Published June 24, 2024
How Real Estate Agents Provide Value to Sellers: Part 2
In this episode Nitty Gritty of Real Estate podcast, we delve into the second part of our series on the valuable services that real estate agents offer to sellers. Tom Krieger shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, highlighting crucial aspects that ensure a smooth and successful selling process. Let's dive into the key points discussed in this episode.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosures
One of the first and most important responsibilities of a real estate agent is to address lead-based paint disclosures. If a property was built before 1978, there is a potential for lead-based paint. Agents must ensure that sellers disclose this information to protect buyers from potential health risks. It's essential to provide an addendum indicating whether the property might contain lead-based paint and advise buyers to conduct inspections if necessary.
Property Inclusions and Exclusions
Sellers often wonder what items are included in the sale of their home. In Tucson, many sellers, especially retirees, might want to include furniture or other personal items. It's crucial to differentiate between real property (the house) and personal property (furniture). Agents help sellers create a separate bill of sale for personal items, ensuring that the house's value is accurately reflected.
Handling Tenants
For properties with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or guest houses, managing tenants can be challenging. Whether the property is marketed as an investment with a tenant in place or as a personal residence, agents play a vital role in coordinating showings and ensuring tenants comply with the law and vise-versa. In Tucson, tenants require a 48-hour notice for showings, which can be tricky but essential for a smooth sale. We can also write stipulations into the contract that the only way to view the tenant spaces is with an accepted offer.
Managing Marketing and Property Presentation
Effective marketing is key to attracting buyers. Agents ensure that properties are presented in the best possible light, using professional photography and even staging, especially if the property is vacant. Clean, attractive signs and high-quality photos can significantly impact a property's appeal. Agents stay updated on the latest marketing trends to maximize exposure and reach potential buyers effectively. Top Tier
Ensuring Proper Documentation
Keeping accurate records and providing copies of all documents to buyers and sellers is a fundamental responsibility of real estate agents. In today's digital age, most documents are stored online, but agents often provide physical copies or digital folders for easy access. This transparency helps protect all parties and ensures that all legal requirements are met.
Creating and Maintaining Online Advertising
In addition to traditional marketing methods, online advertising plays a crucial role in today's real estate market. Some agents excel in creating digital ads, while others, like our team, partner with top-notch marketing companies to ensure properties are advertised effectively. High-quality online listings are essential to attract and engage potential buyers.
Managing Showings and Evaluating Offers
Scheduling and managing showings are crucial aspects of selling a home. Agents coordinate with buyers' agents to ensure properties are shown at convenient times. Gathering feedback from showings helps agents advise sellers on necessary improvements or adjustments. When offers come in, agents communicate with buyers' agents to ensure offers are strong and reliable, providing sellers with the best possible options.
