Buying and selling a house can be complicated and stressful. Navigating legal contracts, finding your new home, scheduling showings, getting your home ready to sell, negotiating a price, and hiring contractors is overwhelming. We understand you might not know where to start, but we do. We have helped dozens of clients through the home buying and selling process in Northern Colorado. ProSellsColorado will ensure you are comfortable and confident through each step.
Below are what to watch for and the potential pitfalls:
- Not listening
A professional real estate consultant will take the time to listen to you and your needs. He or she will understand your timeline to buy or sell and ask many questions (and listen) to understand your needs and desires thoroughly.
One example is a complete interview of what you are looking for in a new home. This allows the agent not to waste your time looking at houses you are not interested in and find the home you want quickly. An agent who doesn’t listen will cause stress and confusion for you. Find a real estate consultant that you feel listens to you.
- Bad advice
Good advice is one of the top reasons to hire a real estate consultant. That advice is sometimes not what you will want to hear, but a good real estate consultant will give it to you like it is and not just what you want to hear. You will be knowledgeable about the many decisions you must make if you are getting good advice.
There are many examples in just the paperwork for both buyers and sellers where good advice is mandatory. How to make an offer, how to review an offer, what to do with a home inspection, and so forth. One key is to make sure your agent can explain the “why” behind the advice they give you and that you understand it.
- Failed negotiations
A failed negotiation in real estate is often a misunderstanding of the process. This is where a real estate consultant who is a strong negotiator can shine and greatly affect your financial future. Look for MCNE certified negotiator.
One common example is an agent that lets a seller overprice a home to negotiate the price downwards. Sound logical, doesn’t it. Price it high and have some room to negotiate down and still get a great price. What actually happens is the house often lingers on the market because it was over-priced. The seller is then forced to lower the price below a higher price they could have gotten at an earlier date if the house had been priced appropriately.
- Lack of responsiveness
A real estate transaction is complicated, and a lack of responsiveness from an agent will cause worry and stress for you whose money, home, and future are on the line.
A great real estate consultant is available most any time you need them (within reason). Don’t hesitate to ask when your real estate consultant is available, how often they will be in contact with you, where you are in the process and the best way for you to contact them.
For instance, when a buyer makes an offer, your agent should let you know when you will know if your offer was accepted. They will communicate with you effectively at all stages of a real estate transaction.
- Missed opportunities
Depending on market conditions, real estate can often move quickly. This is especially true in the current market conditions in Northern Colorado. Don’t watch someone else move into your dream home or live in a house that no longer delights you.
A good real estate consultant will have extensively prepared both a buyer or a seller to be ready when an opportunity presents itself. This strongly ties back to a real estate consultant that has listened to you, advised you well, is responsive, and ready to negotiate from a position of strength on your behalf.
- Legal pitfalls
Real estate is complex by nature, and the legalities can be overwhelming. A good real estate consultant has the knowledge and resources to help you navigate these legal questions that arise with every real estate transaction.
Choose your real estate agent carefully, one who is on your side and teaches the process from start to finish. Let the exchange of keys be a moment of happiness, not frustration.