Selling your home can be a daunting task...to say the least!

(Christopher Walker - Broker, REALTOR Mission Grove Realty)

         In a day where some tout discounted fees and services, we believe that when it comes to selling your largest asset, more is more. More time spent on accessing your needs, more time spent on evaluating your property, more time spent on developing a marketing plan to meet your goals, more time spent with you throughout the process to protect your interests and finally, more time spent in the marketing of our property.

           You may hear that by listing your property with a REALTOR that you get the best possible exposure and representation. "Agent", by the way is anyone that is licensed bu the Department of Real Estate. The designation of REALTOR belings only to those that agree to subscribe and uphold to the highest code of Ethics and Morals that are outlined by the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and to their local Board in which they belong. Any liscensed agent can represent you. A REALTOR agrees to represent you in a way that makes them accountable at the highest level. When someone states that they are a REALTOR, ask them if they are a member of the Association of Realtors or , if they are simply an agent. You can verify their credentials by calling the local association, or by visiting car.org . By using a REALTOR, you can be reasonably certain that you have chosen someone that has your best interests in mind. At the very least, verify that they are licensed and if they have had any violations by visiting the California Department of Real Estate online at  dre.ca.gov . If violations exist, call the DRE with the case number listed to find the nature of the violation. (916) 227-0906.

There are many things to consider before choosing someone to represent you:

Choose someone that you feel comfortable working with. The process can sometimes be long and include much paperwork. You don't want to find out that, halfway through the process, you simply don't get along with the person that represents you.

Consider the exposure of your property. Don't simply listen to how many homes someone has sold in the past, how much money they have earned or how many months they have been the top whatever. What will that do for you? What they will do for YOU NOW is what is important. Ask them to see a current listing and how it is marketed. Look at the flyers produced for the property, how it is listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and where else it will be listed. Ask them for a printout of all of these items, then ask yourself these questions:

Is the description of the property accurate?

Is the description well written and leave you wanting more information? There are many properties available, what sets this one apart from the rest?

Are there photographs? How many of them? Most services allow for a minimum of 6 photographs. How many have they used? Do the photos represent the home as described? How do they make the home appear? Are the photos clear, easy to see and have the appearance of being professionally taken? Again, there are many homes available. Will yours be seen? Does the agent or REALTOR make excuses as to why they have either no photos, very few photos or bad ones? Do you want excuses from a professional?

Does their list of marketing areas include the MLS system only, or all available sources? Sources should include at least 2 MLS systems (Any excuse as to why an agent does not use more than one MLS system is just that... an excuse). Additional marketing should include: Realtor.com, MSN, Yahoo, Halfvalue, AOL, local media and many others if you are truly looking to get the most exposure and the most possible for your property. All of these sources should include multiple photos, accurate and colorful descriptions and top shelf visibility. Does the agent or REALTOR provide this information or make excuses? Before you sign any agreement, verify what you see. The only reason why the majority of agents do not use all electronic media available is because it costs them money. Money well spent in our opinion!

Are there any "hidden fees" with your listing agreement? Many agents will tout low commisions and then bury added fees for advertising, assistants, documentation, or what have you. A professional will set their commision and iclude all of their services including advertising at no additional cost. If your home does not sell, you owe them nothing. Hidden fees, once you sign an agreement, are somtimes owed to the agent even if they don't sell your property! A listing agreement must stat the listing date, expiration date, and the amount owed to the agent when the home is sold. Beware of agents asking for additional fees or money up-front to list your home. Never pay up-front fees or agree to extra charges of any kind when listing your home unless those agreements are discussed with you, in advance and NEVER sign a listing agreement that contains blank spaces. Make certain that you recieve a copy of the listing agreement at the time it is completed.

Listen. The person offering to list your home should provide current market information, current listings and sales in the area, should be knowledgeable about your community and have the answers to your concerns, or know where to get them. By listening to their questions and to the responses they give to yours, you will have a good idea of what they will be able to do for you. Will they be able to listen to a potential client's needs? Your home could be the one. Will they be able to recognize this in their next client?

Location, Location, Location. This has been the golden rule in real estate... until now. With the advent of the internet, and over 85% of Consumers researching their next home, we feel that the age old adage has come to an end. THe new golden rule, in our opinion is: Exposure, Exposure, Exposure. Homes that are properly exposed typically sell for more money, in less time. Where will your property be marketed? Will your agent or REALTOR provide this to you?

These are just a few, sometimes overlooked, tips when considering the sale of you home. For a complete guide feel free to contact Mission Grove Realty online at halfvalue.com.