Choosing a real estate agent is a significant financial decision whether buying or selling a house. After all, your home is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make, and a good agent can pay serious dividends.

For buyers, they can help you find a home within your budget and negotiate on your behalf. If you’re selling a house, a trustworthy real estate agent can give you honest advice about how to prep your home for sale and ensure you follow laws and guidelines so your sale goes smoothly.

If you’re looking for a new Realtor, here are seven signs of a trustworthy real estate agent.

Treats You Well Regardless of Your Circumstances

Your real estate agent’s actions toward you significantly reveal their integrity. For example, they should be willing to help you regardless of the type of mortgage you have and your housing budget. 

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, choose a real estate agent who is patient, willing to answer all your questions, and happy to negotiate on your behalf, even if it means less commission for them.

If you have a history of bankruptcy, work with a real estate agent who understands the challenges of buying a house after bankruptcy and is willing to go the extra mile to help you find a home you love.

Quick Communication

Another sign your real estate agent is trustworthy is that they care about responding to your questions. You shouldn’t have to wait days on end for a response. A quick answer from your agent should show you that you’re a priority.

It’s also a good sign if your real estate agent responds honestly to your questions and gives you realistic answers, especially when doing that will benefit you more than them. This is a sign of a true advocate using their knowledge to protect you in the complex world of real estate. 

Real Estate expert Bill Gassett of Maximum Real Estate Exposure explains that communication is one of the most vital traits of any exceptional Realtor.

Most consumers expect proper communication skills, and rightly so. It is one of the most essential aspects of customer service. A lack of trust can quickly ensue when an agent does not respond in a reasonable time frame. Anyone selling or buying a home should expect their hired person to be attentive to their needs.

 

Ethical Standards and Professionalism

Home sales sometimes fall through. Plenty of things can cause this to happen, but quality real estate agents can help you avoid many. Professionals will work with their counterparts on the other side of the deal to ensure both sides have what they need and do what’s necessary to make it to the closing table. However, an ethical real estate agent will never ask you to hide things about your home or skip steps. They’ll be professional throughout the process, and you should be confident they’ll represent you well.

Another thing to consider is a real estate agent’s reputation in the community. Look through online reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations. This can be one of the best ways to get an unvarnished review of working with a particular Realtor. 

Listen to Your Requests and Concerns

Buyers and sellers are naturally stressed about this sometimes complex process, and the best Realtors know how to put their minds at ease. It’s vital that your real estate agent listens to and understands your requests or concerns. These could range from worries over the state of your home to issues with a particular offer or anything else on your mind.

Great agents can often develop practical solutions or reassure nervous clients that things are on track. 

Honest About Commissions

Real estate agents should be upfront and honest about their commission structure. They should explain precisely how and when they get paid and what percentage of the home sale price goes to them. No matter what they say, buyers and sellers should remember you can always negotiate real estate commissions or use one of numerous discount real estate brokers.

Even saving fractions of a percent on real estate commissions, especially with large home sales, can save you thousands of dollars. So, take the time to research companies with the lowest real estate commission fees. 

Experienced Track Record

Choosing a realtor with a solid track record is also important. If they regularly get several offers on the homes they sell, then it shows they have experience in pricing properties and presenting them to buyers. Although you might want to help out a friend or family who is a Realtor, it’s best to choose an agent with the experience you need to handle whatever pops up during the transaction. 

How Do I Find a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent?

Taking the time to find a trustworthy real estate agent is almost always worth the upfront work. Here are some of the best ways to conduct your search.

Get Personal Recommendations

Chances are, you know a couple of homeowners. Whether they’re friends, family, or coworkers, someone you trust has used a real estate agent, often within the past few years. Ask them for recommendations, but be specific; ask what they liked and didn’t like about their agent. Satisfied clients are often more than happy to sing the praises of their Realtor.  

Read Reviews

If you don’t know anyone who can recommend a real estate agent, you can always do a deep dive into online reviews. You can learn a lot about many Realtors this way.

Don’t expect a perfect showing of five-star reviews, however. A few negative reviews don’t mean a real estate agent is untrustworthy as long as positive ones outnumber them. However, those with over a handful of low ratings are likely worth skipping. 

Attend Open Houses and Meet Agents

When you go to open houses in your area, talk to the agent hosting it. See how they interact with people viewing the home. Get a sense of their energy and how they handle themselves.

Follow These Tips to Find Your Perfect Realtor Match

Finding someone experienced, trustworthy, and willing to put your best interests first can feel daunting if you’ve never worked with a real estate agent. However, following the tips above, would-be buyers and sellers should have no trouble locating their ideal partner. With some help, they can guide you through the process so you can buy or sell a house quickly, pack up, and move on to your next place. 

