3 Investor Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent

You may be an investor that typically avoids real estate agents whenever possible because you don't want to deal with real estate commissions. That's fine and dandy, but as investor look at it as an investment - because the return and turn over is great.

Let's go into some of the benefits:

• Agents are a commodity to the banker.

Banks work closely with agents on traditional purchases. They've built that relationship. There is an institutional bias for the real estate agent. The bank is more likely to consider an offer that makes sense if it's presented by someone who speaks their language. Agents can also grease the wheels and get your offer in front of a lender, you can get an answer more quickly, and potentially close more deals

• Real Estate Agents have access to certain professional and amazing contacts

A real businessman knows that many times it's not what you know it's who you know. Real Estate Agents know people from all walks of life. A typical agent has a list of contractors, brokers who access to banks (bank own properties), title companies to help close on deals, lenders who provide loans, insurance companies etc.

• Real Estate Agents have a large database of Listings - MLS

Once a solid relationship is built, the agent knows your investment style and strategy. They will have an alert for properties that fit your need on the MLS, and if you  may even  bring you properties that are not on the MLS because you know how to move them.

There are so many other perks in building a strong relationship with agents - research and contracts for example. So as an investor, it makes complete sense to find an experienced agent that can help you as much as you can help them.

Until next time.

-Team Sohail
www.teamsohail.com

6 things to avoid when selling a home.

You are guaranteed to sell your house faster and for more money if you avoid these common mistakes. To begin you will need a thorough house cleaning, open mind and home improvements

1.       De- Clutter your home

Stuffed closets, extra furniture, exercise equipment,  etc  make homes seems smaller than they are. I know it can be emotional and exhausting. But, it’s a must for making your house look like an attractive buy. Follow the six month rule – get rid of anything and everything that you haven’t used in six months. Look at the bright side; you can sell it for extra cash.

2.       De-personalize your home

This means to take down family pictures, knick knacks, hide all evidence that you own pets. This will allow the buyer to imagine themselves in the home. You also get a head start at packing your things.

3.       Deep clean

You may want to do a deep cleaning of the house especially the kitchen. Did you know the kitchen is the room most likely to attract or repel a buyer? So make sure it’s at 100%. You going to want to make sure you invest a little in repainting the walls and repairing the damages of the house. It’s cheaper to get them fixed now as oppose to the buyer using the damages as a negotiation points. Make sure that your house is well lighted. Get rid of heavy drapery, take down wall paper and put in high watt lightening.

4.       Work on curb appeal – Does your house stand out?

Go outside of your house, does it catch the eye? Make sure the grass is green and cut nicely, plant some flowers and colorful gardening adornments. Consider a flowering tree or sitting area. And don’t forget about the back yard!

5.       Now your move in ready – just make sure your Realtor can get in!!

Make sure the realtor is bringing in pre-qualified buys. Make sure your pets are gone and your family is out of the way. Don’t stalk your potential buyers. Everyone hates the annoying salesperson. Consider leaving yourself. Buyers feel freer to express themselves and ask questions.

6.       Don’t be turned off by low ball offers

Look at them as interest points and a door to negotiate. Buyers are trying to get a good deal but would pay for a home they really love.

I hope this helps. Call or email us for more detail about selling your home 609-860-1587/info@teamsohail.com .

Until next time,

Team Sohail

5 things to avoid when buying a home for the first time

Making a decision to buy a home is a big decision. And with that there are a lot of things you have to watch out for. It’s very easy to get caught up in doing the wrong thing to get that house you really want. So let’s jump right in.

1)      Not shopping around enough for the right mortgage.

Don’t sell yourself short. Talk to a lot of lenders. What happens often is that home buyers talk to realtors and they get excited about moving into their dream home and they jump on the first mortgage offer they get approved of and end out missing out on the best deal. Now more than ever, you can get amazing interest rates – and ultimately more afforadable. Make sure you shop around.

2)      Not acting quick enough.

We call this analysis paralysis. This does not mean to jump in without doing your due diligence. After you’ve done your homework and pre-qualified for your loan, and the proper financing isin place and your ready to make the purchase. When you find the one, you want to move to quick. Write the offer and seal the deal. If it’s good to you its good to someone else – don’t lose it.

3)      You must have the right agent

The bottom line is that you need an agent who will fight for you and look in your best interest across the board – and get you the best deal possible. So make sure when you go to buy a home you have the an agent that has experience, knowledge, and personal strength to go out a fight for you to get you the best price, the best terms and best house.

4)      Not making your offer attractive enough.

Many people when they buy a home forget about that the seller is also looking for the best deal and gets approached by many other buyers. Some things that could make your deal more attractive is putting more money down, shorter escrow periods, being flexible and less request. So think about the side of the seller and their bottom line.

5)      Think with the end in mind – The resell.

Most buyers again, get overly excited about buying the home they forget about when they are ready to move out for a new home. An average home buyer stays in the property for only four years. So what does that mean for you? How do you position yourself to be able to resell at an equitable value?

With that, Team Sohail always has your back. If you have any questions email us at info@teamsohail.com or call 609-516-4138