Lighter Side of Real Estate https://lightersideofrealestate.com An Escape from Your Daily Real Estate Hustle Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:14:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1 /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-logo-5-32x32.png Lighter Side of Real Estate https://lightersideofrealestate.com 32 32 5 Behind-The-Scenes Things Agents Worry About Regarding the Location of a Home https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/things-agents-worry-about-the-location-of-home Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:14:27 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37330 The old saying about “location, location, location” — and how those are the three most important things when buying a home — certainly has its merits. Location plays a huge part in the value of a property… not only when you buy it, but also how much you can get for it in the future, […]

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The old saying about “location, location, location” — and how those are the three most important things when buying a home — certainly has its merits. Location plays a huge part in the value of a property… not only when you buy it, but also how much you can get for it in the future, and how easily you can sell it. So the location of one property versus another is likely to be a topic of conversation you and your real estate agent will have when you’re house hunting.

In addition to the actual location of a property, there are probably some other location related things your agent has to consider while showing you houses that they won’t think to talk to you about! Don’t worry, they won’t affect the value of a property, or whether or not you should buy it…

But it might be fun to get a sneak peek into what goes on in your agent’s head while you’re looking at houses! So here are 5 behind-the-scenes things agents are worried about the location of while showing you homes:

1) The Location of the Lockbox

In order to get into most houses, agents use a special keypad or phone app to unlock what’s called a “lockbox” which contains keys to the house. Usually they’re hanging right in plain sight on the front door. But every once in a while, for whatever reason, the listing agent decides to switch things up and get creative with where they hang it, and your agent will have to pull off looking cool, calm, and collected while trying to find it.

2) The Location of the Light Switch

It’s pretty standard for light switches to be located just to the right or left of a doorway, but agents show plenty of houses where the word “standard” doesn’t apply. The worst is when the agent is showing a house later in the day in the winter months, and you can hardly see a thing until you find a light switch! Actually, the worst is when it’s a bank-owned house that has the electricity off, so it doesn’t even matter if you find a light switch…

3) The Location of the Alarm Pad

If a homeowner has an alarm system, your agent is usually given the alarm code ahead of time. But they aren’t always given a detailed description of where the alarm keypad is! Even if it’s within sight of the entry door, just getting their bearings and over to the alarm before it goes off can be nerve wracking.

But sometimes it’s hidden behind coats on a hook, or across the house and it’s a mad race against the clock to get to it. There probably isn’t an agent in the business who hasn’t lost this race at least once in their career, resulting in setting off the alarm and giving their clients the opportunity to meet the local police before buying a place in town!

4) The Location of a Growling or Barking Dog

Ideally a homeowner could get their dog out of the house for every single showing in order to avoid any mishaps, or just the distraction of a barking dog, but it’s not always possible. While many homeowners “assure” agents that their dog is friendly, and not to worry if their dog barks or growls, agents are always leery until they lay eyes on the dog and assess the situation for themselves.

5) The Location of a Silent Cat

Cats, on the other hand, are often stealthy and you may never see them once during a showing! That’s just fine, except that agents are also often instructed to make sure that the cat doesn’t get out while they’re showing the house. That’s hard to do when you haven’t seen the cat! It leaves many agents wondering if the cat somehow slipped out without them knowing, and trying to at least catch a glimpse of it before they leave.

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Why Homebuyers Shouldn’t Bank On Saving $10,000 by Not Working with a Buyers’ Agent as President Biden Recently Suggested https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/why-homebuyers-shouldnt-bank-on-saving-10000-by-not-working-with-buyers-agent Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:36:33 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37325 In a recent speech about lowering housing costs for American families, President Biden said: “In addition, last week the National Association of Realtors agreed for the first time that Americans can negotiate lower commissions when they buy or sell their home. (Applause.) On a typical home purchase, that alone could save folks an average of […]

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In a recent speech about lowering housing costs for American families, President Biden said:

“In addition, last week the National Association of Realtors agreed for the first time that Americans can negotiate lower commissions when they buy or sell their home. (Applause.)

On a typical home purchase, that alone could save folks an average of $10,000 on the sale or purchase.

I’m calling on Realtors to follow through on lowering their commissions to protect homebuyers.”

That probably sounds pretty amazing (and official) if you’re a potential homebuyer!

Unfortunately, for both homebuyers and agents, it’s not accurate.

It’s unfortunate for buyers because it’s unlikely that the recent proposed settlement he’s referring to will actually result in $10,000 savings for them, because achieving those savings would depend upon a lot of factors. Yet it sounds like a slam dunk promise.

It’s unfortunate for agents because those remarks make it sound like commissions were never negotiable until now, even though they already were. And it sets unreasonable expectations for homebuyers that agents will potentially be blamed for not helping them achieve.

For starters, $10,000 may be a nice round number, but it’s also a random number. He didn’t provide any basis for that amount, and even if he did, there are too many variables for him to be able to make that claim.

To be fair, he said “up to,” so that could allude to the savings being anywhere below that amount. But the reality is, buyers could easily focus on the $10,000 as an actual amount to expect.

How much you could possibly save depends upon many factors. So, in order to avoid confusion, let’s take a look at 6 variables that make it impossible to claim that a buyer will save an average of $10,000 when purchasing a home:

