Q. What
is a listing agreement?
A. A listing agreement is called an Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement and is a binding contract between a Real Estate Company and the seller of the property. It is instructions on how the property will be handled & marketed and is agreed to by both parties. As an IBN company Lake Realty Ohio uses Exclusive Right to Sell Agreements from the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors®, or similar Agreements with the Lake Realty Ohio Name & Logo on the top.
Q.
How important is the condition of my property to its sale?
A. That depends on how much money you expect to net from the sale of your home. If your home is spotlessly clean, shining and in excellent repair you will get top dollar in your market for it. If it is in good repair but is unclean or has an odor you will get less than top dollar. If your home is unclean and in bad repair you will sell at a discount. It may be that time is more important than money is to you and a quick sale is imperative. This can be accomplished easily by correct pricing. Your Lake Realty Ohio Realtor®/Agent will be happy to provide you with the information you require to achieve the goals you have in mind.
Q.
Should we leave our home when showings (or open houses) are being conducted?
A. Yes, if possible, prospective
buyers find it difficult to be frank and honest if the seller of the property
they are critiquing is in ear shot. It is also hard for a buyer to see themselves
in a home when they see the owner present. If you as the seller find it to
difficult to leave the home for showings or open houses it is a good idea
to be as far away from the Realtor® and Buyer as possible so the buyer can
relax and think about the home and not the home owner.
Q.
What is an Agency Disclosure?
A. An Agency Disclosure is required
by the State of Ohio Department of Commerce, the document makes it known to
the principals in the real estate transaction who is representing the seller
and who is representing the buyer. An Ohio real estate agent can represent
both buyer and seller in the same transaction, in this case the Agency Disclosure
would be considered a Dual Agency, and the same agent would facilitate the
transaction to fruition.
Q. Is Lake Realty Ohio a member of the Multiple Listing Service?
A. Yes - Lake Realty Ohio is a member of the local MLS, OAR (Ohio Association of Realtors®), NAR (National Associations/Boards of Realtors®) and members of the Independent Brokers Network (IBN) which is an internet based trade organization.
Q.
Do your real estate agents cooperate with other companies' agents?
A. As members of the Multiple
Listing Service, Boards of Realtors and the IBN we have agreed to work cooperatively
with other agents and other companies to give our buyers access to all properties
that fit their needs and wants.
Q.
Should I buy first...or sell first?
A. If you need the equity that is built up in your present home to complete the purchase of your new home you may consider selling your home first. If you choose not to sell before you buy a new home you may consider a financing option called a bridge loan, or if a seller is amenable you can use a house sale contingency. Your professional Lake Realty Ohio agent will provide you with all the information you need to make an intelligent decision on whether it is best for you to sell first or buy first.