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Cynthia Tilleman: Understanding the Value of a Real Estate Agent

Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 | 1:00 am
 

Years ago you had to go to a real estate agent in order to get information on property listings. Volumes were filled with all the local real estate listings, and were distributed to real estate offices. The agents would review the books and find homes that matched the needs of their clients. Then the address was given to the clients so they could do a “drive by” to see, at least, the outside of the home. This information was not readily available to the public.

The times have changed drastically. Today, the majority of once-private information is now public. So does that mean you can handle the entire real estate transaction on your own? Not likely… especially if you want a highly successful outcome.

Understanding my value as an agent:

Professional experienced real estate agents are trained to help streamline your real estate transaction. Experienced agents are highly knowledgeable about the industry. I can offer more than just good listings for you to consider. I can help you understand the information that you are getting. I can help you sort through comparable properties and decipher information listed in the Multiple Listing Service. I can help you spot potential issues and make you aware of important documents. Having me as your agent to help guide you through the process of buying or selling your home can help you save time, and money.

Pricing experience:

One of the biggest values an experienced professional agent can offer has to do with pricing. Whether you’re buying or selling your home, I can help you understand the current market conditions. . I can design negotiation strategies to help ensure that your interest is protected. Good negotiation skills of a highly knowledgeable agent can be critical to your transaction. When you hire me to work on your transaction, I have a vested interest in the sale. However, the commission is far less than the amount of interest you have in the property. Therefore, I, as an experienced agent, can leave emotional interest out of the negotiations and work for the best outcome by presenting my client’s situation in the most appealing way possible. I must also keep my client information confidential as part of my fiduciary duty.

Coordinating the process:

Another very useful function of an experienced professional real estate agents is the assistance I can provide to coordinate the complex home-buying and home-selling process. Real estate transactions require an enormous amount of paperwork. I cannot provide legal advice about the documents, but I can point out important aspects and disclosures, and alert you to the filing time-frame when these materials must be signed. I also have a very good network to direct you to other business experts for more specific answers to your questions. I am very accustomed to coordinate and keep on schedule things like hiring inspectors, staying in touch with the other party’s agent, explaining how repairs will be fixed and who should pay for them, and directing you to resources for financial matters. I have a transaction coordinator on site to make sure everything is done in a timely matter prior to closing.

I also tell my clients, ”when you are in a position to buy or sell real estate, get educated.” Read articles, go on the internet, and watch videos from as many sources as possible. Study the market and prepare questions to ask me when we meet. This will make you more prepared to interview and hire the right agent. Ultimately, you will find that having an experienced professional agent to help guide you through the real estate transaction will be a very good investment.

CYNTHIA TILLEMAN
REALTOR GRI, SFR
Podley Properties
Lic. #01334603
Cell (626) 825-0161
Website: www.cynthiatilleman.com
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3zswsmu
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cynthiaskorner

*I’m never too busy for and greatly appreciate your business and referrals*

 

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