The Terramar Team ___________________________
(239) 601-7003 Al@AlBailleres.com
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Al Baillères (“Bailler”) Real Estate Consultant
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Are You Looking To Buy Or Sell A Home?
Buying a Home
Everyone knows that buying a home requires a substantial financial investment with
long-term ramifications. What you may not know is that if you plan to buy your home
without a REALTOR® Professional, there are a number of “hidden” costs that should be
factored in. (The worksheet below is a helpful guide to just a few the things you will need
to consider).
Purchaser’s Estimated Costs
Price:
Purchase Price $ ________________
Down Payment $ ________________
Balance $ ________________
Gross Monthly Costs:
Principal & Interest $ ________________
Real Estate Taxes (estimated) $ ________________
Fire or Homeowner’s Insurance Premium $ ________________
Other: $ ________________
Monthly Cash Outlay (estimated) $ ________________
Monthly Tax Deductions:
Mortgage Interest (estimated) $ ________________
Real Estate Taxes (estimated) $ ________________
Total Monthly Tax Deductions (estimated) $ ________________
Net Monthly Cost:
Monthly Cash Outlay (estimated) $ ________________
Monthly Tax Savings
(assuming _______% tax bracket) $ ________________
Net Monthly Cost (estimated) $ ________________
If you have questions about any of the information you need to provide above, just ask a
REALTOR®.
Members of the Naples Area Board REALTORS® are real estate professionals
who subscribe to the National Association of REALTORS® strict “Code of Ethics.”
Not all real estate brokers are REALTORS® and so are not bound by the Code
of Ethics. To make sure you’re working with a REALTOR® Professional, just look for
the “R” trademark.
Here are just a few of the ways that a REALTOR® can help you find a home:
Naples REALTORS® have access to thousands of listings from all
points south in Naples to all points north in Ft. Myers. They can search by price
range, size, location and many other criteria to save you valuable time.
A REALTOR® has information on real estate value comparisons, taxes, utility costs,
municipal facilities, and more - right at their fingertips.
A REALTOR® can offer an objective opinion about a home’s suitability for your
family’s needs.
A REALTOR® can help you narrow your search by helping you determine the size,
price, location, features, etc. of the perfect home for you.
How much house can you afford? A REALTOR® can help you find ways to accrue
the down payment and can explain alternative financing possibilities.
A REALTOR® has a ready list of title companies, banks, attorneys and more to
assist you with everything you need when purchasing a home.
How Much Is Your Time Worth To You?
Time away from your family, time away from work and time researching a purchase can
be an expensive addition to the cost of buying a home. Do you have the time,
information, cost comparisons and contacts to get the job done yourself? Following this
is a little information that may help you when buying a home.
Buying Tips
What is your buying power? Buying power is financial reserves, plus your borrowing
capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available
savings, income and current debt, they can refer you to lender best qualified to help you
finance your real estate purchase.
Finding The Perfect Home
Once you have determined how much you plan to invest, your next step is to find the
property or properties that best suit your needs. Sometimes, a property is available, but
not actively advertised on the market. Using a REALTOR® to help find the perfect
home will help ensure that you are getting access to all the listings available in the
Multiple Listing System (MLS).
Selecting The Perfect Home
Making the final selection of the property you are going to buy can be both an exiting and
frustrating experience. Your continued happiness with your choice is in direct proportion
to knowing what you’re getting into. Using a REALTOR® can ensure you get the ins
and outs of zoning, utilities, school zone information, local community information,
resale value, etc., and help keep you from unpleasant surprises. There is no substitute for
the right information.
Negotiating
Most Americans are not trained to negotiate a purchase price. In many circumstances,
negotiating a price can even be perceived to be rude. How many of us feel like we may
have been “taken for a ride” when buying a car? A good salesman always knows when a
customer is “hooked” and really wants to buy. That’s when most people don’t negotiate
for fear of loosing the item they wanted.
Your REALTOR® knows that there are myriad factors that can be negotiated when
purchasing real estate, including: price, financing, terms, date of possession, inclusion or
exclusion of repairs, furnished or non-furnished, equipment, and more. Your purchase
agreement should also provide an adequate period of time to complete inspections and
investigation of the property before final completion of the sale.
Due Diligence
Completing an evaluation of your property may include inspections for termites, dry rot,
asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, carbon monoxide,
lead paint, and more. A REALTOR® can provide you with a list of qualified
professionals suited to the needs of your property. In addition, you will want to see a
preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property, but
can have limitations on easements, for example, and may not be clear on the status of past
owners. A REALTOR® can help you resolve issues like these before they cause
problems at a later date.
Financing
Once you have chosen a property you will need to secure financing. Your REALTOR®
can help you both to understand the different financing options and to identify qualified
lenders.
Closing
It’s probably the most terrifying part of every real estate transaction. Sometimes, all it
takes is one little problem to make the whole deal unravel. Remember, every area has its
own unique ways of doing things. In some places, the title or escrow company will
handle this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all. Your
REALTOR® can help guide your transaction over the hurdles to ensure the smoothest
closing possible.