Going through a divorce is undoubtedly a challenging time, and selling a home can add to the stress. However, with the right approach and some practical tips, you can successfully navigate the process and emerge in a better position.

In this article, we’ll provide eight essential tips to help you sell your home during a divorce. These tips will assist you in selling quickly and enable you to make informed decisions about your finances.

1. Set Clear Goals and Communication Channels

When going through a divorce, it’s crucial to establish clear goals and open lines of communication with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. Decide whether both of you agree to sell the house or if one party wishes to keep it. Discuss important details such as the correct listing price, acceptable offers, and any potential negotiations if selling is chosen. Open and honest communication can significantly streamline the process and reduce conflicts.

If you plan on buying a house after divorce, let your spouse know, especially when children are involved.

2. Choose the Right Method: Online Selling or Traditional Approach

With technological advancements, you now have multiple options to sell your house, including selling it online or taking the traditional route with a real estate agent. Selling your house online can be an attractive option, especially if you want to sell quickly and save on realtor fees.

Consider exploring reputable online platforms that connect you with potential buyers directly. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, hiring a real estate agent can provide valuable expertise and help navigate the complexities of the selling process.

3. Assess Your Personal Finances

During a divorce, it’s crucial to understand your personal financial situation. Evaluate your outstanding debts, mortgage balance, and any other financial obligations associated with your home.

Consult a financial advisor or divorce attorney to assess how selling your home will impact your finances and ensure you make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. Understanding your financial standing will empower you to make confident choices throughout selling.

4. Price It Right

Determining the right listing price is essential for attracting potential buyers and selling your home efficiently. Conduct thorough research of comparable properties in your area and consult with real estate professionals to get an accurate estimate of your home’s value.

Consider market conditions, location, size, and property condition. Setting a competitive price will help generate interest and increase the likelihood of receiving offers on your home.

5. Consider a Discount Agent

If you decide to work with a real estate agent but want to minimize expenses, consider hiring a discount agent. These agents offer a reduced commission compared to traditional agents while still providing essential services. Research and compare discount agents in your area, ensuring they have a good track record and positive reviews. A discount agent can help you navigate the selling process while saving you money on realtor fees.

6. Stage and Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

Creating a positive first impression is crucial when selling your home. Stage your property to highlight its best features and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Remove clutter, depersonalize the space, and consider making minor repairs or upgrades.

Pay special attention to enhancing curb appeal by maintaining the exterior and creating an inviting entrance. High-quality photos and videos of your well-presented home can attract more buyers and increase the chances of receiving offers.

7. Be Ready to Negotiate

Receiving offers on a home during a divorce may involve negotiation. Be prepared to navigate these discussions with your ex-spouse and potential buyers. Determine your priorities, including the minimum acceptable price and any specific terms or conditions you require.

Stay focused on your goals and consult with your divorce attorney to protect your rights and interests during negotiations. Flexibility and willingness to find mutually agreeable solutions can help expedite the selling process.

8. Have a Plan for What’s Next

Once you sell your home, it’s essential to have a plan for the future. Discuss with your divorce attorney or financial advisor how the proceeds from the sale will be divided and how they align with your long-term goals.

If you’re ready to buy a house after the divorce, consult with a mortgage lender to understand your borrowing capacity and explore potential options. A well-thought-out plan will give you peace of mind and clarity for the next chapter of your life.

Bottom Line:

Selling a home during a divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging. You can navigate the process more smoothly by setting clear goals, communicating effectively, considering different selling methods, pricing your home right, and being prepared to negotiate.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from real estate agents, financial advisors, and divorce attorneys to ensure you make informed decisions. Remember, by taking the necessary steps, you can successfully sell your home and confidently move forward in your new chapter.

Modern buyers often have specific preferences and expectations when purchasing a home, and appealing to their needs while preserving the charm and character of a historic property requires a strategic approach.

In this article, we will explore effective ways to attract modern buyers when selling a historic home, providing you with actionable advice to attract offers and ensure a successful sale.

Most people understand there can be problems with older houses, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore the flaws and let them fester.

Find an Agent Experienced in Historic Homes

Finding a real estate agent who specializes in historic properties is crucial. Look for an agent who has successfully sold historic homes in the past and understands the unique nuances involved. They will have the knowledge and expertise to market your home effectively, highlight its historical features, and navigate any potential challenges that may arise during the selling process.

Showcase the Historical Features

One of the main reasons buyers are drawn to historic homes is their unique architectural details and historical significance.

