Frequently Asked Questions.
A: Yes. There is a benefit to making sure your home looks and smells its best prior to offering it for sale. If applicable, there are also small remodeling jobs that will pay off at resale if done properly. We can advise you about specific improvements that will increase your home’s marketability and value. Some upgrades are crucial requirements for potential buyers while other upgrades are not cost effective – making your efforts an over improvement to the property and incapable of being recaptured at sale.
A: We don’t just list homes; I market them. We will make sure your home is marketed to potential buyers around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will customize a marketing plan, according to your listing package level, in order to reach the types of buyers most likely to purchase your home. We know how to maximize the power of Internet for our clients, while also using traditional methods including printed marketing material, yard signs, open houses and word of mouth.
A: In addition to marketing, we will make every effort to show your property as per each request of each buyer or their representing agent. Sometimes this means that there are last minute request and we are unable to be present for each showing, and therefore we may request to place an electronic lockbox at the property. At $118 per lockbox, we do not charge our seller’s a replacement fee. The e-lockbox will only work with a Realtor present at the showing. Also, we can track who has shown the property, at what time, how many times and can even turn limit access for specific time frames.
A: Some agents will quote a higher listing price just to get your business but an overpriced house will not sell. If you choose to work with us, we will conduct a comparative market analysis prior to recommending an asking price for your home, we will explain how we arrived at the price and we will offer our professional opinion on how the market will value your home. Ultimately the decision is up to you, however we would rather turn down an overpriced listing than not be able to sell it and lose our credibility as professionals.
A: Your primary job during the sale of your home is to keep it neat and clean for showings and open houses. A large part of a home’s appeal involves staging, which is everything from furniture placement to home fragrance. We will advise you on how to stage your home well, giving you easy tips and quick fixes to maximize your home’s appeal.
A: The important thing to consider is not just the commission amount, but the services offered. When most agents agree to reduce their commission, they are also cutting their services. Some services which you may not have even known were an option and may have liked the opportunity to explore. It’s important to evenly compare. We do offer flexibility in our commission fees in relation to services offered and it’s explained in a very clear cut manner. We consider each listing on an individual basis and will work with our clients to develop an agreement that takes into account our client’s budget and what it will take to actually get the home sold.
A: In short, absolutely not. We are a full service real estate firm with an upscale office in Aventura, Florida; our agents are professional and experienced. Our willingness to offer various listing packages and commission options simply means that we understand the real world implications associated with selling your property with a professional… not an abstract thinking of dollars and cents but the realization of a real effect on you and your family.
A: Yes and no; your package can be upgraded but not downgraded. Please know that this is not an adverse plot to overcharge, but simply a necessary business decision based on the fact that once some tasks are completed they cannot be undone- and we incur upfront costs in order to complete those tasks. We are extremely proactive and aggressive when working for our clients, meaning that the majority of advertising and marketing is in place or in progress within 24 hours.
A: We understand that listing your home with a professional is a commitment and in some ways may feel like a leap of faith. We know that feeling all too well, as we too must have faith in our abilities to sell your home. We incur major upfront costs when listing your property for sale, and are only paid once it sells- period. We will do all, within our control, to sell your property in terms that represent your best interests. If you are ever legitimately unsatisfied with the services you are receiving you may cancel at no cost or obligation – that is our commitment to you.
A: If a seller is a “Foreign National”, as defined by FIRPTA, Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code requires a buyer of real property to withhold 10% of the amount realized by the Seller on the transfer and remit the withheld amount to the IRS, unless an exemption applies. If your property sells at a price higher than $300k, you will need to contact your CPA prior to the sale and provide the Buyer with a Withholding Certificate in order to address this issue in the best manner. Ask us for details.
A: Yes, we have experience with these types of transactions. 1031 exchange is one of the few techniques available to postpone or potentially eliminate taxes due on the sale of qualifying properties. By deferring the tax, you have more money available to invest in another property. For more information- ask us for the details.
A: Now, however the tenant may refuse to show/have the property shown for sale while they are present in the property. But a property can be sold or transferred to a new owner with the tenant occupying the property. The buyer/new owner is obligated to allow the tenant the right to stay in the property until the end of their lease. You will be responsible for transferring all advanced rents and security deposits to the new owner upon the transfer of the property. The new owner will assume the position as landlord thereafter.
A: Many homeowners are under wanted on their mortgage. If you owe more on your mortgage than the property is worth, the best solution is to short sale your property before it goes into foreclosure. The benefits of doing a shore sale are: saving your credit, releasing yourself from emotional stress and qualifying for the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. The process can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. We work closely with a specialized short sale negotiator to make sure the process runs smoothly and we achieve a successful transaction.
A: In addition to having the property in its best condition to be shown, we always advise our sellers to list their property when they are emotionally ready to do so. The average buyer will be looking to negotiate on the sale price and terms. If the seller is not emotionally ready to sell, they will end up losing a bona fide buyer because they are not in the mind set to haggle to achieve an agreeable sale. The best season, in general, to sell is during the winter months of January–May. However a well-priced home that is well presented can sell at any time–year round.