Posts Tagged ‘Dallas Realtors’

Buyer Tips: How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

Friday, August 21st, 2009

If you are considering purchasing a new property, then it may be time to contact a qualified real estate agent. An experienced, qualified real estate agent can help you with your home search, your financing, your negotiating and the closing process.

A qualified real estate agent can also educate you about the home buying process, which may be very useful for many home buyers, particularly first-time buyers.

If you are confused about where and how to begin the process of finding a qualified real estate agent, the following list can help you get started:

  • Ask friends, family members and business associates for referrals. Finding a good real estate agent is often as easy as asking other individuals who have recently bought or sold a home.

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  • Look at the homes for sale in your area. Looking for other Highland Park homes sold by the same real estate agent is often a good place to start when searching for local real estate agents.

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  • Interview at least a few agents to see if they meet your criteria and expectations. Pay close attention to whether the real estate agent seems friendly, attentive and willing to take the time to answer all of your questions, as this will prove to be important during the home buying process.

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  • Check each agent’s education, qualifications and experience. Most importantly, ask each agent about his or her experience working with buyers and sellers in your area. A qualified real estate agent should have a good, working knowledge of the area, as well as real estate values and trends.

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  • Make sure you have a good rapport with the agent you choose. Remember: the real estate agent you choose to help you purchase your home will likely be working with you for months, so it pays to have a good, friendly rapport with the agent.

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  • Make sure to clearly convey your wants, needs and desires regarding your next home purchase so that your real estate agent can better assist you.

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Benefits of a Qualified Real Estate Agent

Friday, August 14th, 2009

If you are thinking of selling your home FSBO, there are many factors to consider. Is it possible to sell your home FSBO? You bet. But is it the best decision for you? Perhaps not.

There are many homeowners who successfully sell their home FSBO, but there are also just as many that are simply unaware of how to properly sell their home, or unable to do it themselves, especially in this tough, economic climate.

Before you decide to sell your home FSBO, ask yourself whether you can handle all of the responsibilities that go along with this process.

The following list details the benefits of hiring a qualified real estate agent:

  1. They know the market conditions. Qualified real estate agents are savvy to the conditions of the market. They also understand how to implement key strategies in a tough housing market to get your Uptown Dallas home sold.
  2. They know the area. Seasoned real estate agents will likely have a great understanding of your neighborhood, which will help immensely when it comes time to price and market your home.
  3. They know how to effectively market your home. Marketing your home is not as cut and dry as you may think. Qualified real estate agents understand what is necessary to get your home in front of as many buyers’ eyes as possible.
  4. They take care of showings and open houses. Are you prepared to be present during all showings and open houses? For example, if you work full-time, you may simply not have the time to show your home, which could cost you a sale.
  5. They can be your best advocate during negotiations. One thing’s for certain: qualified real estate agents come in handy when it comes time for negotiations. Period.
  6. They are there to answer your questions and address your concerns. If you are new to the home selling process, or if you simply have not done it for many years, then the services of a knowledgeable real estate agent will be invaluable as you weave your way through the potentially confusing process of selling your home.

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Real Estate Challenges

Friday, May 30th, 2008

Challenges

Another six lenders just locked their door! Two of them were working on loan packages for your clients, now what?

The mortgage lender collapse as well as the change in mortgage rates and the loss of the sub-prime deluge is presenting challenges that the Dallas Real Estate market hasn’t seen for many years. Homes sit much longer on the market, because buyers are less quick to drop a contract on a place where it’s even a little tight.

Now is when you have to really prove yourself as a Real Estate Agent. Are you willing to work with listings that make take time and effort to get moved, even in good neighborhoods? Are you going to be willing to help clients dig for a loan and mortgage package they can work with?

Climb and take your business to the top, or quit and look for an ‘easier path’. It’s your choice, your decision and your promise to yourself as well as your clients.

Anyone off the street can make a buck with a real estate license in a hot market. The difference between just anyone and a professional becomes clear in the hard market. Are you a Real Estate Agent or a one shot wonder?

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Posted in Dallas County, For Realtors, Real Estate Careers | 2 Comments »

Realtor Cluelessness

Monday, May 19th, 2008

Cluelessness

Inquisitive Idiots? Hmmmm, are we talking about first time buyers? Maybe we’re talking about someone who is down sizing after loosing the spouse that took care of all the “business”?

Remember, educating the buyer and seller is part of what a Dallas Real Estate Agent does. The more your clients understand and the more you explain right at the beginning, the less likely you are to have a miscommunication or misunderstanding as the process heats up toward settlement.

Educating the client to the laws and procedures tells the client that you care about them, which makes a lasting impression. Clients for life are that way because you give them lots of good reasons. Being patient with the questions – even when they have a lot of them – is a big reason they’ll be your clients for life.

Make your own life easier. Answer the questions thoroughly the first time and the second, so that by the third time you have to bring an issue up they will be reciting it back to you. You win, they win and the contract process goes a lot smoother.

Do you remember when you bought your first house, or sold your first? Chances are you had someone to walk you through the process, someone that you trusted. Or, perhaps there was no one to help answer your questions and this lack contributed to your decision to become an agent. Either way, the point is the same: it is stressful to buy or sell real estate, and your clients depend on you for the right answers. They prefer answers that are cheerfully given….even if they’ve asked the same question 14 times.

Of course, if you’d rather not bother, it is a clear indication that it is not the client that is clueless!

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Posted in For Realtors, Real Estate Careers | 2 Comments »

Buying Agents: Are They Really Working For You?

Monday, May 12th, 2008

Actually, yes, they really are.

The laws on agency can be very confusing, even to those who work with them all the time. Then add to that the ethical questions and you have a mix ready to hand someone a headache.

