LMCane said:
Red Pear Felipe said:
It also doesn't hurt to call a Red Pear Realty agent if there's one in your area. You can't go wrong with saving 1.5% on the commission for a full service brokerage. That's extra money back in your pocket for moving expenses.
I am in Maryland suburbs of DC, never heard of Red Pear.
is there something similar up here?
is it always the case that the seller pays the agent? I am seeing on Zillow for properties in central florida there is a "2.5% buyer fee" (!!??)
In the US, typically the seller pays the agent fees for their own realtor as well as the buyers realtor at closing. The amount varies by market. 2.5% may very well be market in FL, but in Texas, in my experience, if a seller offers a buyers agent less than 3%, it will sell for less money and take longer to sell. Fun fact, in Europe, the buyer pays their own agent's fee.
My advice would be to pick an agent who is experienced and analytical regarding comps. Ask for them if they don't provide them to you with their suggested list price and target sale price. It's not rocket science, but a lot of agents just kind of "wing it" and end up costing their client a lot of money. Don't take their word for it, make sure you get ALL the relevant comps.
And finally, your listing agent should be providing high quality photography and either a video walkthrough or 3D imaging out of their own pocket. Ask to see recent listings. If their plan is to take their own photos with a potato and their thumb in each shot, just say no.
PS….I'm sure you already know this, but your home should be spotless and put together for all showings. Clean like the Pope is coming to visit. Most people's definition of clean is not. And it will cost you time and money.
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