territory to navigate alone.
After years in the industry, Brian Bleeker, a Realtor with Dave Perry-Miller InTown, understands the allure of saving cash, but offers up some sound advice for finding the right agent on either side of the transaction.
Buyer aware
Much of the buying process is common sensical, but finding an agent you can trust and build a rapport with is key to a successful transaction. When looking for a home or condo to purchase, it’s important to have a basic idea of which part of town you want to live.
“You should look for a buyer’s agent that specializes in the neighborhoods in which you’re interested,” Bleeker advises. “To maximize the resources of a buyer’s agent, it’s a good idea to have a consultation with your prospective agent to establish a clear understanding of your expectations as a buyer. Communicate clearly your wants/needs list, idea of budget and closing timeline. The agent will then advise you whether your expectations are realistic, and together you can develop an action plan.”
A buyer’s agent can then become, in essence, your one-stop-shop for everything surrounding the purchase — from securing a mortgage lender and title company to arranging for a home inspector or home warranty service. And like any stable relationship, the one you forge with a buyer agent requires commitment.
“At the end of my buyer consultations, if the connection is made, I ask that my buyer sign a Buyer’s Representation Agreement. This agreement clearly states that the buyer and agent are 100 percent committed to working together on the purchase. This agreement establishes value to the working relationship,” he says. (Bleeker takes his obligations under the agreement seriously — he’s gone so far as to negotiate a contract for a buyer while getting a root canal.)
When starting the process, Bleeker advises beginning your search at least three months prior to a target move-in date, especially when looking at older neighborhoods where the quality of updates may vary dramatically.
And when you find that perfect house? Take your agent’s advise and offer what he suggests. Chances are he knows right where the seller needs to be to sign on the dotted line.
Sale away
Maybe you’re not buying, though: Maybe you want to sell your home. When that time arises, the benefits of hiring an experienced listing agent is key to moving the property as quickly as possible with limited hurdles. Again, an agent knowledgeable about your neighborhood makes a lot of sense — he or she can develop a clear marketing plan based on experience.
“A marketing plan should consist of staging advice in preparation for showings, a professional photographer, high-quality marketing pieces, print advertisements and an open-house schedule,” Bleeker counsels. “A proper listing agent will advise you on the condition of your home and what tasks to complete prior to listing and photography. They will advise you on current market conditions, including price, and the average days on market in your neighborhood.”
And even though you share a common goal, the listing agent is able to look at your property objectively, so listen to his or her advice and understand that an easily modifiable architectural feature, paint color or simple piece of furniture could each be the one thing that keeps a house from selling. Don’t be too stubborn and listen to the agent.
How a house shows is a huge factor in how quickly a sale happens and how close to asking price a final offer is.
“Always have the home in tip-top showing condition for all showings” Bleeker stresses. “House clean, lights on, music playing, candles burning, beds made, bathrooms clean, pets secured. You’ve seen HGTV, you know what to do. You never know when that perfect buyer walks through the door, and nobody wants to buy a house that upon entry is dark, cluttered, dirty and presents itself as anything other than fantastic. Homes that sit on the market are the ones that simply do not show well.”
Brian Bleeker, Brian@hewitthabgood.com, 214-542-2575.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice Defining Homes magazine, March 1, 2013.