  1. It depends upon the commission amount typically being offered to buyers’ agents. While people outside of the industry often believe that commissions are a “standard 6%,” they’re not. (According to Statista, the average real estate commission hasn’t even reached 6% since 1992, and they vary from year to year.) More importantly, the portion of the commission offered to a buyers’ agent varies from one area of the country to another, and from one house to another in your local market area, and even depends upon the current market conditions. So there’s not even a specific commission amount you can use to begin doing the math accurately.
  2. It depends upon the price range you’re buying in. The “average” buyer varies from one area of the country to another, and from one area of a state to another. So, for example, you could be buying in a higher-than-average price range for your area, but if it’s less than the “average” home prices the $10,000 amount was based upon, that amount of potential savings is unlikely.
  3. It depends upon you not working with a buyers’ agent, and representing yourself. The President’s statement suggests that the agents’ fees will be cut by $10,000 on average. While commissions may seem “high” to those outside of the industry, many agents don’t even come close to $10,000 commission checks on average. In many cases, based upon the $10,000 number, you’d actually have to get a buyers’ agent to agree to pay you for the pleasure of helping you! Unless you can negotiate with a buyers’ agent to agree to work with you for an extraordinarily low fee, or for free, the suggested savings would have to be achieved by not having to pay a buyers’ agent for their services.
  4. It depends upon you negotiating the best possible price for the home. Saving $10,000 by forgoing the help of a buyers’ agent also hinges upon you truly understanding what the market value of the home you’re attempting to purchase is, and successfully negotiating the best possible price for it. You could easily lose as much money as you’re trying to save (or more) by not knowing values well enough, or not negotiating as well as an agent would on your behalf.
  5. It depends upon you even successfully buying a house. In order for savings to be achieved, you need to have successfully purchased a home. In many areas of the country competition is fierce between buyers. There are too few houses for sale, and more buyers than there are houses to choose from, which creates bidding wars. It’s often difficult for buyers to have their offer accepted with an amazing agent representing them, so competing on your own against other buyers represented by agents could be even more difficult. (This becomes even more of an issue if a seller and their listing agent have more confidence that the deal will go from acceptance to the closing table without a hitch with a buyer who has an agent representing them, versus one who is unrepresented and doesn’t know the process.)
  6. It depends upon you not costing yourself money by making mistakes throughout the transaction. It’s also possible to cost yourself thousands of dollars during the process of buying a home by not knowing what to do, or not to do in certain situations. The most likely aspect that could cost you money is in relation to any home inspection issues. Not recognizing something you should ask the seller to repair or replace, or not successfully negotiating for it, could cost you even more than you might be trying to save by not having a buyers’ agent represent you.

So, keep those things in mind if and when you hear anyone claiming you can save $10,000 (or any other amount) when you buy your next home.

It may sound appealing to avoid working with a buyers’ agent for the promise of that much savings, but the representation of a great buyers’ agent is likely worth more than any amount you could save.

Think about it this way…

You can save money on the cost of a lawyer if you go to court by representing yourself. That might be fine if you’re just going to fight a traffic ticket. But if you’re going to court to sue someone else who’s represented by a lawyer, you’re probably not going to fare so well. You’d want someone who knows the process, and can get you the best results possible.

Same goes for when you’re buying a house…

It’s a large purchase, typically the largest one anyone makes, and not knowing what you’re doing can cost you more than the amount you could possibly save by not hiring a buyers’ agent.
So, rather than focusing on potentially saving money by not hiring one, focus on hiring the best one you can to help you negotiate the best results possible when purchasing your next home.

The Takeaway:

President Biden recently claimed that homebuyers could save an average of $10,000 due to the terms of a recent commission lawsuit settlement.

Unfortunately, it’s inaccurate and misleading, because there are several factors that make it impossible for that amount of savings to be guaranteed. Variables such as commission rates, property prices, negotiation skills, and market conditions, and the knowledge and skill sets of a particular buyer impact any potential savings.

Hiring a skilled buyers’ agent often outweighs potential savings. So, rather than focusing on potentially saving money by not hiring one, focus on hiring the best one you can to help you negotiate the best results possible when purchasing your next home.

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7 Things in a Home Inspection Report That Often Get Blown Out of Proportion https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/things-that-get-blown-out-of-proportion-in-home-inspection Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:43:30 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37322 You fell in love with a house. You made an offer. It was accepted! Your mortgage process is going smoothly. The appraisal justified the price you paid. Everything is going perfect… …and then you had the home inspected, and the report made it sound like the place is falling apart, and it’s a house only […]

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You fell in love with a house.

You made an offer.

It was accepted!

Your mortgage process is going smoothly.

The appraisal justified the price you paid.

Everything is going perfect…

…and then you had the home inspected, and the report made it sound like the place is falling apart, and it’s a house only a bulldozer would love.

Hold up, before you end your love affair with the home of your dreams due to home inspection concerns, you should know that home inspection reports aren’t meant to be seen as a “pass” or “fail” assessment. There’s nuance to a home inspectors report. Inspectors will often make note of Every. Little. Thing. They. Find.

There are certainly some things an inspector might find that could be deal breakers — or at least warrant asking for them to be repaired or replaced — like a leaking roof, a broken furnace, or major structural issues. But there are also a lot of things inspectors include in their report that are pretty easy and inexpensive to fix, and aren’t worth losing a house you love over.

So let’s take a look at 7 things in a home inspection report that often get blown out of proportion, even though they’re probably not that big of a deal, so you know what to let slide:

1) A Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet is annoying and something you’ll probably want to fix, but it doesn’t really impact the value of a house, or your ability to live in it safely. While you can certainly ask a seller to fix it, there’s a good chance they’ll get annoyed and might dig in on other issues they should fix or might have been willing to repair. Fortunately, a leaky faucet is typically a fairly easy and inexpensive thing to fix.

2) A Small Crack in a Window

You should certainly feel free to ask the owner to replace a window that’s entirely broken because a baseball (or bat) went through it. But sometimes a window will have the tiniest little crack at the edge that isn’t letting any air in or out of the house, but it’s just unsightly. The chances are you won’t even notice it on a daily basis once you’re living in the house, so pick your battles and ask for something more important on the report instead.

3) The Roof Is “At the End of Its Useful Life”

Inspectors love using the term “at the end of its useful life” for many components of a house. However, whether it’s referring to the roof, the furnace, the AC unit, or any other part of the home, it doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t working, or that it needs to be replaced. The inspector is often just noting that it’s something you’ll want to keep an eye on, and plan to replace in the future.

4) A Recommendation to Get the Chimney Further Inspected

While home inspectors know a lot about houses overall, they’re not experts on every single thing in a house. One of those things is often the chimney.

For starters, it’s difficult for them to get as good of a look at the chimney as someone who specializes in inspecting and repairing them. If there are defects or it needs a good cleaning, it could start a fire, which is why inspectors often suggest getting a closer look at it out of an abundance of caution. So don’t get too worried; just schedule a separate inspection to be done by a chimney professional and see what their opinion is. There’s a good chance it’s fine and may just need a regular cleaning.

