Charlie Ragonesi Big Canoe Realestate's Blog

In days not so long gone by Realtors were necessary. People drove around and saw signs. They called a Real Estate agent who was listed on the sign. In each Real Estate office there were books of listings that Real Estate folks had access to. The buyers came to those brick and mortar buildings. Real Estate folks had big cars to drive families around and look at homes. When you decided on a home you went to your bank put 20 percent down, unless you were a veteran, and away you went.

Enter the information age and access to the listings by anyone with a PC . So folks may ask , Why do I need a real estate agent any more ? It is my contentin that now MORE THAN EVER you need a trained real estate professional. Here is why.

Sellers need the Internet marketing a Realtor can provide. Realtors do more than list on an MLS. Realtors devote time and money to syndicate, enhance, and optimize listings.

Realtors provide electronic lock boxes that track visitors.

Realtors provide systems that make it easy to show your home.

Realtors market for buyers thus enhancing your ability to sell.

Realtors do CMA's and help you price your home. This is doubly important today. One because over priced homes will not sell, and two over priced homes do not appraise !

Realtors provide an unbiased eye when it comes to staging and preparing your homes so that it shows well.

Buyers need an agent to work in their interest in a transaction. The notion that working direct with a listing agent will some how save you money is false

Realtors help buyers negotiate a complex mortgage market. A recent buyer came to me and said, "My Bank says I need 10,000 to close on a home. I do not have it. Can I do a lease purchase ? I said NO. I worked with this buyer they wrote a check at the closing for 456 dollars and had 1,000 earnest money down. Now you tell me if they could have raised the 10,000 and gone directly to a listing agent would they have some how saved that much on the asking price.? The answer is no

Realtors understand rules and requirements when buying using VA, FHA or USDA.

Realtors work to get folks preapproved so that when shopping you know what you can buy

Realtors work to help folks with inspections as well as CMA's showing a buyer how good a deal is.

A Realtor acts as a middle person in negotiation, taking personalities out of the deal, thus making it easier to reach an agreement

Realtors help negotiate the land mines that exist in today's foreclosure and short sale market. Think you do not need a Realtor? Here is hoping if you bought a GMAC, or Allied Bank, and now  a Bank of America Foreclosure you used YOUR Realtor and YOUR closing attorney .

So in my opinion we did make information available to consumers and the value we provide in that area while still important is not a main reason to use a Realtor. What is the reason is simple. Today's market has become complex and varied. Your Realtor, who works for you is the person who will help you navigate through this tough market. Don't end up on the rocks when help is readily available.

I have gone on a number of listing appointments recently and the sellers have had that look on their faces that says, "Whats in it for you?" You may be thinking why, as I am going to get a listing. But not so.

Scenario 1

Many sellers I am working with have agreed to see me and told me they need to do a short sale. I sit down with them and the first thing I do is direct them to the government web site. If they have income then they may be eligible for a loan modification.  If they get the modification they may be able to make payments. This results in a great deal of positives.

The seller stays in their home.

The seller can get reduced payments.

Property values do not decline.

The sellers credit remains in tact.

Yes as an agent I do not get the listing. But you know what, I take my role as a private property advocate seriously . I have helped a home owner. That's what's in it for me

Scenario 2

In some cases the need to sell is there no matter what. With a loan modification I have bought  the home owner time. During that time I can market the house at market price . I can hopefully have the seller walk out with their credit in tact and cash in their pocket. Yes I will make some money on the deal too. But I helped a seller who was going to lose in so many ways not lose.

So if you are walking into situations use the loan modification first . Stave off short sales or foreclosures. If you are working with an older seller look ats a reverse mortgage. Be a  property advocate as well as a Realtor.

Have you ever ordered something or tried to get an update about something and never gotten a call back? It is real frustrating and discourteous isn't it?

Rule 1 If you have decided on another way to go call your Realtor back when they call you. Let them know. Instead of thinking I do not want to make this person angry you actually will make them happy you have updated them and shown them the same courtesy you would want shown to you.

Have you ever been in a store and had a clerk ask you if you need help? Did you tell them not to spend time with you as are only looking?

Rule 2 If you are only looking tell the Realtor up front just like you did the clerk. Let the Realtor decide if they want to spend time with you. You may find the Realtor can put you on an email drip and send you valuable information with out being in front of you all the time.

Have you ever bought something , got it home and had no idea how to make it work?

Rule 3 Talk to your Realtor . Ask them questions. You are making a BIG purchase. Use the professional. I bet if you buy an electric drill for 30 dollars you ask a bunch of questions. Shouldn't you use a Realtor and ask a bunch of questions if you are spending 300,000 dollars?

Use these 3 rules and you and your Realtor will have a good experience together. Good working relationships lead to happy buyers and sellers. It is as easy as 1,2,3