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Now,
don't get me wrong, I'm not out to knock real estate agents.
I'm the first to admit that many real estate agents do a superb
job. However, most real estate agents fall into one of three
categories: good, average or poor real estate agents.
Then, there is
that worrying small percentage of real estate agents who are
downright incompetent. Every industry is inflicted with this
type of person and I suspect the real estate industry has
more than its fair share of incompetent real estate agents.
The truth is; a
good and a bad real estate agent have one thing in common
- his or her job is to be a "deal- maker." But,
be warned - some real estate agents will perform all sorts
of tricks to stitch up a deal. This is fine so long as they
are not "stitching up" the buyer or the seller.
There's nothing wrong with enthusiasm to pull a deal together
- it is to be applauded. However, a good real estate agent
needs to remain professional and ethical at all times throughout
the real estate sales process.
In any real estate
negotiation, WIN/WIN deals are the best. But, sometimes when
buying or selling property, things happen to benefit just
one party... the home buyer, the home seller or possibly just
the real estate agent. Therein lies the danger. Who is the
real estate agent really working for? Where do his or her
true loyalties lie?
These 7 questions
will help you decide who the real estate agent is really working
for. Visit any open home and test these questions out on a
real estate agent. Good or bad, the answers will reveal something
about that real estate agent and his or her ability and true
loyalties. If the real estate agent betrays the home seller,
they will betray you as well. If they defend the home seller,
it's likely they will defend you too. Ask the real estate
agent these 7 home buying questions:
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
1. How much do you think the home will sell for?
You may discover that the real estate agent has an opinion
less than the asking price.
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
2. How much will the homeowner take?
You may learn the bottom price that the homeowner will accept.
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
3. Why is the homeowner selling?
A real estate agent may reveal a confidential reason for selling.
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
4. When does the homeowner need to move out?
A real estate agent may reveal an urgent deadline. This could
be an advantage in negotiating a lower price for the property.
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
5. How long has the property been for sale?
A real estate agent may reveal if, or why, the property has
been difficult to sell.
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
6. Who priced the property?
A real estate agent may be quick to deny any involvement and
in some cases may blame the homeowner for being greedy.
Test A Real Estate
Agent By Asking:
7. What other homes are there in competition to this
property?
This is particularly useful information, so long as the real
estate agent gives you an honest answer. Ask the real estate
agent to show you some of these competing properties.
These questions
are simple and not hard to ask. However, failing to ask these
types of questions can put a buyer (or seller) at the mercy
of a disloyal, dishonest, or incompetent real estate agent.
Buying or selling a home is a big investment for most people;
so it is well worth the effort to select a real estate agent
you can trust and have confidence in.
For
more information on how to sell your own home for sale by
owner fsbo.
Related
Articles:
©
Noel Peebles, Market Leaders ebooks.
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