5) Missing GFI Electrical Outlets

This is more common in older homes where the electrical work was installed prior to codes requiring ground fault interrupter outlets (GFI) in certain locations. If an inspector notes that you should have them in certain areas, it’s not a bad idea to have them installed once you own the house, but it’s not such a big issue that you should kill the deal over it.

6) Minor Cracks in the Ceiling, Wall, or Foundation

Some cracks are certainly a big deal, but a lot of times there are minor cracks due to the house settling over time. If your inspector is truly concerned about a crack, they’ll make it abundantly clear that it might be dangerous or a structural issue. But if it’s not, they may just note it in the report because they don’t want to be accused of ignoring anything they see. If it’s just a minor cosmetic issue, don’t sweat it — it can usually be fixed with just a little spackle and paint.

7) Evidence of Past a Leak

If the inspector finds an area that’s outright wet, or even slightly damp, they’ll make sure you’re aware that there is a leak going on somewhere.

However, it’s not uncommon for an inspector to find water stains that are completely dry, but are obvious evidence that there was a leak at some point. As long as there’s no mold growing due to the homeowner ignoring it for too long, it’s often just some water staining due to a leak that was quickly repaired, but the owner didn’t do a great job repairing the cosmetics afterward. Again, this is another thing that a little paint can take care of once you own the home.

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Despite What the Headlines Might Suggest, Here Are Some Things Real Estate Agents Will NOT Do as a Result of the Commission Settlement https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/things-agents-will-not-do-as-result-of-commission-settlement Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:49:28 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37316 Headlines can be so misleading. The news is supposed to be objective, but it’s gotten more and more tainted by sensational headlines meant to get people to click on their links, stay tuned to their TV station, or buy their newspaper. So it’s no surprise that the latest headlines about the recently proposed settlement over […]

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Headlines can be so misleading. The news is supposed to be objective, but it’s gotten more and more tainted by sensational headlines meant to get people to click on their links, stay tuned to their TV station, or buy their newspaper.

So it’s no surprise that the latest headlines about the recently proposed settlement over the real estate commission lawsuit have been creative and loose with the facts.

Changes are coming, but how much they’ll change is yet to be seen. Yet the media is making it sound like buyers’ agents will no longer exist, and commissions will be cut exactly in half, even though the proposed settlement doesn’t suggest that at all! Unfortunately, that could cause some huge misunderstanding between agents and their clients who are being led to believe things that aren’t likely true.

Since you never know what the media will come up with, let’s have some fun with it and take a look at some absurd things you shouldn’t expect buyers’ agents to do as a result of the settlement, even if the headlines suggest they will:

1) They will not be providing free childcare…

There’s always a chance you’ll get super close with your buyers’ agent and find they become like family, so it isn’t out of the question for an agent to end up being someone you trust to watch your children from time to time. But, even if the most reputable news source reports that agents will now be throwing in free babysitting services for a year after every house purchase, you can rest assured that’s not part of the settlement.

2) …or promising to pick up after your dogs for a year

Nor will they promise to clean up after your furbabies for the chance to do business with you. There are certainly some agents who are dog lovers and might jump at the chance to chill with your dog on occasion, but it won’t be because it was part of the proposed settlement, and it won’t include offering to pick up your dog’s poop in your backyard for the first year after a purchase.

3) They definitely won’t be paying you!

Some of the headlines make agents sound like they’ll be so desperate they’ll pay you for the right to help you find your dream home! As much as most agents love what they do, and many would say it doesn’t feel like work because they enjoy it so much, they certainly won’t be agreeing to compensate you for the privilege of giving you their time, advice, and skills.

4) And they won’t be leaving you to fend for yourself…

While the media makes it sound like this is the death knell for buyers’ agents, and they’re all going to disappear, agents will not be leaving you high and dry! Agents have been actively protecting buyers’ interests and making sure they have their own representation for decades, and won’t let this lawsuit or settlement get in the way of figuring out how to continue doing so.

They’ll figure out how to work with you within the framework of the new rules and regulations, and make sure you have someone to guide you through the ups and downs of buying a house.

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An Open Letter to the Media: A 6% Commission Isn’t “Standard,” But Here Are 6 Things That ARE Standard for Agents https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/an-open-letter-to-the-media Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:29:56 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37298 Many folks in the media have recently been writing sensational headlines declaring an end to buyers’ agents and the “standard 6% commission.” The minute you say that, everything else you write has to be questioned, because it’s inaccurate and misleading to the public. Let’s get into it… For starters, the vast majority of real estate […]

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Many folks in the media have recently been writing sensational headlines declaring an end to buyers’ agents and the “standard 6% commission.” The minute you say that, everything else you write has to be questioned, because it’s inaccurate and misleading to the public. Let’s get into it…

For starters, the vast majority of real estate agents probably think twice about using the word “standard” to describe anything in life, let alone real estate commissions, just to be on the safe side. Agents aren’t allowed to even say words that suggest there’s a standard commission, let alone conspire with each other and agree there’s a “going rate” of some sort.

More importantly, it’s not factual. According to Statista, the average real estate commission hasn’t even reached 6% since 1992, and they vary from year to year. So, no, 6% is not the “standard” commission. In fact, while those are nationally based statistics, they vary from one area of the country to another, and from one agent to another, and often from one transaction any particular agent is involved with to another.

Now that we have that cleared up, there are few things that are standard for real estate agents you might want to keep in mind as you write headlines and report on the industry — especially in relation to commissions or the current settlement:

  1. It’s standard for agents to take on the risk of showing someone houses for weeks, months, or even years, and never end up making a dime for the time and advice we freely gave to the client.

  2. It’s standard for agents to disregard how much money we’ll make working with one client versus another — and work with a buyer regardless of their price range — often helping first-time and low-income buyers to become homeowners with no money out of pocket. (Unfortunately, depending on how things play out, these buyers could find themselves having to buy a house without their own representation because they can’t afford to hire an agent, while wealthier clients will have the ability to pay for a professional to be on their side.)

  3. It’s standard for agents to help their buyers remain calm while trying to buy one of the few houses available for sale, amidst tremendous competition with other buyers due to decisions (or a lack thereof) that the government has made which impact the housing sector. The government has certainly had more to do with the lack of inventory than agents have, by not doing more to promote new houses being built, and having mortgage rates climb from all-time lows for many years, to where they are currently.

