Real Estate Agent Myths

You may have heard horror stories about REALTORS® but do not believe everything you hear, in most cases it turns out to be nothing but a myth. Your REALTOR® is hired by you with a signed representation agreement which states fiduciary duties, obligations, and rights for each party.

A professional REALTOR® seeks to perform at the highest ethical standards in order to gain a client for life, not a transaction. Here are some common myths that need to be addressed about our San Antonio REALTORS®

Myth: REALTORS® are never on time for appointments.

Truth: REALTORS® are professionals and always schedule client meetings in order to dedicate their time for each client. We do not rush our clients when we meet with them and care in scheduling is always taken into consideration.

Myth: REALTORS® don't like to show homes they have listed for sale.

Fact: A REALTOR® has a fiduciary duty to their clients, which includes buyer and seller representation.

Even if you are not represented by a REALTOR®, the listing agent should be happy to show you this specific property since they are doing what is best for their client, the seller.

Myth: Your real estate agent will do anything you ask of them, especially if it involves commission.

Fact: REALTORS® are bound by a Code of Ethics and are subject to penalties, fines, and even legal consequences that may include suspension or revocation of license, even jail or prison convictions. If it is illegal or unethical, a professional REALTOR® should decline and even terminate the business relationship.

Myth: REALTORS® make a lot of money from commission.

Truth: The majority of REALTOR®/BROKER relationships require that the broker take a certain percentage of the agent's commission since the broker is sponsoring the agent's license.

Do not assume that the REALTOR® keeps 100% of the commission, in fact, errors and omissions insurance is often paid to the broker along with the agreed broker's cut.

Selling Your Home Through Real Estate Agents

Buying, selling, renting or renting out property all involves a common denominator. That is a real estate agency. Most people are inexperienced in this area, and the legal jargon is over their heads. Thankfully all of this is taken care of by the real estate people. All you have to do when selling is to get an appraisal so you know what price you can sell your home for, either makes that price the bottom line or negotiable, then let them do the rest. Before you actually decide on a particular agency it is advisable to check out their quality of service.

Most of us need to get an appraisal before we decide to go ahead with the sale of our home. This will allow us to work out whether there is enough value in our property to be able to live in our chosen new area. Property values differ between the suburbs according to nearness to the city, available infrastructure and so on, so it is something we need to know beforehand.

We may have a personal idea of its worth, but it may be a lot different to the professional appraisal given by a real estate agent. This is after all their area of expertise.

Contacting a real estate and requesting an appraisal is first on the list of things to do. Make sure that is well maintained, clean and neat so that is seen at its best. This will make it easier for the agent to assess its value. If you do decide to go ahead with selling, list with the agency and ask if there is anything you need to do to make it more appealing to prospective buyers. They have a lot of experience in this area too. Well tended gardens are usually the first thing a buyer will notice, so make it part of your sales approach to keep it weed free and tidy.

Selling your home through a real estate agency instead of privately makes so much sense.

From start to finish they will do it all effectively and professionally. Knowing all the legalities involved, showing how you yourself can help to make a sale successful by different things you could do make a good first impression, and taking care of bringing prospective buyers are all a part of their daily life. Knowing all this should make you more relaxed about the whole process. If you are really want to sell then make the first move and approach the agency for that all important appraisal.