Adorable ranch on almost an acre! Rocking chair front porch. This home has a new stove, new bathroom tile and has been freshly painted. Great school district.  Priced at $115,000.  Call us today for more details at 770-606-0054.

Common Misconceptions of Using a Real Estate Agent

Many people facing the task of buying or selling a home often wonder whether or not they should utilize a real estate agent for the transaction.  While some prefer to go at this task alone, we want to try to shed some light on misconceptions people have of agents that may still have some anxiety over the issue.

1.  I can do the same marketing an agent can do to sell my home

While there are several marketing tools anyone has access to, an agent has a huge vested interest in online and public marketing.  Because agents belong to brokers, most of those brokers have purchased ad space and priority on listing sites.  This can be a huge advantage in the exposure your home gets.  For example, we only enter your listing into about 4 websites.  However, because of our broker partnerships, those listings are then extended to hundreds of other real estate sites for greater exposure.  Not only that, but we have a team member (listing and marketing manager) that is committed solely to marketing your home.  That way, you can go on with your life while we work to get your home the broadest exposure possible.

2.  Agents are just in it for the money

As in any business, some people look solely to the bottom line in their business.  This can leave the public feeling ignored, used and mistreated.  As someone who has been in the business for over 22 years, I’ve seen some of this attitude.  However, my desire since day one is to make sure my clients are the #1 priority.  Any good agent will listen to your desires, concerns and reactions to different options and work with you to find the best possible situation for you.  I only want to get paid if I’ve done a good job for my clients.  I love getting new business from past client referrals because that helps me know I’m doing what it takes to build a reputable, helpful and effective business.

3.  Agents just want the buyer to buy the homes the agent has listed on the market

While this might have been an underlying motive in the past, Georgia law has helped get rid of this.  In our state, every agent has access to every other agents homes.  That is why we have both buyer and seller agents.  One agent lists properties and another sells.  Sometimes it works out that you use the same agent for both sides of the transaction but ultimately an agents primary responsibility is to get you in the home you want-regardless of who is selling it. 

Regardless of your fears or worries in buying or selling real estate, finding an agent you can trust is extremely helpful.  So, make sure you do your research and compare agents history, volume of sales and past clients success before you commit to utilizing their service.

Take time to choose the right broker when selling your home

When preparing to sell your home it is important to find a real estate professional that will best suit your needs.  A warm handshake and a friendly smile is all well and good but if you want to sell your home pick a broker that is experienced and knowledgeable, someone that will do the best job for you.  When selecting your real estate agent here are a few things to keep in mind:

Data.  Get a prospective Realtor to bring in a copy of what they have listed and closed.  They can present you with an MLS report that displays their inventory.

References.  Get references from a potential Realtor and call them.  Find out what other people’s experience with a particular Realtor has been.

Price.  Get an evaluation of your property.  A solid real estate professional will be able to detail what has been selling and for what price.  He will be able to evaluate your home and your location, giving you a value for your home that will help sell it not deter people from looking at it.

Plan.  What does your Realtor plan to do for you in terms of marketing, sales, listing, etc.  Make sure he has a plan for your house and find out what he is willing to do to get it sold for you.

Real estate is often a person’s most valuable asset.  Do your legwork and choose the best broker for your home.  He or she should be a salesperson.  If they can sell themselves to you perhaps they are halfway to selling your home for you as well.

As a northwest Georgia real estate agent, I have 22 years of full-tim sales experience and a team of highly qualified professionals ready to meet your needs.  I’d love to have the opportunity to meet with you and show you how I can help meet your needs.

There is no doubt that the first time home buyer tax credit is a great thing but there are a few things to know before you assume that you qualify for the full $8,000.  The tax credit breaks down as follows:
Who qualifies? First time home buyers and people (or spouses) who have not owned a home for the previous 3 years.  You must purchase your home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

• What qualifies for the first time home buyer’s tax credit? Only a primary house qualifies.  It does not matter if it is a single family home, duplex, townhome, condo, apartment or co-op, if it is a primary residence it will apply.

• What is the amount of the first time home buyer’s tax credit? $8,000 is the maximum amount of the credit.  There are 2 factors at play when it comes to getting the credit: The cost of the home and the income of the person or married couple purchasing the home.  The credit can be 10% of the closing price up to $8,000 or a person making $75,000 or less or a married couple making $150,000 or less are eligible for the full $8,000.

• Do you qualify for the first time home buyer’s tax credit if your income is higher? Yes and no.  If you make more than the $75,000/$150,000 limit you get less of a credit.  The maximum income is $95,000 for singles or $170,000 for couples.  If you make more than the maximum income you are not eligible for the tax credit.

The tax credit is a real boost for first time home buyers and does not have to be repaid.  If you qualify for the tax credit and have been considering purchasing a new home there could not be a better time to call a lender.  Low interest rates, low home values and the first time home buyer tax credit all add up to the right time to call Bonnie Mullinax your experienced Bartow County Realtor.

Resource and for more information: Realtor.org or call The Mullinax Team at 770.606.0054.