REALTOR^®s work within a legal relationship called agency. The agency relationship is between you, the principle, and your Brokerage, the company with which your REALTOR^® is licensed. It is a legal requirement for REALTOR^®s to disclose to you the representation you will be receiving. This disclosure is done with the aid of a brochure entitled “Working with a REALTOR^®”.

For more information about the agency relationship, read Realty Link's "Understanding Agency Relationships with your REALTOR^®" .

Why use a REALTOR^®?

By using a competent and professional REALTOR^® you enhance your ability to produce maximum value for your home and to sell in an expeditious manner.

Your REALTOR^® should:

•  provide you with excellent service and support and will negotiate on your    behalf.
•  make a comprehensive and thorough market analysis of your home
•  develop a successful marketing plan
•  make every effort to sell your home promptly and for an excellent price
  

REALTOR^® Fees:

Typically, REALTOR^®s work on a commission basis and only receive payment upon the successful sale of your home. The commission can be a percentage of the total sale or a flat rate. The commission is not set by law or by local
real estate boards.

Market Conditions:

It’s a Seller’s Market:

In a seller’s market the number of buyers wanting homes exceeds the supply or number of homes on the market. A smaller inventory of homes usually means homes sell quickly and prices increase. You may have more negotiating leverage and obtain a higher selling price for your property.

Pricing your property

The single most important decision you will make with your REALTOR^® is determining the right asking price for your property. Once you’ve achieved a realistic sale price, you can count on your property being professionally marketed and promoted to bring more buyers to your door. You can also expect to sell your home for the best possible price in the least amount of time. The benefits of pricing right:

•  your property sells faster, because it is exposed to more qualified buyers
•  your home doesn’t lose it’s “marketability”
•  the closer to market value, the higher the offers
•  REALTOR^®s will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to buyers.

As your REALTOR^® I will present a proposal to market your home. My proposal will include a comprehensive market analysis that will give you an understanding of how to determine the market value and pricing of your home. I can also prepare an estimate of the net proceeds you will receive when your home sells based on the suggested sale price, any financing you have in place and any other additional expenses you may incur.

Marketing plan

Your property is not something you sell everyday. In fact, for many people it is their largest asset. A house is very complicated to market and the process needs to be well organized. To do the job properly a plan is needed.

Your REALTOR^® can prepare a personalized plan for you containing all activities intended to market your property.

I will aggressively promote your property through my personal web site, Royal Lepage’s internet site, the Multiple Listing Service and Realty Link.

I will also place ads in local newspapers, place all For Sale signage allowable, and hold agent and public open houses and showings by appointment and otherwise.

Further exposure of your listing comes from my networking with other REALTOR^®s.

Signing a Listing Agreement

The first formal step in marketing your property is to enter into a Listing Agreement - a contract that commits myself and my Brokerage (company) to actively market your home for a specified period of time. It also commits you to a pre-established marketing fee that is to be paid upon the successful closing of the sale.

Preparing to show your home

First impressions are lasting impressions.

You will want to make sure that buyers looking at your home are left with the best possible impression.

Before we bring in prospective buyers, I may make some recommendations as to how to prepare your home for sale.

At any rate, always be sure to practice regular home maintenance. Regular preventative maintenance is vital to maintaining your property value.