What Realtors Do!

The misconception that Realtors do nothing and get big bucks, may occur on rare instances when a "perfect" listing falls in your lap or a buyer knows what they want and asks you to do represent them in the paper work... however, in most instances Realtors work hard, long hours to earn their keep.  Or else, as in all businesses, they fail.  

You may have heard of the 80/20 rule? If not, it means that 20% of companies do 80% of all the business while the remaining 20% of the business is done by remaining 80% of the companies.  The same rules applies in Real Estate.  Shocking eh?  

Back in 1998, I started an Internet based printing business.  I spent long hours,  7 day weeks to make it a success.  Now as a Realtor, I can appreciate the dedication of time and effort it takes to be one of the 20% of the very successful Realtors in this business.

I hate when people think Realtors are just "salespeople".  If they were, I'd have a much easier job, but not one I would find personally gratifying. I don't smooth talking a customer, offer discounts to sell a product and then move on to the next customer.

My role as:  1.  Consultant  2. Negotiator  3. Administrator is much more complex.

1.  As your consultant, I ask questions.  I take the risk of asking questions which others hesitate to or wouldn't because I want to discover what is really important to you.  I lead you so can make easier choices.  I listen vigilantly to you so I can define problems, anticipate obstacles and identify solutions.  I balance everyone's needs and recognize my mistakes openly and I'm willing to change and admit my biases so I can help you realize your dreams.

2.  I negotiate with focus and critically examine the situations.  Like a pit bull, I faithfully protect your money like it is mine, but unlike you, I stay emotionally detached so I can protect your best interests.  I am responsible to provide fiduciary duties and identify flaws and anticipate problems and use my business skills in your favor.  I don't have to tell you that we value and admire skilled professionals, like doctors to take care of our health and are willing to pay their fee without deductions.  So you can truly appreciate a skilled Realtor, worth his fee, committed to protecting you and making sure you don't lose money or overpay in a real estate transaction.  (People overpay all the time by getting emotionally involved in multiple offers and then can't recoup their investment).   

3.  Finally, I oversee transactional details.  Dot the (i)s and cross the (t)s.  Like your pilot, I understand the need for accurate information and to be able to see multiple perspectives so I can get you through the emotional and contractual turbulence (which you many not even be aware of) in a real estate transaction so your landing is smooth and safe.  I consider the effects and consequences the buying and selling process has on your family and help you manage these stresses.  I'm just a phone call away to answer your questions, offer some guidance and relieve your anxieties.  I help you from start to finish and beyond your closing.  Like your doctor,  I'm a family Realtor for life.

This is just a small sample of what I believe Realtors do for their clients.  Especially the successful 20%.  Share your experiences.

Jas Jagpal | jasjagpal@rogers.com | www.jasjagpal.com

Remax Dynasty Realty Inc.  Markham, Ontario.

Pricing Your Home To Sell is Worth $1000s when Priced Right!

Often Seller's are confused as to how much to "list" their home for sale as they are getting suggested list prices from Realtors that can vary $10K- $20K.  I explain to Sellers that "suggested List Price is an Art, not an exact Science".  However, if due diligence is done, the price variation should be within 5-10K.  More importantly, under normal conditions, the market sets the price that your home will sell and not the "listing" price.

You see, if you list your home at $420K.  Yet the comparable homes values are near $400K.  It won't matter that your Realtor® suggested your home was worth $420K, the market will only pay $400K.  Unfortunately many Realtors inflate their suggested listing price to get your listing, or accept Seller's onerous listing price, knowing that in a month when there are no offers, you will be forced to reduce your pricing.  You lose precious time and energy when you do this and Buyer agents will use your listing as a comparison to sell other listings to their Buyers at lower prices.  Eventually your home carries a "stigma", that there must be something wrong with it, if it stays on the market too long.  And the value may dip below $400K because of this.  So when you reduce the price offers may only come at $390 or less.  Bottom line: you will often suffer when you over price your listing. Don't do it, except in a couple of cases!  "Your local market has very few listings, there are no comparable homes and you are just testing the market".

Whereas, time after time again, we see that listings that are priced right, sell faster and at top dollars.  So if you listed at $300K.  Yet the market showed your home is worth $310K.  Then you will get multiple offers and your home will sell at $310K.  Not only would you have sold within the first two weeks.  You also get fair market value for your home.  Just think, if you were a Buyer, you wouldn't  overpay for a home, just because it is listed $20K more than it's worth.  Buyer agents can get in a lot of trouble, if they misdirect their client to pay more for a home than it's really worth!  The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act 2002, clearly directs registrants to provide fiduciary duties of "Competence & Good Faith".  

So ensure you price your home to sell!  And any Realtor® worth his medal, whose looking out for your best interest, as a Buyer or Seller, will always guide you and tell you how it is, and how it should be... irrespective if they got to list and your sell your home or not.

———-  Jas Jagpal is a Re/Max Sales Representative, who helps families in Markham, Scarborough, Pickering and the GTA in the sale or purchase of their home.  Jas’s professionalism and his unique 20% commission sharing program for charitable organizations distinguishes him as a leader in innovation and charity.  If you are charitable organization,  looking to fundraise and want to partner with extraordinary agent who is honest and upfront, then give Jas a call 647-272-6629.  All buyers and sellers are encouraged to visit Jas's website and download his personal brochure to get to know him better.  Affiliate with Jas, help him raise 50K in 2010 for charities and Make Good Things Happen.  Thank you. ——–