Highlight these features during marketing by emphasizing craftsmanship, original woodwork, stained glass windows, or any other distinctive elements. Professional photography can play a significant role in showcasing the charm and character of your home, enticing buyers to explore further.

Modernize with Contemporary Amenities

While preserving the historical integrity of your home is important, incorporating modern amenities can significantly increase its appeal to modern buyers. Upgrade key areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms with modern appliances, fixtures, and finishes.

You can create a home that appeals to traditional and contemporary sensibilities by striking a balance between historic charm and modern functionality.

Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping

First impressions matter, and curb appeal is vital in attracting buyers. Enhance the exterior of your historic home by investing in professional landscaping. Maintain a well-manicured lawn, plant seasonal flowers, and consider adding hardscape features such as a welcoming pathway or garden seating area. A visually appealing exterior will make buyers eager to see what lies beyond the front door.

Create Versatile Spaces

Modern buyers often prioritize flexibility and functionality in their homes. Ensure your historic property offers versatile spaces that can be adapted to various needs.

Consider transforming a small room into a home office or converting an attic or basement into a bonus living area. By showcasing the potential for different uses, you broaden the appeal of your home to a wider range of buyers.

Emphasize Energy Efficiency

Incorporating energy-efficient upgrades into your historic home can be an excellent selling point for modern buyers who are conscious of environmental impact and seek lower utility costs.

Replace outdated windows with energy-efficient alternatives, add insulation, and upgrade to energy-saving appliances and lighting fixtures. Highlight these features to demonstrate the cost-saving benefits of your home to potential buyers.

Offer Transferable Warranties

Reassure modern buyers by providing transferable warranties on recently replaced or repaired systems, such as the roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. This gives buyers peace of mind, knowing they won’t have to deal immediately with significant maintenance or repair costs after purchasing the historic home.

Transferable warranties can also make your property more appealing than others on the market.

Stage with Modern Furnishings

When preparing to sell your historic home, staging can make a significant difference in attracting modern buyers. Consider staging your home with modern furnishings and decor that complement the historical elements. This allows potential buyers to envision how they can incorporate their own style into the home while maintaining its character. Professional staging can also help highlight the functionality and flow of each space.

Provide Detailed Historical Information

Modern buyers are often fascinated by the history behind historic homes. Provide detailed information about the property’s historical significance, including its architectural style, any notable past occupants, and any unique stories or events associated with the home.

Create a brochure or online listing showcasing the historical background, allowing potential buyers to appreciate the property’s rich heritage and unique charm.

Offer Flexible Financing Options

Selling a historic home can sometimes involve higher closing costs due to the potential need for specialized inspections or appraisals. To appeal to modern buyers, consider offering flexible financing options. Collaborate with experienced lenders working with historic properties and can provide specialized loan programs or guidance to potential buyers. By making financing more accessible, you can attract more interested buyers.

Selling a historic home to modern buyers requires a thoughtful approach that balances historical charm with contemporary preferences.

Remember, successful marketing, effective presentation, and strategic upgrades will help you sell quickly and maximize the value of your inherited house while preserving its historical significance.

When it comes to selling a damaged home, it can be difficult to make the best decision. While the ideal scenario is to make all necessary repairs before listing the home, sometimes it is simply not feasible.

When repairs are too costly and time-consuming, home sellers may consider selling their homes as-is. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of selling a damaged house as-is.

1. Know Your Options

Before making a decision, consider all of your options. Depending on the house’s condition, you may be able to make repairs and list it for sale on the open market. You could also look into a home improvement loan, or even a cash-out refinance to cover the costs of repairs. If none of these options are available to you, selling the home as-is may be your best bet.

2. Research Market Conditions

Before proceeding with a sale, you should research the current market conditions. If the housing market is sluggish, you may be better off waiting until the market improves before selling. On the other hand, if the market is hot, selling your home as-is may be a smart move.

3. Price It Right

When pricing a damaged home for sale, you should factor in the cost of repairs. Avoid pricing it too low, as this will leave money on the table. Instead, you should price it to accommodate the repairs that need to be made.

Accurate house pricing is the number one factor for getting it sold!

4. Find the Right Buyer

When selling a damaged home, you should look for buyers that are interested in a fixer-upper. Look for cash buyers or investors who are comfortable with the repairs that need to be made. A real estate agent may be able to help you find the right buyer.

5. Make the Necessary Disclosures

When selling a damaged home, you must make the necessary disclosures to potential buyers. Be honest about the condition of the home and provide any materials that may be necessary, such as inspection reports. This will help to protect you from any potential legal issues in the future.

