Answers to your Questions about Selling Your Home Please scroll down for the answers to these questions. Click here to go back to the main For Sellers page.
How can I get the most money for my house and sell it quickly?
How do I decide on a price to list my home?
How long can I expect my home to be on the market?
If I spend money fixing up my house, will I get that money back when I sell?
Do I have to disclose to a buyer if I have lead paint?
Who will be showing my home? How will I know when someone has shown it? Will I be told in advance when someone will be coming over?
Can I get a market analysis of my home?
How do I decide which real estate agent to hire? Are they all the same?
What can I expect from my agent and his/her company?
How much is the commission?
How can I get the most for my house and sell it quickly?
1. Expose it to the most buyers and the best buyers! I can show you how to do this. 2. Present your home in a way that will get you the most money that the market will pay. I can show you how to do this, too. 3. Choose a real estate agent that spends the most on diverse advertising and marketing.
How do I decide on a price to list my home?
The best way to properly price your home is with what real estate agents call "comps." "Comps" is short for "comparable homes sold in your area" as determined by the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Occasionally this method can be difficult to use because there may not be any appropriate recent similar "comps" in your area. In this situation, it is imperative that you hire an agent with enough experience to use other methods in determining a price for your home.
Some factors that play a role in determining the value of your home include location, condition, size, property, and sale prices of other houses in the area. A good agent will take all these factors into consideration when establishing a list price.
How long can I expect my home to be on the market?
This is a commonly asked question, but unfortunately no one can know for sure. As your agent, I can offer a good estimate based on current market conditions and the value of your home. Homes priced near their true value will sell more quickly than those that are highly overpriced.
If I spend money fixing up my house, will I get that money back when I sell?
Not always. There are certain things you can do that will add value and attract buyers. The trick is knowing what types of things are worth doing. A good agent can help you decide.
Do I have to disclose to a buyer if I have lead paint?
Yes. If your home was built prior to 1978 and you are aware that your home contains lead paint, the Federal Government requires that you disclose this to the buyer. This law took effect in December 1996.
Who will be showing my home? How will I know when someone has shown it? Will I be told in advance when someone will be coming over?
Your home will be shown by agents from the listing company as well as other real estate companies in your area. The showing agent will usually leave their business card at your home. Each time your home is shown, a record is kept by Houlihan Lawrence indicating the agent who showed it, the agent's company, and the date and time. You will receive a phone call when a showing appointment is made. Generally, you will be given as much notice as possible, although there may be times when you will be given short notice.
Can I get a market analysis of my home?
Yes...call me. There is no charge, and no obligation!
How do I decide which real estate agent to hire? Aren't they all the same?
Most home sellers choose an agent based on which agent will list their home for the highest price and/or charge the least commission. But if an agent tells you that s/he will list your home for a price that you suspect is more than a buyer would pay, then that agent may be inflating the price to get you to list with them. If you choose that agent, you might be hiring an agent that is either incompetent and/or dishonest. Is that who you want to represent you?
Here are some questions to ask about a potential agent:
1. How long have they been in the real estate business? There are some very competent and aggressive "new" agents, and there are some lazy "experienced" agents. In general, it is recommended that you choose an agent with at least ten years experience.
2. Is the agent full-time or part-time? The proper marketing of your home and the selling process require a full-time agent. Most agents are part-time but don't like to admit it, and won't be there as often as you need them.
3. Is the agent one of the top agents in their office/company? If they are not, there is probably a reason. Don't be afraid to ask why.
4. Is the agent's company well-known and established in the area? Do you see their signs around the town? How does the company rank in the area? A potential agent should offer this information to you. If s/he doesn't, you should ask about it.
5. Is the agent a "Realtor®" or just another agent? Being a Realtor® means being held to a higher ethical standard. Click here for more information about Realtors®.
With so much riding on the sale of your home, it is vital that you choose an experienced, competent, honest agent.
What can I expect from my agent and his/her company?
There are some basic things you should expect.
1. Advertising This is one of the most important things you should expect. It is a vital part of selling a home.
2. Internet Presence An agent/company should have a website consisting of valuable and updated information for sellers and buyers. If they don't, then you should ask why.
3. Properly Staffed Phones It is extremely important for buyers and sellers to be greeted by a live person on the phone during regular business hours. This person is necessary to direct your call, give basic information, or schedule showings. If you are greeted by voice mail during business hours instead of a live person, you should be concerned. Properly staffed phones are a necessity in the real estate business.
How much is the commission?
A good agent's commission is flexible and negotiable. There is no set percentage.
I am always available to answer your questions or address your concerns. Feel free to contact me anytime by email at frattarola@aol.com or by phone at (845) 628-2400, ext. 234.
I am always available to answer your questions or address your concerns. Feel free to contact me anytime by email at frattarola@aol.com or by phone at (845) 628-2400, ext. 234.
Bill Frattarola, Jr. · Licensed Associate Broker Houlihan Lawrence · 129 Route 6 · Mahopac, NY 10541 (845) 628-2400, ext. 234 · frattarola@aol.com