The law of agency basically works this way. Agents always represent the seller, unless you have contracted with a realtor to be a Buyer’s Agent. It does not matter whether the agent came with you to show you a home that is listed by an agency other than the one they work for. By law, without that contracted understanding between you and the agent, the agent is working for the seller.

Part of that means that they are required to look out for the best interest of the party they are bound to. They will — or should — disclose information that has been given in a disclosure statement, but they may not dig around to see if there is anything else that may be an issue for you.

What Can I Do?

Contracting with the Realtor to be your buying agent binds the agent to you. The Realtor is now legally bound to look out for your best interests; to get you the best deal and make certain you have every bit of information you will need to purchase a house that will suit all your needs.

Interview Realtors before you sign with one. Choose your Dallas real estate agent as carefully as you would pick an attorney or a doctor. Talk to them; make certain that the two of you really can deal with each other. There is no reason you have to take an agent that just doesn’t ‘get it’ about what you are looking for. You are looking for someone who doesn’t show you a ranch/rambler repeatedly when you’ve hate them.

Take the time to find the right ‘partner’ for your real estate deal. Then, take the step of making it official with a Buyer’s Agency Contract. Just like any other business arrangement, get the terms in writing, and read the terms before you sign.

You Will Get the Best Possible Help!

You’re spending thousands on a house, and this house will be your home for a long time. You deserve the best house you can find for your money, and a good Buyer’s Agent will make sure you get that, and more. Choose your Buyer’s Agent carefully, and they’ll be ready when you need a Seller’s Agent!

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Posted in Buyer Tips | 2 Comments »

Achievement For DFW Real Estate Agents

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008

Achievement

Dallas Real Estate agents can build a great business for themselves in all markets, if they have a goal and the drive. What they can not do without are other people. People are not expendable. People are buyers, sellers, mortgage brokers, the sale’s secretary, the closing agent. The list goes on and on and none of them are expendable.

Treating any of the People as if they are expendable is the quickest way to derail the best plan or the most determined push for business. This is an inter-dependent not in-dependent function. Just as recent new finds around the pyramids have shown that it was not slave labor, but skilled, well trained, well treated and well cared for workers that made these miracles, you have to look at your associated businesses and your clients with the same eye to care.

Disrespect a client too often, and you will find they have fired you and gone with another agent. Mistreat the secretary too much, and that termite inspection report just might not be found. Just try and get a ‘fast closing’ when you have annoyed every closing agent in town.

Your business has to go forward to survive. You can’t pave your path to success with the bodies of other people and expect it to not come back to haunt you. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated and you will find that the road ahead has fewer briar vines across it.

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Posted in Tips For Realtor | No Comments »

Dallas Realtors – Know what to Do and Not to Do

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

When times are tough, it is just as important to know what not to do in order to remain productive as it is to know the right things to do. Scrutinize every aspect of your Dallas real estate business and determine if you have any wasteful or destructive behaviors you can change. Doing so allows you to                                               girl-with-labtop.jpg                                        Dallas real estate agent   concentrate your efforts where they will have the most effect.

Have a Plan

Just as a movie has a script that carries the plot from point A to point B, write out a script for your business. Know where you want to go, and craft a plan to get there. Put it in writing, and carry it with you. Take the time each day to review your plan and ensure you are on track.

Avoid Negative People

Misery loves company, so be aware of the company you keep. If you spend your time around negative people, it is far too easy to get caught up in all of life’s woes. We all have them – it is how we deal with them that determines our level of success. If you feel someone sucking the emotional life out of you, excuse yourself and move on.

Avoid Unmotivated Clients

Even when times are tough, there are some clients best left to someone else. If you find you have a client that cannot be satisfied, no matter how hard you try, or makes you ill at ease, suggest they go somewhere else. All they will do is add to your stress as you bend over backwards trying to appease them. Also, do not work with clients that are not aggressive about either trying to buy or sell a house. They will have unrealistic expectations that can cause you great headaches, and chances are you will not realize a successful sale from them anyways.

As a Dallas real estate agent, you have one of the greatest markets in the nation right at your fingertips. Get out there, stay positive, and have some fun. You work in a great market where there is still plenty of opportunity, so do not let the nay-sayers get you down.

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How Real Estate Agents Can Remain Productive

Friday, March 7th, 2008

As a Dallas real estate agent, it can be difficult to maintain your motivation when the market is suffering. Sometimes you feel like you are not making any progress, no matter how much of your heart and soul your pour into your job.

There are a few things you can do, though, to keep your energy up, even in the face of adversity.

Maintain the Human Connection

We all know the importance of good customer service, but what about your past customers? Do you ever make contact with any of them, even if only to make sure they remember your name? When times are tough, go back to all of your old clients and personally contact each one of them. You will earn kudos for customer service, but more importantly, this could be a good way to pick up new customers. Your previous clients might be looking to buy again, or they may know someone who is and can recommend you.

Make a Plan

Decide how many contacts you want to make each day, each week, each month, and write out a plan for getting there. Develop a sales plan that dictates where you go, who you talk to, and how you direct your marketing efforts. After all, you would never navigate a ship without a compass, right? Think of this as developing your professional compass as a successful Dallas REALTOR.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

You have more control over the success you achieve in your life than you may realize. Keeping a positive attitude helps you keep your hopes and dreams alive, and ensures you continue striving to meet them. A positive attitude will help you with clients as well. They will instantly know if you have a negative attitude about your job or the market, which could lead to lost sales.

Remember, as a professional Dallas real estate agent, you are capable of reaching your destiny, even in a shifting market. Keep your chin up and stay on course. You will get there soon enough.

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