  4. Yet it’s standard for agents to be the whipping posts when the market isn’t great, and our usefulness is diminished when the market seems to be thriving. On that note, it’s also standard for agents to ignore the hate as much as possible, and focus on doing the best job we can for their clients, despite how we’re often portrayed as the villain…

  5. …because it’s also standard for agents to have clients who truly appreciate our help, and end up forming lifelong relationships with them on both a personal and professional level. Considering that “90% of buyers would use their agent again or recommend their agent to others,” according to research from the National Association of REALTORS®, is there really that much hate for agents? Or is it something the media amplifies without merit?

  6. It’s standard for agents to continue giving our time, advice, and skills to clients pro bono during the years a client is living in their home and not in the market to buy another home… possibly ever again. Whether it’s helping them decide on some updates or renovations they’re considering, the market value of their house, or helping them figure out how to keep their home during a financial crisis, agents are often happy to help our past, present — and potential future clients — without being compensated for it.

And that’s just six “standard” things we do, to keep with the theme of that magic number… but rest assured, there’s more we do that goes unlisted and often unnoticed.

Oh, and by the way, the average agent earns between $44,951 and $58,528 per year, working more than 40 hours per week with rarely a day off, let alone a vacation. So please keep that in mind if you’re thinking of portraying us as money-hungry vultures who deserve a massive pay cut.

So, rather than villainizing agents, perhaps take another look at what has transpired due to the recent class-action lawsuit, and question whether this is actually a good thing for homebuyers or not.

And, if you wouldn’t mind, could you also take a closer look at the lawyers who are filing all of the class-action suits? Please find out how much they’re making off of their clients, versus how much their clients are actually benefiting financially from the settlement while you’re at it. Rumor has it they often charge all of their clients the same “standard” percentages for their services, which would be ironic. So, it’d be super cool if you could do some digging and shed some light on that…

Sincerely,

All REALTORS® and real estate agents

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Beyond the Headlines: Understanding How Proposed Changes in Real Estate Commissions Will Actually Impact You as a Buyer or Seller https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/beyond-the-headlines-nar-settlement Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:54:38 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37292 You’ve probably heard the news that there are changes coming in terms of how real estate commissions are paid. This might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home seller or buyer, with headlines proclaiming things like: “Real estate commissions are being slashed!” “Selling your house will now be less expensive!” […]

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You’ve probably heard the news that there are changes coming in terms of how real estate commissions are paid.

This might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home seller or buyer, with headlines proclaiming things like:

  • “Real estate commissions are being slashed!”
  • “Selling your house will now be less expensive!”
  • “No more paying 6% to real estate agents!”

But you’re also probably not sure exactly what it all means, how it will work, or how you’ll benefit from the changes.

Unfortunately, even if you ask the most informed agents on the planet, you probably aren’t going to get many answers. It isn’t because agents don’t want to answer your questions; it’s because they don’t even know exactly how the changes are going to work.

The settlement happened seemingly overnight. There was no advance warning or discussion with agents. They found out by reading a bunch of headlines you probably saw at the same time they did.

On top of that, most of the headlines are misleading, because nobody knows exactly how things are going to play out. Any claims that the media makes that commissions will be cut in half, or any specific number of dollars will be saved by consumers, remains to be seen. The changes might reduce commissions. On the other hand, they could increase them. As with many things the government or court system touches, there’s always the possibility that it could create more issues than it solves.

But, for the time being, as much as you might want or expect your local agent to be able to give you specifics, please understand that they can’t. For starters, it’s a proposed settlement, not yet accepted by the courts, and if it’s approved, the changes won’t start until July.

Here’s What Matters to Buyers and Sellers in a Nutshell

Unless you’re in the business, you probably have no desire to read through all of the court documents or proposed settlement. You just want to know what changes will possibly impact you. So here’s an excerpt from a National Association of REALTORS® press release, highlighting the changes that will most likely affect you:

“In addition to the financial payment, NAR has agreed to put in place a new MLS rule prohibiting offers of broker compensation on the MLS. This would mean that offers of broker compensation could not be communicated via the MLS, but they could continue to be an option consumers can pursue off-MLS through negotiation and consultation with real estate professionals. Offers of compensation help make professional representation more accessible, decrease costs for home buyers to secure these services, increase fair housing opportunities, and increase the potential buyer pool for sellers. They are also consistent with the real estate laws in the many states that expressly authorize them.

Further, NAR has agreed to enact a new rule that would require MLS participants working with buyers to enter into written agreements with their buyers. NAR continues, as it has done for years, to encourage its members to use buyer brokerage agreements that help consumers understand exactly what services and value will be provided, and for how much. These changes will go into effect in mid-July 2024.”

Again, unless you’re in the business, that may not even be all that clear of an explanation. So to put it in simpler terms:

  • Sellers and their agents won’t be allowed to offer a commission to buyers’ agents within their listing.
  • However, that doesn’t mean that a seller isn’t allowed to pay buyers’ agents a commission. It just can’t be published in the listing.
  • And buyers will now be required to sign a written agreement with an agent in order to work with them, which will likely require them to agree to a certain amount of compensation. That doesn’t necessarily mean the compensation has to be paid out of the buyers’ pocket; it could be an agreed upon amount that will be negotiated into the purchase price paid for through the proceeds of the sale.

Basically, it allows sellers to choose to not offer or agree to pay a commission to buyers’ agents when they list their house for sale, and allows buyers to choose to not work with a buyers’ agent when they buy, in hopes of saving money. But before you do that, there are some things you should keep in mind.

Here Are Some Things to Keep in Mind if You’re Selling a House…

  • It doesn’t mean that you can’t offer a commission to buyers’ agents.
  • Although you can’t publish how much you’re willing to offer or agree to on your listing, in most cases, it will still benefit sellers to offer and be willing to offer commissions to buyers’ agents in order to get the most exposure for their home, and ultimately the best offers possible.
  • There’s a good chance that buyer agent commissions will likely still be paid through the proceeds of the sale, as they have been for many years.
  • If you’re selling to a buyer who doesn’t have an agent representing them, they’ll likely expect you to drop your price accordingly since you’re not paying another agent. In other words, if your house was worth $300,000, and buyers perceive that a buyers’ agent commission would have been 3% — even though it rarely was in reality… but that’s what the public and media have often perceived it to be — then the buyer will want a $9,000 reduction on your price below what they already want to negotiate as the fair market value.
  • It could cause more risk and lawsuits that may directly involve you and your property. Dual agency, which is when an agent represents both the buyer and the seller, is one of the leading causes of lawsuits in the industry. This new way of doing business could create a lot more situations where consumers don’t have their own independent representation, which could lead to either the buyer or seller feeling like their interests weren’t entirely represented.

