With the average American moving every seven years, it seems we’re all interested in real estate, but what could be more stressful than moving, especially when it involves the buying and selling a home? Even real estate professionals don’t relish the idea of moving. My wife, Rita, has told me clearly, “Never again!”
The financial cost alone can be stressful enough, but don’t do it without hiring a Realtor. Sellers think it’s going to cost 6% commission, but it doesn’t have to. Surveys show that the average commission is closer to 5% and most listing agents are happy to reduce that to 4% if they find the buyer and don’t have to split their commission with a buyer’s agent. And if you’re buying a replacement home using your listing agent, he or she would likely reduce your commission another 1% if he earns the buyer’s commission on that second transaction.
As for moving expense, there are a dozen agents right here in Golden who offer a free moving truck if you’re moving locally. Ask the agent to provide the labor and gas too, if he’s making all that commission on two transactions!
An experienced agent can give you valuable advice and has vendors he/she trusts to fix any problem. Ask the agent for names of one or two past clients and interview them. Some websites can tell you how many transactions they’ve done and how recently. Google the agent and find out! Many agents do only one or two transactions a year. As with anything else, if you want something done, give it to the busy one!
Jim Smith
www.goldenrealestate.com