Negotiate that commission!
I am sure I will be getting some thumbs down from other agents with this post, but this is the reality of our situation. There ARE good quality agents who can prove their worth and higher commissions in times when it is necessary. Here in Tampa things are a bit different.
So, onto my advice... Wow what a crazy market we have here in Tampa Bay! Inventory of homes is so low I saw 30 offers on 1 home this past weekend (9/13). In 15 years in real estate I have never seen such a frenzy. We are defintiely in a sellers market as buyers are bidding over list and agents doing whatever they can to get thier clients offers to stick.
My words of advice for sellers....
1). Don't go it alone!
The FSBO route (For Sale by Owner) could come back to haunt you as you have to account for so many different curve balls that can be thrown at you from home inspections to appraisals. You need a quality, experienced realtor to take you through the countless offers...
2). Negotiate the commission
Agents hate this advice, but the bottom line is it will save you $1,000's in your bottom line! The agent who secure the listings in this market are reaping in the reward of guaranteed monies.With homes selling the day they are on the market the marketing dollars that would need to be spent are much less, as is the time and efforts of the real estate agent. So why should they make the 'standard commission rate'?
30. Verify the listing data!
Nothing upsets me more than a sloppy real estate agent. I don't get it, I have to scratch my head. Your agent should offer you a detailed listing, entering as much data into the mls (multipl listing service) as possible. This date is what feeds ALL the other sites like Zillow and Realtor.com or any site you stumble upon that offers house for sale. For example, if an agent fails to put in the school district the home is located in, guess what... a buyer who created a search for homes in that school district will NOT see your home listed (yes it happens). Or an agent puts in the wrong dimensions for a master bedroom, I'm not sure there are many 10 x 10, but yes it happens... And don;t get me started with the blurry, off angle and insignificant pictures offered by 'supposed 'real estate professionals. You deserve at the very minimum, professional quality pictures and detailed, accurate descriptions,
As clients YOU derserve top quality service, commitment and professionalism!
Mark Zabilowicz
Team Z Realtor with Tampa Bay Premier Realty