Cal Yoder in Lititz, PA (Lancaster Area) writes a fabulous post on the Value of a Good Real Estate Agent. We are working for our clients' best interests and continuing to build a strong referral business through our EXPERIENCE.
The "savings" of not using an agent can cost you far more than you realize, or be paid to the listing agent, when you don't get represenation, but do pay the listing agent the $$ you thought you saved.
Enjoy the No need to PANIC difference if you have a valuable real estate agent!
What value does a good real estate agent have? Recently I have encountered a larger number of persons who are trying to sell their own home or contact the listing agent to buy. I suspect this is due to the fact that these persons want to save money and fail to see the value of a good real estate agent.
Why do I believe I am worth the money I receive in a typical transaction? My value as a good real estate agent is in what I have dubbed the PANIC difference. The PANIC difference is:
- Pricing. The ability to determine a value which is fair market and is a realistic appraisal figure. In the current market this takes some expertise. A good real estate agent has advance training, experience and tools of the trade to help a client determine a reasonable selling price or a reasonable offer price. This skill must not be minimized by either clients or other real estate agents.
- Agency Relationship.Most consumers do not understand the importance of having proper
representation. Too many throw caution to the wind, believing they will save some money if they go the road themselves. I am amazed someone will embark on a several hundred thousand dollar decision without proper coaching, education or experience. I believe so strongly that a consumer is best served by finding an agent who they trust and has the proper experience and using that person by signing a Exclusive Buyer Agency contract. Do you understand how to structure a deal to ensure your well being? Do you understand contingencies to the agreement of sale and how they work? Do you want inspections? Without proper representation, you will basically go it alone. That is your choice, but one I would not advise.
- Negotiation abilities. It also takes some experience to understand the negotiation tactics as a contract is being worked on, signed and completely executed. Again without proper representation, you the consumer are on your own. I recently had a client who told me, “You do not seem too worried about this, so I guess I will not worry.” An agent, who can remain calm, even during tense times, is well worth it.
- Insurance policy. Will you buy an insurance policy on your new home? If so, why? The simple answer is to protect your asset against possible catastrophic events. The value of a good real esate agent is very similar to buying home owner’s insurance. Most buyers and sellers I meet have no idea of what could go wrong or what it actually takes to complete a real estate transaction. A good real estate agent is like a great insurance policy.
- Contacts. I have been reminded of this recently. A buyer used one of the inspectors I had suggested. This buyer was from out of town and did not know anyone. The buyer was incredibly impressed with the inspector’s professionalism and thoroughness. I also, have many contacts for mortgage, insurance, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc. These contacts are invaluable to you the consumer.
When selling or buying a home or investment property, you will not need to PANIC, if you hire a good real estate agent. The value of a good real estate agent far exceeds what it may cost you in this onetime fee associated with the real estate transaction.
Want to learn more about the value of a good real estate agent, please contact me.
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An agent who places your interests as his first priority.
Cal YoderYour Homes for Sale in Lancaster Agent
Keller Williams Realty Lancaster
1630 Manheim Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
Office Phone: 717-735-1145
Cell Phone: 717-413-0744
You can find great local Lititz, PA real estate information on Localism.com The Living in Lancaster Group - Cal Yoder 717.413.0744 is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.
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Information and content on this blog is original to Michelle Francis
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty, Serving Buckhead, Atlanta & Sandy Springs GA
(404) 219-9760
Want to know more about Residential Buying, Selling, Executive Home Leasing & Property Management in Buckhead, Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA?
If so, you can find me here:


representation. Too many throw caution to the wind, believing they will save some money if they go the road themselves. I am amazed someone will embark on a several hundred thousand dollar decision without proper coaching, education or experience. I believe so strongly that a consumer is best served by finding an agent who they trust and has the proper experience and using that person by signing a Exclusive Buyer Agency contract. Do you understand how to structure a deal to ensure your well being? Do you understand contingencies to the agreement of sale and how they work? Do you want inspections? Without proper representation, you will basically go it alone. That is your choice, but one I would not advise.






Michelle, thanks so much for the reblog. The best to you this holiday season and hope it is a profitable new year for you. Be well.
Cal
Excellent selection for a re-blog. Cal is an outstanding real estate professional.
Enjoy the holiday season and be sure to have your camera in hand to capture those special moments.
Dahlias in Kentlands. Photograph by Roy Kelley.
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Best wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Holiday Wreath in Colonial Williamsburg IMG_1417
Photograph by Roy Kelley
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Michelle -- Thanks for the repost on this. Missed it the first time around. Definitely no need to panic if represented by an agent who knows the ropes. Many consumers roll the dice not realizing the chance they could be taking and what it might cost them if they don't get experienced representation.
MIchelle--thanks for reblogging this post. Having been gone for few months I missed it. I will follow link to Cal.