Selling A Home
Everyone wants to sell their property at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
Help ensure it by setting a reasonable asking price. Knowing what is happening in the
marketplace, having up-to-date price comparisons and knowing the financial terms and
conditions of other similar properties are all key factors that contribute greatly to having
your house sell quickly, at a price you like. Using a REALTOR® will help ensure that
you have the information and expertise you need to make selling your home a great
experience.
Marketing
Marketing your property can include everything from repairs and cosmetic work to
advertising and open houses. To market your property effectively, you will need time
and a budget. If you plan on using a REALTOR®, the marketing is part of the service
they offer. You may not realize that an estimated 50% of real estate sales are the result of
other agents bringing in a buyer. Your REALTOR®’s network of contacts through
personal knowledge, marketing efforts or the MLS system will put your property right in
front of the people who need to see it. In fact, according to the National Association of
REALTORS®, 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contracts through previous
clients, referrals, friends and family, and personal contacts.
Advertising a property effectively can be tricky. Both the choice of media and the
frequency and appearance of an advertisement should depend on the specific property
and the market it is being sold in. Overexposure of a property, for instance, can lead to
the impression that the seller is desperate. Your REALTOR® will help you devise the
best marketing strategy for your property.
Security
No one likes having lots of strangers inspecting their house. If you have a family, a job,
or just an active life style, finding the time to meet, greet and guide strangers through
your home can be taxing and even unsettling. REALTORS® have tools to pre-screen for
qualified buyers and will make themselves available to accompany anyone viewing your
property.
Negotiating
Negotiating the sale of your home follows the same general guidelines as in the purchase
of a home, discussed above. However, ensuring that the appraisals, inspections,
financing and the composition of a legally binding contract go smoothly make a
REALTOR® Professional invaluable to the transaction.
Monitoring, Renegotiating and Closing
Between the initial sales agreement and closing, questions may arise. Unexpected repairs
may be required; problems with the title may be discovered. A REALTOR® not only
knows the paperwork you will need to cover these situations, they will help you resolve
the problems to move the transaction towards closing.
Here’s a few hints to help you get the best price possible.
Grounds & Exterior
A fresh coat of paint for your home, garage and fences.
Lawn trimmed, weeds pulled, yard clear of debris
Gutters sealed and cleaned
Polish door brass, paint worn trim, replace worn or faded mailbox
Clean all windows, storm doors and screens
Inside Your Home
Paint and repair walls and woodwork
Oil door hinges, tighten loose cabinet knobs, have any stains removed
Check windows, doors and drawers for smooth opening and closing
Replace damaged tile work and clean soiled carpeting
Tighten leaky faucets, repair or replace faulty wall switches, outlets, light fixtures
and appliances staying with the home
Clean bathroom tile & grout, polish faucets, keep toiletries and medicines out of
sight, and make sure laundry is in the hamper
Clean windows and keep closets, basement and garage clear of clutter
Have a garage sale to rid yourself of items you may not want or need
Seller’s Profit Worksheet
Sale Price of Property (estimated) …………. $ ________________
Less Mortgage Balance (estimated) …………$ ________________
Less Other Encumbrances ………………….. $ ________________
Subtotal …………………………….............. $ ________________
Projected Gross Equity …………………….. $ ________________
Estimated Selling/Closing Costs:
Escrow Charges …………………………….. $ ________________
Document Preparation ……………………… $ ________________
Title Charges ……………………………….. $ ________________
Transfer Tax ………………………………... $ ________________
FHA/VA or Lender Discount ………………. $ ________________
Mortgage Pre-Payment Penalty ……………. $ ________________
Real Estate Taxes …………………………... $ ________________
Appraisal …………………………………… $ ________________
Survey ………………………………………. $ ________________
Termite Inspection ………………………….. $ ________________
Corrective Work ……………………………. $ ________________
Home Protection Plan ………………………. $ ________________
Unpaid Assessments ………………………... $ ________________
Other ……………………………………….. $ ________________
………………………………………………. $ ________________
………………………………………………. $ ________________
Total Deductions (Estimated) ………………. $ ________________
Net Profit (Estimated) ……..……………….. $ ________________
FAQs
How Do REALTORS® Get Paid?
Generally speaking, real estate agents or brokers are paid a commission, which is usually
a percentage of the sale price of the real property. The commission will be paid upon the
closing of the transaction. Like other businesses, REALTORS® work to ensure
consumer loyalty. The most successful REALTORS® have clients that use them
exclusively over the years. Being loyal to your REALTOR® means you will get the very
best!
Can I Have A Copy Of The REALTOR® Code Of Ethics?
To get a copy of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics call 239-597-1666.
What Is The Difference Between A REALTOR® And A Real Estate Agent?
Not all real estate licensees are the same. Only licensees who are members of the
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS® and
display the “REALTOR® “R” logo.
Why Do I Need A REALTOR®?
If you got a letter from the IRS claiming you owed $100,000 in back taxes, would you
attempt to “go it alone” and not hire a CPA? How about if you had a legal claim of
$100,000 or more? Hiring a lawyer would probably be prudent. For many people,
buying or selling a home may be the single largest personal financial move in their
lifetime. The average home in Naples sells for considerably more than $100,000. Use a
REALTOR® Professional and get the job done right!
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