6. Offer Incentives

When selling a damaged home, you should consider offering incentives to potential buyers. For example, you could offer to cover closing costs or offer a home warranty. These incentives could be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful sales.

7. Consider an Assumable Loan

If you have a loan on the home, you may consider offering an assumable loan to the buyer. This could be a great way to make the sale more attractive to potential buyers, as they won’t have to go through the process of qualifying for a loan.

8. Make Minor Repairs

It may be worth doing if you can make minor repairs without breaking the bank. This could help make the home more attractive to potential buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale.

9. Leave Major Repairs for the Buyer

Major repairs should be left for the buyer to make. This could be a great way to save money, as buyers may be willing to make the repairs themselves in exchange for a lower price. Major repairs could include replacing the roof, foundation repairs, or updating the electrical system.

10. Consider a Quick Sale

You may consider a quick sale if you need to sell your damaged home quickly. A quick sale is when you sell the home to a cash buyer or investor willing to take the home as-is. This could be a great way to sell the home quickly and begin planning your move.

Selling a damaged house as-is is not always ideal, but it can be a viable option. Before making a decision, consider your options and research current market conditions. You should also make sure to price the home correctly and find the right buyer.

An as-is sale may be the best option if you need to sell the home quickly. Following these tips, you can make the most of selling a damaged house.

Selling a house can be stressful and time-consuming, but with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to attract more offers and ultimately get the best price for your property. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Prepare Your Home for Sale

This means decluttering, deep cleaning, and making necessary repairs or updates. A well-maintained home will be more appealing to potential buyers and can also help increase the value of your property.

2. Avoid Selling As Is

One of the more significant mistakes some sellers make is to market their house as being sold as-is. Doing so brings with it a negative connotation. Buyers get the feeling a seller is either trying to hide something or sell a lemon.

3. Set the Right Price

It’s essential to price your home correctly from the start. If it’s too high, you may not receive any offers. You could potentially leave money on the table if it’s too low. Research recent sales of similar homes in your area to get an idea of the market value of your property.

You may also consider hiring a real estate agent or using online tools to help you determine the best price to set your home at.

4. Maximize Curb Appeal

The first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive at your home is the exterior, so making a good first impression is important. This means keeping the lawn well-manicured, power washing the exterior, and adding decorative touches like potted plants or a fresh coat of paint.

5. Stage the Interior

Home staging involves making the interior of your home look as inviting and appealing as possible. This can include arranging furniture, decluttering, and adding some personal touches like throw pillows or artwork.

6. Stand Out from the Competition

Make sure to highlight any unique features or amenities your home offers, like a pool, home gym, home office, or outdoor living space. In today’s market, buyers can scroll through countless options online, and you don’t want yours to get lost in the shuffle. 

7. Use High-Quality Marketing Materials

When marketing your home, it’s essential to use high-quality materials like professional photos and a well-written listing description. You may also want to consider using video or virtual tours to give potential buyers a better sense of what your home looks like.

8. Consider Alternative Methods

If you’re having trouble attracting offers through traditional methods, you may consider alternatives like selling to a company that buys homes for cash or listing your home on Airbnb.

9. Consider Rent-to-Own

This can be a win-win situation for both parties, as the buyer can build equity, and the seller can potentially sell their home for a higher price than they could have gotten through a traditional sale.

It also provides a steadier income stream, as the buyer will pay ongoing rent during the lease period. Rent-to-own can potentially attract a wider pool of buyers, including those who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.

10. Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Working with a skilled and experienced real estate agent can be a great way to get more offers on your home. Look for an agent with a track record of success and consider using a discount real estate broker to save on commissions.

11. Host Plenty of Open Houses

Open houses allow potential buyers to see your home in person, which can be a lot more informative than only viewing photos online. While hosting open houses can be a bit of a pain, it is well worth ensuring buyers get a true feel for your home.

12. Advertise Your Home on Additional Channels

If more traditional methods aren’t getting you the offers you’re looking for, post ads on various channels like social media, local classifieds, and real estate websites. Your perfect buyer may just stumble across it!

13. Offer Incentives

Consider offering incentives to potential buyers, like covering closing costs or offering a home warranty. If you’re having a particularly tough time selling your home and want to sell it quickly, it may be worth sweetening the deal for your buyers to set it apart from the competition.

14. Address Worries

Address any potential concerns or objections buyers may have, such as foundation issues or an open insurance claim. Determining what may deter buyers is a significant first step in figuring out how to put their minds at ease.

15. Offer a Flexible Closing Date

Offering a flexible closing date can make your home more attractive to buyers who may be in a hurry to move, or conversely, buyers who need to wait until a lease is up or their home sells to close on your home. If you can be flexible, your home may be one of very few on the market that buyers with specific time constraints can consider.

