Kari McCoy's Real Estate Articles

KARI KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES
FHA HOME LOAN THE BETTER CHOICE?
ESCROW MADE SIMPLE
WHY SHOULDN'T I BUY A FIXER-UPPER?
PRE-APPROVAL VERSUS PRE-QUALIFICATION
IS A HOME WARRANTY REALLY NEEDED?
HOLDING THE SALE TOGETHER
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH LEASE OPTIONS?
SELLING A HOME ISN'T EASY

HELP! THIS UNDERWRITING THING IS KILLING US!
THE BENEFITS OF USING A FULL SERVICE BROKER
WHAT EXACTLY IS A CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST?
STANDING OUT AMONG THE CROWD
EXCEPTIONS TO THE CAPITAL GAINS RULE
HOME SELLING MARKET IN TRANSITION
EARNEST MONEY DEPOSITS
OUR OFFER WAS ACCEPTED
TO DISCLOSE OR NOT TO DISCLOSE

THE BENEFITS OF USING A FULL SERVICE BROKER

Homebuyers who use the Internet to start their home search may be lured by the promises of realty companies advertising “one-stop shopping” guaranteed to meet all your housing needs. But before you sign up with an online company, consider the benefits of meeting personally with a real estate broker who can represent your best interests in the transaction.

A full service real estate broker will be informed about the current trends in your local market. He or she will personally meet with you and show you properties that satisfy your unique requirements. When you want to discuss your options for a home mortgage loan, your real estate broker will refer you to a reputable mortgage professional who can help you choose a loan that meets your specific needs. Your broker will have a working relationship with home inspectors and homeowner’s insurance companies whose professional integrity they can vouch for.

Online “one-stop” companies profit from handling all aspects of a transaction, but the homebuyer may not receive adequate personal attention or get the best deal. It is to your advantage to engage the services of a full service broker, because their sole motive is to protect you, guide you and help you realize your goal of buying property.

Likewise, if you decide to sell your home, you might be approached by an agent who offers to list and sell your home and promises to take a much lower commission for his or her services. This proposal might sound very attractive; why pay your broker 6 percent when this one will only charge you 4 percent? After all, 2 percent of $600,000 is $12,000 – a nice little savings to put in your pocket! Before you sign a 6-month contract with an agent offering a discount commission, consider what you may be sacrificing by not using a full service broker who will list and sell your home without cutting corners.

A full service real estate broker will give you comprehensive, thorough professional service, attentive to every detail at every point in the complex transaction process. He or she will share valuable information about the selling price of comparable properties, to help you determine a realistic price for your home. If your home needs repair or cosmetic improvements prior to listing, reputable local contractors will be recommended. Buyers will be pre-qualified and personally escorted when showing your home. After showing your home, your broker will give you feedback from buyers and agents, and negotiate the price and terms of the purchase contract when an offer comes in. Finally, your broker will schedule the home inspection and coordinate every aspect of the closing. You will be informed of what is happening at every step of the process.

You may not receive adequate professional or personal attention if the agent feels they owe you less because you are paying them less. It is to your advantage to engage the full services of a real estate broker who will give 100 percent to guide you through the complex process of buying or selling a home.

Kari McCoy is a resident of El Dorado Hills, and owns the Kari McCoy Group, residential real estate of Coldwell Banker. Call her at 933-kari, email her at sold@KariMcCoygroup.com or visit her website at www.TheRealKariMcCoy.com