RIVERLAND REALTY

JAD's NOTEBOOK Tips, Thoughts, News & Other Great Stuff Riverland's Real Estate Notebook

JADs-Notebook is brought to you by John A. Dolloff REALTOR® / Sales Associate of Coldwell Banker Riverland Realty 11824 N. Williams St. US Hwy 41 Dunnellon, FL 34432 Wilbur Vanwyck, Broker. 800-927-4837   352-489-4511   352-489-9976 fax, Email: RiverlandRealty@Bellsouth.net

December 2006

Real Estate  Q & A …

FOR SALE BY OWNERS - DO YOU KNOW?

Q: Selling property doesn’t look that hard and I don’t feel that I should have to pay all that money to some Realtor just to walk people through my home; I could do that myself. As a matter of fact, I can put a sign out front that says “For Sale By Owner ” and sell my house myself, save myself the money. It looks so simple; it can’t be that hard, so why do I need a Realtor?

                        A: Many people when they first think about selling a home will attempt  to do so on their own thinking that they will save themselves money by not paying a brokerage fee to a real estate office. Unfortunately, many of those same people are not aware of all that is required in the process … there is much more to it than just agreeing on a sale price. Advertising costs and time commitment are just a part, but there are all the legal issues that need to be considered as well. You need to ask yourself if you have taken into consideration everything you should?

                                  Some of the areas that could cause you problems are:

1.        Do you know how to properly write a sales contract?

2.        Do you know all the disclosures that a homeowner needs to supply to a buyer?

3.        Do you know about all the different inspections and the time frames for each?

4.        Do you know all the areas where a homeowner could be held liable?

5.        Are you relying solely on a yard sign and newspaper ad?

6.        Do you pre-qualify perspective buyers before letting them in to see your home?

7.        Do you know the buyers’ rights once a sales contract is signed?

8.        Do you know the proper way to handle escrow / deposit monies?

9.        Do you have an on going professional relationship with a Title Company and / or a closing agent? 

                        If you answered no or were unsure about any of these areas making a mistake could cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars, possibly even your home. Those are just some examples of why it would be wise to use me as you real estate professional in the sale of your home. I am constantly involved in the sale of residential property and I have experience in dealing with the many different problems that could arise, therefore I know who to contact and how to resolve many of the potential problems. 

                        The monies that are spent on brokerage fees are used to pay for our time, work and advertising. We handle the writing of all contracts and other paperwork that may be needed. We pre-qualify all possible buyers. We set up all appointments to show your property. We schedule inspections and arrange for a Title Company to process the closing of your property. All this takes the burden off of you. Also, you would have the advantage of our powerful advertising. Ask yourself this question: Is everyone who is interested in buying, seeing my (your) property? Or is your property being overlooked, because hundreds of real estate agents won’t show your home to their buyers? Not because it is for sale by owner, but because it is not in the Multiple Listing Service? I can help you with that problem. 

                        Did you realize that nationally 80% of the people who first advertise their property for sale by owner end up eventually listing with a real estate office? Did you know that nationally real estate sales associates end up getting 27% more for the properties than an owner would on their own? 

                        At Coldwell Banker Riverland Realty we pride ourselves at providing our customers with the highest level of service possible. When you list your property with me you don’t get just one person, but a whole team of highly trained professionals working together to find you a buyer and bring you an offer that is to your satisfaction. Wouldn’t it be a relief to you to have someone else do all the work for you? I am the man who will get the job done, aided by the best and hardest working real estate office in Dunnellon. 

                        If after reviewing this information you feel you would like to speak with me I would be happy to meet with you. I will take the time to listen to your needs, concerns, and patiently answer your questions. I will explain exactly what services we provide. There is no cost or obligation; it is a free service that I offer to people thinking about selling their property. Also, If you request, I will research the overall market and provide for you a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) specific to your property outlining what you should expect to be able to sell your property for. I will also explain all aspects of a listing contract, give you a basic breakdown of your (the Seller’s) expenses, as well as provide an estimate of what you might net from the sale of your property based on three different possible sale prices. 

Should you still decide to place a “For Sale By Owner” sign on the front lawn of your property understand that by doing so over time you will receive numerous letters and approaches from many different real estate agents offering to list your property. There is not too much of a difference in what basic services each offer, but there can be a huge difference in HOW each sales associate conducts their business. Not all Realtor’s and real estate offices are the same. Your home may well be your most valuable asset, the majority of your net worth. Don’t fall prey to some fast talking salesman who only wants another listing.  Find someone you can trust, someone of integrity, someone who is concerned with you, dealing in truth and fairness. Therefore, give me a call and let me do the work for you. The number is: 352-489-4511 / 800-927-4837  - remember to ask for John.

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