With so much information readily available on line, clients sometimes ask us, "Why should we hire a real estate agent? They wonder if they couldn't buy or sell a home without representation, without a a real estate agent. Some do OK, many don't. So if you've wondered the same thing, here are 10 reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional REALTOR.
1. Knowledgeable and Experienced In the Subject Matter
You don't need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who is experienced and knowledgeable. The trick is to find the right company or agent. For the most part, they all cost about the same. We're all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring pros gives us that time. Pat Garrett, Realtors has seven decades of combined experience in the “Real Estate Arena”.
2. Agents are Buffers
We take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you're a seller, we will filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere and try to induce serious buyers to immediately make an offer.
3. Neighborhood Knowledge
Pat Garret, Realtors possess knowledge or we know where to find the information about your neighborhood. We can identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you, in addition to pointing you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics.
4. Price Guidance
Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the data supplied to them and to choose a price. Then based on market supply, demand and the conditions, the agent will devise a negotiation strategy.
5. Market Conditions
Pat Garrett, Realtors can disclose market conditions information which will govern your selling or buying process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on the market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.
6. Professional Networking
Pat Garrett, Realtors networks with other professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. We know vendors that have a reputation for efficiency, competency and competitive pricing to help you make a wise decision.
7. Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality
Having 70 + year experience and knowledge in Real Estate we negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, we can remove ourselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction. We are professionals who are trained to present their client's case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.
8. Handling Volumes of Paperwork
One-page deposit receipts were prevalent in the early 1970s. Today's purchase agreements run 10 pages or more. That does not include the federal- and state-mandated disclosures nor disclosures dictated by local custom. Most real estate files average thicknesses are from one to three inches of paper. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands. At Pat Garrett, Realtors we handle all necessary paperwork from start to finish brushing up on all laws and regulations that constantly change in the real estate market.
9. Answer Questions After Closing
Many questions can pop up that were overlooked in the excitement of closing. Pat Garrett, Realtors stands by ready to assist long after the sale. With 70 years serving the Lubbock market we will be here for you when you are ready to sell and purchase your next home.
10. Develop Relationships for Future Business
The foundation for Pat Garrett, Realtors success and continued career in real estate is referrals. Our clients love the fact that whether they wish to purchase, sell, or lease a home Pat Garrett, Realtors can handle all aspects of housing including property management. We have built our company on word of mouth and referrals. This emphasis gives our real estate company strong incentives to make sure all our clients are happy and satisfied. It’s also the reason we have stayed in business for generations. We will be there for you when you need to hire an agent again.
Selling Tips
With the high inventory of homes on the market today, home buyers can afford to be choosy. Buyers are looking for the best, so a home for sale can easily slip through the cracks if it's not in pristine condition. Use these 8 tips to whip your home into shape and wow potential buyers.
Improve your landscaping. Curb Appeal is crucial to a good first impression.
Make the front door inviting. A fresh coat of paint, especially in a color that contrasts with the home.
Make repairs. In a buyer's market you want your home to be in the best condition possible.
Remove clutter and depersonalize. Buyers want to envision their belongings in your home.
Organize closets. Messy closets give the appearance that your home doesn't have enough storage space.
Make every surface shine. From ceiling fans to floors and everything in between.
Take color down a notch. You might like your lime-green bedroom, but it may sour buyers.
Eliminate bad odors. Hide the litter box and spray air neutralizer throughout your home.