Here Are Some Things to Keep in Mind if You’re Buying a House…

  • The way buyers’ agents have been paid is a result of originally trying to protect buyers decades ago. Years ago buyers didn’t have an agent dedicated to representing their interests, and were often unaware that the seller’s agent didn’t actually represent their interests as well. So rules and laws were passed to change that, and listing agents were compelled to offer buyers agents a percentage of the commission if they represented a buyer on a house they were listing. This gave buyers more choice in who represented them, and the ability to compensate their agent without having to pay out of pocket. So, for many buyers, this isn’t that great of a change for you unless you cherish the idea of representing yourself and figuring out how to do everything that needs to get done.
  • You will now have to choose a buyer’s agent and sign an agreement with them. This has always been an option, and it could be argued that it should always have been required, but most buyers’ agents didn’t want to seem too pushy or aggressive, so they never asked for one. Now you’ll need to sign a contract to work with them.
  • Don’t expect agents to be willing or able to work for a much lower commission than they’ve been working for in the past. According to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®, the average agent earns between $44,951 and $58,528. And they work long and hard to even earn that much. There is rarely a day off, let alone a vacation, and they easily work more than 40 hours per week. Will you be able to find an agent who will work for lower rates? Perhaps. But as is the case in any industry, sometimes going with the lowest cost option ends up costing you more in the end.
  • While you may expect sellers to drop their price because they don’t have to pay a buyers’ agent, don’t be surprised if they dig in their heels and expect to get as much or more than similar houses have recently sold for. They will still be basing the market value of their house off of data that had buyer agent commissions factored in.
  • If you go it alone, go in knowing that finding the right house, understanding market values, negotiating the best deals, and handling everything involved throughout the process from contract to closing isn’t as easy as it may sound. There is more to buying a house than just finding it online, making an offer, and then going to a closing. You will have to do the work your agent would have done, and know what needs to be done in the first place. The sellers’ agent won’t be doing the work of the non-existent buyers’ agent.

While it’s impossible to predict exactly how everything will play out, those are a few things to keep in mind whether you’re buying or selling.

The best thing to do if you’re curious or concerned about the coming changes is to reach out to your local agent and ask them for their perspective, insights, advice, and to keep you in the loop as the changes get finalized.

The Takeaway:

While the headlines about changing real estate commission structures might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home seller or buyer, they are misleading, because nobody knows exactly how things are going to play out. While it’s true that commissions may shift, the details remain uncertain.

If the proposed settlement is accepted by the courts, sellers won’t be able to advertise agent commissions, however they will still be allowed to offer them, just not within their listing. In many cases this will still benefit the seller to do so in order to get the most exposure for their house, and sell it for the most money possible.

Buyers will be given the option to not work with a buyers agent, however that could come with some unexpected downsides and difficulties, and may not produce the savings they anticipate. Fortunately, you will still be able to hire your own representation, and have an agent looking out for your interests and helping you through the process.

The post Beyond the Headlines: Understanding How Proposed Changes in Real Estate Commissions Will Actually Impact You as a Buyer or Seller appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

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Recent Study Finds That Price Is Becoming More Important Than Location to Homebuyers. (Spoiler Alert: Both Matter!) https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/study-finds-that-price-becoming-more-important-than-location Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:08:02 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37287 You’ve likely heard that the three most important things to consider when buying real estate are: Location Location Location It’s a catchy phrase that’s been thrown around for many decades, which might make you feel like it should matter more than anything else when you’re in the market to buy a house. There’s no denying […]

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You’ve likely heard that the three most important things to consider when buying real estate are:

  • Location
  • Location
  • Location

It’s a catchy phrase that’s been thrown around for many decades, which might make you feel like it should matter more than anything else when you’re in the market to buy a house.

There’s no denying that location does matter. The location of a house you buy will affect the future appreciation, resale value, and your ability to resell it when the time comes, so it’s certainly an aspect you should give some thought to.

However, a recent study is making headlines claiming that the majority of buyers now think price is more important than location.

Are the tides changing? Is this the new normal? Does this mean you should disregard location and buy the lowest price house you can?

Location Still Matters, and Always Will

As is often the case, headlines can be a bit misleading. The recent study found that 56% of people surveyed felt that price was more important than location. If you dig a little deeper into the results, 60% of women feel this way, versus 48% of men. That’s a lot closer to half of buyers than it is the majority, as the headlines suggest, so the old adage isn’t being entirely thrown to the curb.

Location certainly still matters and always will, regardless of the overall real estate market, or area you’re particularly looking in.

For example, if there were two identical houses for sale, one on a quiet street in a neighborhood, and one on a main road, the one on the main road isn’t going to sell for as much as the one in the neighborhood.

On the other hand, let’s say that the same house on the main road is on the market at the same time as another identical house which is also on a main road, but happens to back up to train tracks and high voltage power lines. Now the house on the main road in the original example is likely seen as the “better” location and would sell for a higher price than the one.

While more buyers surveyed may be price-sensitive, that doesn’t mean location doesn’t matter.

Location matters to different people in different ways, depending on what makes them tick, and how much their budget happens to be.

Regardless of their budget, location matters more to some people. For instance:

  • Some people would rather pay more for a smaller house that needs some updating in order to live on a quiet street, because they wouldn’t enjoy or feel at home if they lived near train tracks or on a main road.
  • Others will spend every penny they can afford in order to have the most prestigious location to impress their friends and family.
  • Some choose to buy a house in a better location because they’re more concerned about better appreciation and being able to sell their house more quickly and easily when the time comes.
  • Or perhaps they’d rather pay a premium in order to cut down on their commute time to work.

