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Why Should You Work
With a REALTOR® When You Buy?
Sales Associates Depend
On You
Sales Associates Are
Self-Employed
Every state
has its own laws governing real estate licensing; there is no national license.
In
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REALTOR
The answer to
this question used to be somewhat complex, but in recent years, the laws have
been simplified. Now, agents working with a buyer represent the interests of
the buyer and those working with a seller represent the interests of the
seller. In practical terms, this means that whether you are a buyer or seller,
your agent is now required to
- Exercise reasonable skill and care in
performing their duties
- Deal with you as a client honestly and
fairly
- Disclose all facts which are known to the
agent (or may be reasonably discovered) that affect the value or
desirability of any property you are considering.
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Why Should
You Work With a REALTOR® When You Buy?
There are
many compelling reasons to use a real estate agent when you buy a home:
- They have access to the Multiple Listing
Service (MLS) which allows them to search for available homes that meet
your criteria.
- They will handle the administrative
details of scheduling showings for the homes you would like to see.
- They save you time by providing you with
information about schools, neighborhoods, etc.
- When you find a home you think you might
be interested in, they can use the MLS to find out the list prices of
other homes for sale in the area as well as the sales prices of those that
have recently sold. This can help you determine the fair market value of
the home before you make an offer.
- They will guide you through the maze of
offers and counteroffers, inspections and amendments-always looking out
for your best interests. Their advice and insight in these areas can help
you avoid potential pitfalls and may save you from costly errors. Your
agent will know, for example, which items in the home need to be included
in the purchase agreement; some items can be assumed to stay with the
house while others must be specifically stipulated. If the inspection
uncovers problems, your agent will help you negotiate changes with the
seller. Most real estate agents will not tell you what to do, but their
training, previous experiences, and professional contacts can help you
make better, more informed decisions.
- They can help you find a reputable
mortgage company.
- They will explain the closing process and
all of the paperwork involved.
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Sales
Associates Depend On You:
Sales
Associates spend many hours holding houses open, researching financing
alternatives, keeping abreast of the current market and market tends, and
pursuing continuing education studies.
All of this activity (and much more) is done with a desire and
dedication to earn the loyalty of clients and build a personal reputation for
efficient, friendly, and professional service.
Each Associate’s success depends on referrals, recommendations and
repeat business.
The RE/MAX at the Crossing Sales Associate you choose can give you information about
any property on the market, even when the sign in the front yard belongs to
another company or a builder. You only need one Sales Associate to help you
find the home of your dreams.
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REALTOR
Sales
Associates Are Self-Employed:
Self-employed means that the Sales
Associate does not receive a salary, a company car, an expense account,
vacation pay, insurance and retirement benefits, etc. In addition to these expenses, the Associate
also pays license fees, monthly Multiple Listing Service fees and annual membership
dues to local, state and national REALTOR® Associations.
Each RE/MAX at the Crossing Associate has a
contractual agreement with the RE/MAX International. This agreement states that the individual may list
and sell real estate as an Independent Contractor representing the RE/MAX Company.
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Real estate
agents are paid on commission, generally a percentage of the selling price of
the home. The commission for a particular transaction is established in the
listing agreement between the seller and his/her agent.
At the time of closing, after all of
the work has been completed to the satisfaction of everyone concerned, the real
estate commission is subtracted from the seller’s proceeds. This commission is then divided between the
company and the Sales Associate representing the seller, and the company and
Sale Associate assisting the buyer.
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