In a previous blog post, I explained what
the benefits of hiring a buyer’s agent are. So let’s talk about what a seller’s
agent is and what they do for their clients in this blog post.
What is a Seller’s Agent?
Bankrate.com defines a seller’s agent, or seller’s real estate agent, as “a professional who helps list property for sale. The seller’s agent represents the person selling the property and holds allegiance to that party.” They are also known as the listing agent.
“Holds allegiance to” means they act solely on your behalf.
And they represent your best interest as the seller in the real estate
transaction.
Their loyalties lie with you. It is their duty to share all
information about potential buyers with you to help you make decisions
regarding the transaction.
They are legally obligated to represent you and your
financial interests as the seller.
So, if you’re selling, you really want a seller’s agent in
your corner!
What Do Seller’s Agents Do?
From the moment you sign a listing contract, your
seller’s agent:
- Advises you on the best ways to present and prepare your home to sell it and may even help arrange a home inspection. They know how to highlight your home’s amenities from its curb appeal to its emptied closets, and what buyers want
- Researches the market for recent sales of comparable homes to determine the best asking price
- Prepares a marketing plan: schedule for listing, showing and advertising your property
- Provides you with a real property condition disclosure and other necessary forms
- Places a “For Sale” sign with information flyers describing your home on-site. They market your home to buyers on the internet, in classified ads, in real estate magazines, pamphlets, direct-mail flyers and newspaper ads
- Lists your property for sale to the public on the Multiple Listing Service (the MLS, a searchable list of homes for sale)
And More Your Seller’s
Agent Does for You
- Takes other real estate agents on a walkthrough of your home, so they know what to tell their clients about your home
- Serves as a contact to answer any questions about your home and schedule showings
- Holds an open house to show your property
- Makes sure buyers are pre-screened and that they are financially suitable to buy your home
- Acts as a trustee for you. This could include preparing a standard real estate purchase contract for you
- Finds a buyer for your property for the highest possible price on the best terms for you as the seller
- Presents buyers’ offers to you
- Shares all information about potential buyers that will help you make decisions regarding the sale
- Negotiates the price of your home on your behalf as the sellers as well as the terms of the sale. They are your representative in all negotiations
- Is your messenger, manager, counteroffer and contingency issues handler once an offer is made. They follow the paper trail from the initial offer from the buyer through to the final closing. And they process all the paperwork necessary to complete the transaction
How Much Do Seller’s Agents Cost?
You pay for your seller’s agent’s services with a percentage
commission of 4 to 6 percent or a flat fee. This is stated in your listing
contract. The buyer’s agent can be paid from that fee.
Selling? Hire a Seller’s Agent
Again, if you’re selling, you really want to hire a seller’s
agent!
Do you have questions? Contact Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email charles@brooklynrealestatesales.com and get your questions answered. He is the Brooklyn Expert connecting clients with Brooklyn homes for over 30 years. So he knows the Brooklyn area inside and out.
Charles D’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 206
Charles@BrooklynRealEstateSales.com
The post What is the Role of a Seller’s Agent in the Real Estate Process? appeared first on Brooklyn Real Estate Blog.
SOURCE: Brooklyn Real Estate Blog – Read entire story here.