On the other hand, other buyers might be more focused on getting the lowest priced home they can, either to save money, or because their budget is limited. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get a nice house or location… or even a combination of the two! Here are a few ways focusing on price might make more sense for a buyer:

  • If you aren’t handy or don’t have the money to fix a place up, you might be better off buying a nicer house in a less desirable location.
  • If living on a main road, or near something other people feel detracts from a home’s value doesn’t bother you, then you’re in luck and can benefit from lower priced homes. No need to buy a house in what would be considered a better location by other people if it doesn’t matter to you!
  • If you need a bigger house or the most space you can get on your budget, you can often get a bigger house for the dollar in a location that isn’t as desirable as others.
  • Or if you can tolerate a longer commute, perhaps living further away from work is a great way to get a combination of a nicer house in a better location of a town, by moving to a more distant town altogether.

Price and location are always part of the decision for a buyer, but which is more important depends upon your personal wants, needs, and situation.

Don’t feel you need to pay more than you want to (or can afford) just to get a “better” location. But also remember that location is an important factor in the valuation of homes — and how easily you can sell it in the future — so keep that in mind when making decisions based solely on price. That being said, every house has a buyer… at the right price! So no matter what house you buy, there will be a buyer for it in the future, as long as you price it accordingly.

The Takeaway:

A recent study is making headlines claiming that the majority of buyers now think price is more important than location. But if you dig into the data, only 56% claimed that price mattered more.

Location still matters, and always will. It’s not an all-or-nothing deal; both factors play a role.

Price might sway you if you’re budget-conscious or prioritize space over locale. Yet, don’t dismiss location entirely; it impacts resale value and your daily happiness. Balance your needs, wants, and budget, and remember, no matter what house you buy or where it’s located, there will be a buyer for it in the future, as long as you price it accordingly.

The post Recent Study Finds That Price Is Becoming More Important Than Location to Homebuyers. (Spoiler Alert: Both Matter!) appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

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6 Ways Finding Your Dream Home Is Like Finding a Four-Leaf Clover https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/finding-your-dream-home-like-finding-four-leaf-clover Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:19:49 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37284 Searching for the perfect home can feel like trying to find a four-leaf clover in a field full of three-leaf clovers. It’s as rare to find a property that checks all the boxes on your wishlist, as it is to find a true four-leaf clover. But even if you find a four-leaf clover, there’s a […]

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Searching for the perfect home can feel like trying to find a four-leaf clover in a field full of three-leaf clovers. It’s as rare to find a property that checks all the boxes on your wishlist, as it is to find a true four-leaf clover.

But even if you find a four-leaf clover, there’s a chance nature made it a little less than perfect (or someone trampled over it). Perhaps one of the leaves has a little tear in it. Or maybe it’s not as green as you might have hoped. But it’s still a four-leaf clover! Pluck that thing and consider yourself lucky!

The same goes for your dream home. Even if a house isn’t perfect in every way, that doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect house for you!

Let’s take a look at 6 ways finding your dream home is like finding a four-leaf clover, to help prepare you to be the luckiest buyer in the field the next time you’re searching for a home:

1) It Can Seem Impossible to Find at First

When you first start your home search, it can seem like you’re looking out at a vast field of green grass. From afar, it’s certainly impossible to find a four-leaf clover, or your dream home. It helps to narrow down the area you’re looking for, and then look through all of the options, knowing that most of them won’t be what you’re looking for.

2) You Have to Create Your Own Luck

Can you imagine how absolutely lucky you’d have to be to sit down in the grass and happen to find a four-leaf clover? Neither a house or a four-leaf clover is likely to just appear in front of you if you’re not actively looking for one. You need to get out in the field and look if you want to increase your odds of finding either!

3) You’ve Got to Be Patient

Much like patiently combing through clover patches until you find the elusive four-leaf clover, persistently searching for your dream house eventually leads to success. You can’t give up until you find what you’re looking for.

4) It Helps to Have Someone Else Looking Around for You as Well

Picture looking for a four-leaf clover all alone in a field. Having some help would certainly make it easier to cover a lot more ground. But when it comes to real estate, it’s even more important to have a second set of eyes! Make sure you work with an eagle-eyed real estate agent with a knack for knowing where to look, and what to look for, if you want to find your dream home. Otherwise you could easily spend a lot of time looking in the wrong places, and overlooking the perfect home even if it’s right in front of your eyes.

5) When You Find One, You Need to Grab It

Four-leaf clovers are rare, and so are houses that meet most (if not all) of your requirements. When you finally come across one, don’t walk away. Don’t sleep on it. If it’s a four-leaf clover you’d certainly pick it, because you know you may never be able to find it again, and someone else might come along and pluck it right out from under you. If it’s a house, make an offer and get it under contract, before another buyer comes along and does it before you do.

6) You’ll Want to Show It Off to Everyone!

If you found a four-leaf clover, you’d certainly be showing it off to people. So imagine how much more you’ll want to show people your dream house! Whether it’s a humble home that needs some work, or a mansion, take pride in sharing your home with friends and family, because it takes a lot more than luck to buy your dream home.

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Need Money for Home Improvements? Be Leary of Offers for “Free Money” That Sound Too Good to Be True https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/be-leary-of-offers-for-free-money-for-home-improvements Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:35:03 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37276 Some home improvements are the type you have on a wishlist, and don’t need to be done, like a new kitchen. But there are some, such as a new furnace or roof, that are hard to ignore once they’re failing. Either way, a lot of people just don’t have enough extra cash laying around to […]

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Some home improvements are the type you have on a wishlist, and don’t need to be done, like a new kitchen. But there are some, such as a new furnace or roof, that are hard to ignore once they’re failing. Either way, a lot of people just don’t have enough extra cash laying around to devote to a project, whether they want to or not. Unfortunately, this leads to many people putting off maintenance and renovation projects until they can save up enough money, take out a loan, or rack up their credit card bills.

While a home equity loan is often an option, even if you have a lot of equity built up in your home to borrow against, some people have difficulty accessing it because they’ve recently lost a job, have credit issues, or simply can’t handle an additional monthly payment for a home equity loan. Or perhaps you’re well qualified, but want to avoid paying the current interest rates.

So imagine how appealing it would sound if you got a letter in the mail saying you could get your hands on all the money you need to do your projects, without having to pay back a single cent… at least for now.

