What Sellers Should Look For In An Agent
2008-11-14
The good news for sellers is that there are 70% fewer real estate agents in and around Columbia South Carolina compared to this same time last year. That cuts the number to choose from significantly! The economy has taken its toll on everyone. Also, you have to think that the real estate agents that are still practicing real estate, must know something about their job. Let me emphasize "still practicing" meaning full time. Sellers should always ask the agent if they practice full time or have another job during the week. Obviously, agents practicing part time will not have the time to devote towards selling your home. Another critical element to look for in an agent is designations (Credentials). I don't mean to sound like a designation hound because I am not. However, there are certain credentials sellers must look for in tuff markets such as we have today. The BIG DADDY of all credentials is the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). This designation tells the seller a number of important aspects about the agent and their priorities. This designation requires several courses on representation, working with clients, how to affectively market and sell the home, etc. None of these courses are "cheap" and it will take some time to complete them. They are the best training anyone in real estate can take. CRS designees also indicate their level of commitment to this business and to the welfare of their clients. There are many other designations and all of them provide great training. If you are selling or buying a home, you owe it to yourself to seek a CRS Real Estate Agent around Columbia, SC. Besides, the cost to the consumer is no more or no less to have a highly trained and qualified SC Real Estate Agent.
Existing Home Sales Rise!
2008-10-29
Foreclosures and lower home prices are to thank for increasing existing-home sales last month, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Existing-home sales-including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops-rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units in September from a level of 4.91 million in August. Home sales are 1.4 percent higher than the 5.11 million-unit pace in September 2007. According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.04 percent in September from 6.48 percent in August; the rate was 6.38 percent in September 2007. REAL Trends Comment: The sales report from NAR tracks closely to the 1.9% increase in homes sales recorded by the REAL Trends Housing Market Report issued on Oct. 12th. Brokerage firms in markets such as California, Nevada and Colorado report significant activity in the lower priced home segments as first time homebuyers and investors are pouring into the market to buy affordably priced housing.
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