FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange?

 

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Why do I need a real estate agent?
Buying or selling a home is perhaps the single largest transaction most people will undertake. As with most major financial decisions, it is a good idea to seek the advice and guidance of a professional. Most people don't have the time to become experts in real estate while managing their regular careers. Real estate agents are state-licensed professionals who are required to continue their education throughout their career. In short, they become your own personal expert specific to your real estate situation.

As a Seller, an agent will help you determine the best asking price for your home based on market conditions, the condition of your home, and your motivation to sell.  Your agent will develop a comprehensive marketing plan to sell your home and help you control how and when your property is shown and by whom. The agent will also help negotiate on your behalf to help you obtain the highest possible price and best possible terms for your home.  Plus, the primary goal is to actually SELL your home, right? Statistics show that the vast majority of buyers locate their new homes by using local Realtors, so it makes sense to advertise your home for sale where those other Realtors are doing their research - in the MLS (multiple listing service).

As a Buyer, an agent will help you to determine exactly how much home you can comfortably afford. Just because you're approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should borrow every possible penny. The agent will also help you to identify only the homes that meet your needs and make your touring process much more efficient. Your agent is a professional who will help you identify the best features and the possible drawbacks in each property you consider. Your agent will also help you to negotiate to obtain the best possible terms and price for your new home.  

Of course, in both cases, your agent will help you navigate local laws and ordinances plus the maze of paperwork and other concerns associated with buying and selling your property. Contact Us today to learn how much we can do for you.

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Why should I choose YOU to represent ME?
Great Question! The quick answer is that we are committed to making your real estate transaction the best possible experience it can be. Further, we will guarantee all seller services IN WRITING - including the guarantee to advertise your property EVERY DAY until it sells. Whether you're buying or selling, we will take the time to determine first what your needs and desires are, and then develop a plan to meet and hopefully exceed those needs. We believe that real estate should be a full-service business, and we go the extra mile to demonstrate that to you, our customer, that you are our NUMBER ONE priority before, during, and well after the sale. Contact Us today to determine whether or not our services are right for you.

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What does MLS stand for?
MLS is short for 'Multiple Listing Service'. Multiple Listing Services are operated by local Boards of Realtors. The MLS is essentially a database that lists properties for sale in that area by members of that association. You must be a member of that particular board to access the information. Most boards require real estate licensees to attend ethics workshops and other trainings to make certain that the public receives the best possible service. Contact Us today to get started!

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What is the difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor®?
All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. To become a Realtor, a real estate licensee must join a professional association of real estate professionals known as a local Board of Realtors. These associations hold their members up to higher standards, codes of conduct, and ethics. Members of the association also have the opportunity to participate in the board's Multiple Listing Service to make research quite a bit simpler. Contact Us today to get started!

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How do I know my price range?
Part of our jobs as your agents is to help you make that determination. As Corporate Agents, we have the benefit of Mainland Mortgage's same-day approval guarantee. A quick toll-free phone call will help us determine your financial price range, but then listening to your needs and discussing your options will help us determine your realistic price range. Just because you 'qualify' for a certain amount doesn't mean that it is in your best interest to borrow all that you qualify for.  Buying a home is a serious decision - we hope we can make it a comfortable and long-term beneficial one.  Contact Us today to get started!

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Can you help me get a mortgage?
YES! One of the many benefits of working with us is that Mainland Mortgage is one of our sister companies.  Mainland Mortgage offers a variety of loan products and offers several unusual guarantees.  First, they guarantee a same-day loan approval, so you won't be waiting days or weeks to find out where you stand. Second, they guarantee that they will beat any other mortgage offer you might receive. So even if you already have a loan prequalification or approval from your bank or other lender, it still makes sense to call Mainland Mortgage - you have nothing to lose and may save yourself thousands in closing costs and mortgage interest over the life of your loan. We can also help you find a suitable closing agent, home warranty, and a variety of other important services.

Call Mainland Mortgage now at 1-786-417-4910.
Tell the agent you would like to be 'preapproved' and would also like to receive a 'Preapproval Letter'. If you don't have a fax, ask them to send it directly to us at 786-524-5747 and we'll give you a copy right away.

Contact Us today and we will help you get started.

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What is your standard commission?
The short answer is 6% to 7% of the final sales price, depending on the situation.  (Before you click away because of this commission number, find out what you actually get for your money by reading our Seller Services Guarantee)  

The long answer is that Government anti-trust laws strictly prohibit a 'standard commission' in the industry.  Most real estate professionals charge between 6-10% of the final sales price, depending on the transaction. A property that requires a lot of in-depth marketing will require more work (and thus more compensation) than a property that doesn't.  As an example, it is not uncommon for commercial real estate transactions to include a 15% or 20% commission. In short, each property is different and we will tailor our marketing program and our commission structure to fairly represent your interests and ours. Of course, we will guarantee ALL of our Seller Services IN WRITING.

For more information on selling on your own and discount brokers, see our Truth About FSBO page.

Contact Us today to get a personal assessment of your particular situation.


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What about those 'Discount Realty Guys'?
Simply put, you get what you pay for. As in any industry, there is always someone willing to work cheaper than someone else. But also like most industries, cheaper doesn't necessarily equate to good value. An agent who offers to sell your home for 4%, but who then simply enters a few lines on the MLS and hopes for the best is not doing you any favors. Selling your property is more than just typing basic details into the Multiple Listing Service - it is working with you, the Seller, to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that will not only get your property sold, but do so at the highest possible price, with the best possible terms, and in the shortest possible period of time, which is the goal of any good real estate agent. Check out our Seller Services Guarantee for more information on what you get when you list your home with Branon and Jelena.

For more information on selling on your own and discount brokers, see our Truth About FSBO page.

Contact Us today to find out more about Our Aqualand Realty Difference.

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