Business Insider recently reported that there are companies that offer to give homeowners cash they can use toward home improvements, without having to pay the money back until they sell their house.

What’s the catch? On top of paying back the original amount they loan the homeowner, they’ll also take a percentage of how much the home has appreciated during that time.

Sound a little too good to be true? Well, it kind of depends upon your situation and point of view.

You Get Money Now, They Get a Chunk of Your Equity Later

Companies offering to pay a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of your home’s future appreciation isn’t actually a new thing. They’re known as home-equity-sharing agreements or home-equity investments — a type of financing that’s been around for decades. But with Wall Street looking more and more at residential real estate as a great place to invest money — and increased backing from some of the largest investors in the world — there’s a good chance this type of offer will become more commonplace for homeowners to hear about.

It’s being posed as a “partnership” with homeowners, as opposed to a traditional loan you might get through a bank or mortgage company. Technically the owner isn’t taking on more debt, or required to make monthly payments to pay the money back, but ultimately they’re giving homeowners money that needs to be paid back with a form of interest tacked on (even if it’s not called that).

For example, in one particular deal they cited in the above mentioned article, a man was given $60,000 to do some home improvements in exchange for just under 65% of any appreciation on his home when he sells it.

Theoretically the financiers are taking the risk that you’ll get some free money if the market value of your home goes down, but it’s a pretty safe bet for them to make. While home values might dip on occasion, they’re banking on a home’s value appreciating in the decades to come, which history has shown tends to happen. These are sophisticated investors, and they wouldn’t be putting their money on the line if it wasn’t a fairly safe investment overall. Will they lose money on a deal or two? Probably. But more often than not they’ll do more than fine on their initial investment.

But just to be on the safe side, they’ll also likely word the contracts in their favor, and increase their odds by making sure that there’s some “appreciation” built in. For instance, in the above noted deal an appraiser valued the owner’s home at $275,000, but the finance company based the value at only $231,000 in their agreement. They applied a 16% discount to protect themselves in case prices fall, but it also gives them a head start on how much appreciation they have stake in by undervaluing the home up front.

Make Sure You (And Your Attorney) Read the Fine Print

Whether these are a good option for you or not is ultimately a personal decision. As with most things, they have their pros and cons.

In an ideal situation, it’s probably best not to give up so much equity in the future. So if you can borrow money in a more traditional manner, or save up the cash you need, you’re probably better off in the long run.

But if you need some cash and are willing to forgo a chunk of your future equity and appreciation, it may be a better alternative than a traditional loan through a bank or mortgage lender.

Just be aware that these companies and products aren’t as highly regulated as the mortgage industry is, and are seen as “options contracts” by federal courts, so you won’t have the same protections you would with more traditional home loans. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions you’re agreeing to, and consider having your attorney and accountant review the contracts as well before signing on the dotted line.

The Takeaway:

When it comes to home improvements — especially big-ticket items like a new kitchen, furnace, or roof — many homeowners find themselves short on cash and options. Which is why home-equity-sharing agreements, where companies provide upfront cash for renovations in exchange for a share of your home’s future appreciation, may sound enticing to a homeowner.

It might sound tempting to get the money now and pay later, but homeowners need to consider how much appreciation and equity they’ll need to share with the financing company in the future; it could be quite a substantial amount. While it could be a lifeline for some, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the long-term implications and seek legal advice before diving in.

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Creating Your Own How-to Guides Might Just Help You Avoid Lawsuits as a Real Estate Agent https://lightersideofrealestate.com/marketing/business/creating-your-own-how-to-guides-might-avoid-lawsuits Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:47:57 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37271 Most real estate agents were shocked enough when they heard that The National Association of Realtors and two brokerage firms were liable for $1.8 billion in damages, for allegedly conspiring to keep commissions artificially high. But when subsequent lawsuits started rolling in naming individual brokers, it got a lot more concerning. It had agents asking […]

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Most real estate agents were shocked enough when they heard that The National Association of Realtors and two brokerage firms were liable for $1.8 billion in damages, for allegedly conspiring to keep commissions artificially high. But when subsequent lawsuits started rolling in naming individual brokers, it got a lot more concerning.

It had agents asking themselves (and each other) a lot of questions, such as:

  • How did NAR lose that argument, considering all the disclosures people have to sign, the listing contracts they willingly agree to, and the fact they can sell their own house and don’t have to hire an agent at all?
  • How is it OK for the lawyers representing sellers to take a huge cut of the money, likely leaving the actual sellers with dimes on the dollar… yet the industry is accused of charging high commissions?
  • And, most importantly, do I need to worry about getting sued personally by sellers I helped?

1 Out of Every 4 Agents Gets Sued in Their Career

While you have every right to be concerned, keep in mind that this isn’t the first, last, or by any means only time agents have gotten sued. In fact, according to this article, 25% of agents get sued in their career for a lot of other reasons, such as:

  • Not disclosing a material fact.
  • Failing to recommend getting appropriate inspections.
  • Failing to identify potential issues that should have been obvious to an agent.
  • Not properly reviewing or advising a client about the terms of a contract.
  • Making exaggerated claims about the features of a property.
  • Not putting enough emphasis on a disclosure, or not explaining it thoroughly enough.
  • Not living up to promises they made to a client.
  • Issues over missed contractual timeframes and deadlines.
  • Working with clients in an area they are unfamiliar with, or not qualified to handle.

But that’s not really news to most agents, so much as it’s a reminder that it can happen. The fact that an agent can get sued is something they drive home in licensing school. But as you spend some time in the field with clients, it kind of fades into the background for the most part. At least until something like these lawsuits hit the news, you make a mistake, or simply have a client that’s difficult to deal with. Then the fear creeps back in.

