Experience Montecito's Finest
   
 

Selecting Your Real Estate Agent

Does The Agent:

  • Listen to your needs? 

  • Provide multiple phone numbers so they can be easily reached? 

  • Return phone calls promptly? 

  • Explain information and processes so you understand? 

  • Do business frequently in your neighborhood? 

  • Seem conversant about local market conditions? 

  • Seem knowledgeable? 

  • Have access to the Multiple Listing Service? 

  • Have a detailed written marketing plan (if you are a seller)? 

  • Have references? Ask the references the following questions:

    •  a) Did the agent keep in touch?

    • b) Was the agent prompt?

    • c) How long it took to sell your property or to buy your property?

    • d) Was the agent well prepared and knowledgeable?

    • e) Did the transaction go smoothly?

    • f) Would you hire the agent again? 

A Buyer's Agent

A Seller's Agent
  • Has the most information in one place about what is on the market. 
  • Has access to homes listed by other real estate professionals. 
  • Can help you choose a home that fits your needs - features, size, location, etc. 
  • Can provide information regarding local taxes, utility costs, schools, churches, shopping, transportation, etc. 
  • Selects and researches qualified properties. 
  • Explains basic real estate principles. 
  • Helps you understand the financing options available to you. 
  • Helps you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. 
  • Acts as liaison between you and the seller to present offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached. 
  • Provides an objective view with no emotional ties. 
  • Follows up throughout the transaction. 
  • Can give you the quickest exposure to the maximum number of buyers. 
  • Can "qualify" potential buyers to determine whether your home fits their needs and if they can afford it. 
  • Helps coordinate inspections. 
  • Assists in writing an offer. 
  • Helps you price your home right. 
  • Explains the closing process and financing options. 
  • Knows how to effectively market your home. 
  • Will handle marketing your home through various methods (i.e. advertising, open houses). 
  • Is knowledgeable about current market conditions and requirements. 
  • Shows your home to potential buyers, handling incoming phone calls and showing appointments. 
  • Explains basic real estate principles - agency relationships, contracts, etc. 
  • Offers objective views without emotional ties. 
  • Handles negotiating the contract - presents offers and counter-offers. 
  • Follows up throughout the transaction. 
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Who Is Involved In A Real Estate Transaction?

Following is a list of people who may need to be involved in your transaction. A Real Estate Agent will help contact these people and follow up to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

Buyers

Sellers
  • Appraiser 
  • Legal Assistance 
  • Contractor (for repairs & work orders) 
  • Mortgage Company 
  • Credit Bureau 
  • Loan Officer 
  • Lending Underwriter 
  • Loan Processor 
  • Title Company Representative 
  • Title Processor 
  • Notary 
  • Current Mortgage Holder 
  • Courier (fax station) 
  • Moving Company 
  • Referral Network 
  • Utility Company Representative 
  • Surveyor 
  • Pest Inspector 
  • State Tax Bureau 
  • Septic/Sewer Health Inspection 
  • Structural Engineer 
  • County Auditor 
  • Limited Practices Officer (LPO) 
  • Escrow Agent 
  • Negotiator 
  • Advertising Agency (newspaper, flyers) 
  • Office Supply (for rooms) 
  • Appraiser 
  • Legal Assistance 
  • Contractor (for repairs & work orders) 
  • Buyer's Mortgage Company 
  • Buyer's Loan Officer 
  • Lending Underwriter 
  • Loan Processor 
  • Title Company Representative 
  • Title Processor 
  • Notary 
  • Current Mortgage Holder 
  • Courier (fax station) 
  • Moving Company 
  • Referral Network 
  • Utility Company Representative 
  • Surveyor 
  • Pest Inspector 
  • State Tax Bureau 
  • Septic/Sewer Health Inspection 
  • Structural Engineer 
  • County Auditor 
  • Limited Practices Officer (LPO) 
  • Escrow Agent 
  • Negotiator 
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For further information please contact:

E-mail: sandystahl@aol.com 

REPRESENTING FINE MONTECITO REAL ESTATE

Sotheby’s International Realty®
1482 East Valley Road --"The Annex"
Montecito, California 93108

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