Your Agent's Role
You are competing for the best buyers- those ready and willing to pay top dollar. They have many options, from resales to new construction, in many appealing neighborhoods. Properties that sell quickly and for the highest prices are in excellent condition, priced to create buyer excitement and fear of loss and have owners who are flexible and realistic in their expectations. Successful agents have learned through training and years of experience how to best present your property's features, minimize the competition's appeal and overcome objections. They accurately qualify buyers' motivation and financial qualifications- and most importantly their desire to make an offer acceptable to you today!

Agents also manage the selling time and keep inconveniences to a minimum. They adapt to your special needs or circumstances, negotiate the contract terms and coordinate inspection, mortgage, title and closing paperwork. And working with an agent provides additional security; anticipating problems or delays and screening the many more or less strangers who request access to your property.

Reaching all potential buyers requires a variety of marketing tools:
• Hundreds of internet sites
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Display and classified advertising
• Full color printed brochures
• Direct mail postcards and announcements
• Word of mouth among fellow agents
• Agent’s personal contact network

Maybe you feel you can sell on your own, without an agent. “By Owner” sellers often believe agents do little more than open the doors and turn on the lights. Not true. More than 90% of all sales involve real estate agents. Most By Owner sellers end up working with an agent after expending a lot of extra time, energy and money.

Mistakes in pricing a home or evaluating its condition relative to the competition cause lost sales opportunities and cannot be reversed. Top agents are familiar with all the competing properties on the market as well as recent sales. Their knowledge enables them to accurately position a property in the market compared to other similar properties also available for purchase. Success requires salesmanship, thorough market knowledge and preparation.   back to the top

Selecting Your Agent
When selecting an agent, require that they be a broker- not simply a salesperson. This distinction demonstrates a commitment to their career and their profession as well as more stringent licensing requirements. The real estate industry is easy to enter, requiring only an eight week course and basic state exam to obtain a sales license. A broker license is substantially more demanding, requiring more extensive education, experience and testing. One half of all licensed agents- 50%- will drop out of the business within their first year. You want to work with someone established and experienced.

When interviewing brokers, look for one who is active and has made recent sales in your neighborhood. Agents too often accept listings outside their area of knowledge. This is a disservice and could cost you time and money. There are literally thousands of licensed agents in the Miami area. Some are dedicated, experienced professionals. Most, unfortunately, are inexperienced and not equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a highly competitive environment. They do not know how to overcome objections, adapt to changing market conditions or seek feedback from prospects in order to stay focused. Sellers must use caution and select a broker with a history of experience and success, a dedication to excellence and a commitment to a long-term career.

There is no added cost to working with a broker and a single agent, so why not gain every competitive advantage you can? Contact Shawn and The Miami Dream team to learn more about the subtleties and "behind the scenes" of this business. If you’re preparing to buy (and sell) in the near future, you can email an Information Request. The information you provide is confidential and will not be shared or used for general solicitation. Also, the Resources area is full of great ideas and advice.     back to the top