7 Tips Lawyers Give to Prevent Getting Sued

The bottom line is you need to take some precautions to protect yourself and try to avoid lawsuits as much as possible. For instance, here are 7 tips the lawyers at Provident Law specifically recommend to help real prevent estate agents from getting sued, and protect themselves if they do:

  1. Incorporate. Setting your business up as an LLC or corporation won’t stop you from getting sued, but it’ll at least protect your personal assets if you do.
  2. Make sure you (and your clients!) disclose everything. Failing to disclose something topped the list above, and it’s also what these lawyers claim is the cause for most litigation. So make sure every appropriate disclosure form is filled out thoroughly and accurately, and that each party acknowledges that they have received and reviewed it.
  3. Don’t represent both parties in a transaction. While dual agency is certainly legal in many areas if both parties understand what they’re getting into and consent, it’s still risky. While clients may say they understand what they’re agreeing to, and even sign something saying so, conflicts of interest can easily arise, and have you facing a lawsuit.
  4. Don’t ignore complaints. Getting hit with a lawsuit usually doesn’t come out of the blue. If someone brings up an issue, concern, or complaint, listen carefully and make sure they know you are listening and will do what you can to rectify the problem immediately.
  5. Make sure you document everything. If it’s not in writing, it’s pretty difficult to prove something. So make sure to memorialize anything you speak about with a prospect or client in writing, and then keep all of your emails, notes, and text messages for years to come.
  6. Stick to giving advice you’re qualified to give. Don’t give legal or financial advice; leave that to lawyers and accountants. And while you may go to hundreds of home inspections, unless you’re a licensed inspector, don’t give advice on what is wrong or not wrong with a house.
  7. Get insurance coverage. In the least, make sure you have errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, but also check with your insurance agent or company for other recommended insurance coverage you can purchase in case you are sued.

All solid advice you’ve probably heard before…

…But How About Adding This to the List?

It’s almost impossible to dictate exactly how a relationship with a prospect will unfold from day one all the way through closing day. Even the most methodical, process-oriented agent has to roll with the flow when it comes to the path a buyer or seller takes with them.

But there’s always a beginning — a first point of contact, or meeting. Nobody can turn into a client or follow any route to the closing table without at least meeting you for the first time in some way, shape, or form.

More often than not, you’re not going to seal the deal with a prospect on that first contact. Unless it’s a rare client who’s in an absolute rush — and/or you’re a harcore closer — you’re unlikely to get a potential buyer to sign an exclusive agency agreement, or a seller to sign a listing agreement the first time you communicate.

Because each journey is different, it’s easy for an agent to forget, or simply not have the opportunity to discuss, things that a client should know about the process of buying or selling a house. Things that could help avoid misunderstandings, or outright mistakes that lead to a lawsuit in the future.

Which is why you might want to consider creating buyer and seller guides that you can give prospects as early on in the process as possible. That way you can make sure everything you want a client to know about the process is in writing, and in their hands, so you don’t have to worry about some aspect or nuance falling through the cracks.

Here are a few tips for creating your own guides:

  1. Plan on having at least two of them; one for sellers, and one for buyers.
  2. Jot down everything you can think of that you want every buyer or seller to know about the process. Don’t just stop at the basics, dig deep and get into how they might think and feel during the process as well! Get into things that you know buyers and sellers struggle with, or question, even if they don’t say it out loud sometimes. Answer things they’ll never even think to ask.
  3. Put the ideas and topics in some logical order and create a table of contents.
  4. Write as concisely as possible about each topic, but write as much as you need to make sure you are clear and they’ll truly understand what you need them to know. People don’t want or need a long-winded book. They’ll be more likely to read it if you keep it short and to the point.
  5. To encourage them to read it, make sure your writing is conversation, and perhaps even fun to read. Of course you need to keep it professional and authoritative, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sprinkle in some personality!
  6. Format them so you can send them digitally as a PDF, and also as printed booklets.
  7. Give or send every buyer or seller prospect a copy of your guide as early on in your relationship as possible, ideally the first time you speak.
  8. Have them acknowledge receipt so you have some proof that you gave one to them. That way you can at least show that you try to make sure all of your clients know what to expect throughout the process, and have done your best to fully inform every person you work with.
  9. While you can’t make them read your guide, you can certainly encourage them to by creating a series of follow-up emails to send them after you’ve given them a guide, with each email touching on a particular topic in the book. Not only will this encourage them to read what you sent, but it also creates an opportunity for back and forth conversation about the topics.

Even if they don’t read it, at least you can show that you give each client something that explains the process, and shows that you care about them being fully informed.

But, if done well, you’ll be amazed at how many clients actually refer back to things you cover in your guide during the time they work with you! They may even forward it, or lend their copy to someone they know who is thinking of buying or selling.

Once you have a universal guide for sellers, and one for buyers, you may even want to drill down into some niche types of guides, such as ones for:

  • First-time buyers
  • Buyers who are looking for new construction homes
  • Sellers who are downsizing
  • Buyers who are relocating from out of area
  • Sellers who are relocating out of area
  • People who are selling their home after having their listing expire with another agent
  • Sellers who are going through a divorce
  • Beginner investors looking to buy their first investment property

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the potential options, though! Just having a solid buyer and seller guide to give out is better than most agents have.

But if you like the idea of having all of those at your disposal, and would like to skip past all of the work it’d take to create them, you should check out our Inner Circle membership.

As a member you’ll have access to not only an amazing seller guide and buyer guide, but all 20 of our Branded Booklets, including all of the ones listed above, and each one has a series of pre-written follow-up emails for you to send after giving one to a prospect.

All of those guides can be ready for you to offer buyers within a few minutes, by just entering your own contact information and branding so it looks like you actually wrote them. You can also edit every one of them to your liking, but they’re written in a fun, interesting, conversational tone that your prospects will enjoy reading, so the chances are you won’t even want to.

In addition to the Branded Booklet guides, you’ll also have access to tons of other marketing content you can add your own branding to, like:

  • Our signature Lighter Side memes, and exclusive ones only available to our members
  • Witty postcards
  • Over 1,500 articles you can use to entertain or build credibility and authority, with new ones published each week
  • Hundreds of other email and letter templates
  • Access to our members-only Facebook group where some of the nicest, coolest agents in the business share marketing tips, including how they have used the Branded Booklets themselves

All of that content can be used for you to educate and entertain clients from before they’re even an official client, and to constantly stay in touch and top-of-mind years after their closing.

Obviously, if you do something absolutely wrong that hurts a client financially or otherwise, a lawsuit is always a possibility. But using helpful guides and a robust content marketing campaign can help to create a more educated client, and a more trusting relationship between you, which will hopefully help you avoid lawsuits by creating a better, deeper, more communicative relationship with your clients.

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