The first step toward putting your house up for sale is to meet with a member of Provincial RE at your home. This is what we call the "listing appointment". It's important to understand "who's who" and how brokers may cooperate to sell your house.
Listing Broker or Listing Agent.
An individual real estate broker whom the seller hires to represent the seller through a contract called a "listing agreement". The listing agent is associated with the listing broker (the real estate company). The listing broker is directly paid the listing commission and then splits the commission with the listing agent.
Selling Broker or Selling Agent.
In a "cooperative" sale, the house is listed by one broker and a buyer is provided by another broker. The selling broker receives the selling side of the commission. If the listing broker also produces the buyer, then the listing broker receives both listing and selling sides of the commission. A selling broker may have a signed buyer
representation agreement with a buyer and, therefore, represent the buyer and not the seller.
During the home visit we will become familiar with your home and property and will discuss the items that may need addressing to ensure that it is sold. This may include removing items from various rooms and making the home pleasing to the eye of potential buyers. We will ask you questions regarding the attractions of the property and neighborhood, including schools, day-care, desirable neighborhood features, as well as home features that are not readily apparent. Buyers will look at numerous homes and will “comparison shop” thus we will advise you with what is needed to make your home stand out.
Finances
Also, during our visit to your home we will discuss with you the finances of the process. Through studying comparable sales and properties on the market we will determine a listing price with you. We are a member of the Multiple Listing Service for Massachusetts where we will market your property and will discuss other avenues in which we can attract buyers including open houses and local advertisements. Ultimately the market is what will determine the sales price based on other properties on the market and what a buyer is willing to pay for the home.
Provincial RE will provide you with a sample net sheet detailing the expenses the seller will have to pay from the proceeds of the sale. This will include, if necessary, mortgage payoff, broker commission, real estate taxes, transfer tax, attorney’s fees, etc.
There are many other items that we will address with you throughout the process to allow for a smooth experience of selling your home. Here at Provincial RE, it is our expectation to keep you informed and engaged in the entire process and to make it enjoyable as well.
Please contact us at (617) 615-8068