16. Use Your Network

Get recommendations from friends, family, and other contacts to help spread the word about your home and attract more offers. You never know whose coworker, friend, or child may be looking to buy a house!

Following these tips can increase the chances of attracting more offers when selling your house and ultimately get the best price for your property.

When a house hits the market, listings tend to focus on physical details such as when it was built, architectural style, square footage, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

But many other factors contribute to a home’s value — and some may be beyond your control.

These things can become important when you’re selling because they can influence the days on the market or DOM for short. Higher DOM will have a direct correlation to the sale price of your property. Unfortunately, a high DOM will usually lead to a lower selling price.

If you plan on flipping a house this could become vital to know.

Here are nine unique things that influence property values.

1. Proximity to Stores and Restaurants

Homes located near good schools and green spaces have always been valued highly, but recent housing trends show properties close to popular chain stores and restaurants are also increasing in value.

For example, having a Starbucks or Trader Joe’s nearby is a big advantage.

2. The Neighborhood

Your neighborhood can positively impact your home’s value. There is no doubt it will influence the real estate appraisal.

If you have a homeowners association that provides lawn service, snow removal, a community swimming pool, or other services, it may boost your home’s value.

On the other hand, if you live in a neighborhood with dilapidated properties and numerous foreclosures, your property value could decrease. Neighborhoods with a high number of registered sex offenders also tend to have lower property values.

3. The Street Name 

Homes located on numbered streets, such as First or Second, tend to sell for less than comparable homes on streets with names. However, in major cities, such as New York, homes on numbered streets may sell for more because of historical or elite connotations.

Even an address’ suffix can play a role. Boulevards, places, and roads tend to sell for more than streets and drives.

4. Updates and Renovations

Although some prospective buyers are looking to flip a house, most are looking for a turnkey property. Homes with renovated kitchens and updated primary bedroom suites tend to be valued higher.

If you’re looking to list your home, consult with a local real estate expert to find out if the time and expense of a renovation will be worth the investment. Know the best questions to ask a Realtor before you call a contractor or tear down any walls.

5. Parking Accessibility and Garage

Homes with a garage and ample street parking tend to have higher values. Covered parking in particular commands more money than homes with only driveway or street parking.

If you own a home in a large city, your property will likely be more valuable if you live close to a train or bus station. Future buyers will appreciate the convenience, and they’ll be willing to pay for it.

6. Energy Efficiency and Smart Tech

There was a time when video-camera doorbells, voice-activated lighting, and heat activation from a cellphone seemed like features from a futuristic movie. But these smart-tech devices are becoming increasingly common and desirable in homes.

Beyond convenience, smart tech offers homeowners peace of mind, and buyers are willing to pay for that.

Buyers also want energy-efficient homes that reduce utility costs over time. Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases a person will make in their lifetime, and it pays to have long-term cost savings.

7. Trees and Landscaping

A home’s curb appeal can positively or negatively impact its value. A home with established trees and gardens will likely sell for more than a home with a patchy strip of grass.

If you’re looking to add value before selling, consider adding low-maintenance landscaping. Plant a couple of trees in strategic places. That will help make a good first impression on buyers.

8. A Haunted History

Some buyers may be fascinated by true crime podcasts or ghost-hunting shows, but that doesn’t mean they’ll want to buy a home with close ties to either.

Homes that were the site of hauntings, infamous crimes, deaths, or murders are harder to sell, which lowers their value over time. If you aren’t bothered by a home’s past, you may be able to snag a haunted house at a great price. 

Likewise, homes located next to a cemetery tend to linger on the market. But living next to a cemetery comes with perks you may not have considered. Not only are the areas quieter, but the grounds are also well maintained, making a cemetery a peaceful and beautiful neighborhood.

9. Market Competition 

The market will ultimately decide how much you can buy or sell a home for. Prices are based on the basic economic principle of supply and demand. If there are more homes on the market than buyers are looking to purchase, values will drop, making it a buyer’s market.

If there are more buyers than available homes, prices will rise, creating a seller’s market. If you’re a buyer struggling to afford a down payment in a seller’s market, it might be time to learn how a side hustle can help you buy a home.

Some sellers can’t wait for the market to turn in their favor. If you’re selling your home, take a look at the best websites for selling your home by owner for tips that can help your property stand out from the crowd and turn a large profit.

Final Thoughts

When buying or selling real estate there are numerous factors that can influence property values. It is crucial to have this information so you don’t make mistakes whether you are purchasing or setting a correct price when selling.

Hopefully, some of the tips we have provided here have been useful.