Everythying You Need to Know About Working with a Realtor in Hickory, NC
Are you looking to buy or sell real estate in Hickory, NC? This process can be very complicated and stressful, and you might find it necessary to consult with a real estate agent for assistance during this transaction. We, as real estate agents, can provide a wide range of services and lots of useful information. Real estate agents can also work with clients in several different ways. We can work as a buyer’s agent, a seller’s agent or in some cases a dual agent, representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. As a buyer or a seller, it is important to know and understand the different types of agencies and what options you have when choosing a real estate agent.
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission has developed and published a brochure, “Working With Real Estate Agents,” which addresses the various types of agency relationships that may be available to you. It should help you decide which relationship you want to have with Osborne Real Estate Group. It will also give you useful information about the various services real estate agents can provide buyers and sellers, and it will help explain how real estate agents are compensated. The Real Estate Commission requires all realtors to provide their clients, whether buyers or sellers, with a copy of the brochure – we believe this is important. The brochure will be carefully explained to you. Once you have reviewed the brochure you will be asked to sign the brochure. By signing the brochure, you are acknowledging that you have received the brochure and it has been explained to you.
This article will discuss our role as your realtor when you are buying or selling a property in the Hickory, NC area. Much of this article is taken directly from “Working With Real Estate Agents.” Click the following link for your very own copy: ncrec.gov/Brochures/WorkingwAgents.pdf.
Future articles will discuss what we can do for you when you are buying real estate and the concept of “dual agency.”
If you are selling real estate in the greater Hickory area, we are here for you to “list” your property for sale with our firm. If so, you will sign a “listing agreement,” authorizing the firm and its agents to represent you as your seller’s agent in your negotiations with buyers. You may also be asked to allow agents from other firms to help find a buyer for your property. Be sure to read and understand the listing agreement before providing your signature. Your agent must give you a copy of the listing agreement after you have consented.
At Osborne Real Estate Group, we embrace our duties to you as a seller. Our firm and our agents will gladly:
Promote your best interests
Be loyal to you
Follow your lawful instructions
Provide you with all material facts that could influence your decisions
Use reasonable skills, care, and diligence and
Account for all monies we handle for you
Once you have signed the listing agreement, our firm/agents will not share any confidential information about you to prospective buyers or their agents without your permission.
Services and Compensation: To help you sell your property, Osborne Real Estate Group will perform a number of services for you. These may include:
Helping you price your property
Advertising and marketing your property
Giving you all required property disclosure forms for you to complete
Negotiating for you the best possible price and terms
Reviewing all offers with you, and
Promoting your best interests
For representing you and helping you sell your property, you will pay a sales commission or fee but not until your house is sold. The listing agreement will clearly state the amount or method for determining the sales commission or fee and whether you will allow the firm to share its commission with agents representing the buyer.
When employing a real estate agent as a buyer in Hickory, NC, you can enter into two possible types of agency – verbal or written. A written buyer agency is secured with the “Buyer Agency Agreement” and is required for any real estate agent to present an offer on a property of your choosing. As buyer’s agents, we will uphold the same duties that we would to a seller, while also assisting you in securing lending, searching for the property that fits your needs and negotiating the best possible terms for you.
If you are considering buying a home or selling your property in the Hickory, NC area, please contact Osborne Real Estate Group and let us get started working for you.