HOW TO CHOOSE A LISTING AGENT

You've made the decision you need to sell...what's next? Finding a REALTOR® that will work to make your sale as convenient as possible, in the shortest amount of time, and with the most net proceeds to you isn't as difficult as it seems if you follow these guidelines:

KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR AREA An agent should know your community! One that knows your area should know the schools, the amenities of living in your neighborhood, and the real estate market in your city. This knowledge will assist you in realistically pricing your home. The agent need not have an office in or reside in your community. At CENTURY 21 Ohio Northern Realty we have agents that specialize in many communities.

AVAILABILITY Communication between you and your agent is so very important. Your agent should have access to the Internet (including e-mail) and be available after hours by either cell phone or voice mail. The agent should communicate with you about preparing your property for sale, the marketing strategies that will be used, and give you feedback after showings and during the selling process. It is wise to use an experienced full-time agent; however, many newer agents are aggressive and spend a considerable amount of time in servicing their clients. At CENTURY 21 Ohio Northern Realty our agents have access to all the technologies necessary, and our use of a written Seller's Service Pledge affords you a guarantee of service.

STRONG MARKETING PLANS - Our agents are skilled in recommending repairs or cosmetic work that have proven to minimize time on the market and maximize both prospect interest and sales price. Your agent should present you with a marketing plan for your property. Exposure through advertising, open houses, Internet marketing, flyers, mailings, etc. should be discussed prior to signing any listing agreement. Use of the local multiple listing service, a highly recognized "for sale" sign, varied Internet sites, exposure in local media, and follow up on all showings are key ingredients to a successful sale. At CENTURY 21 Ohio Northern Realty, we use many websites to market your property, including: HarmonHomes.com, Century21.com,Cleveland.com, Realtor.com, and C21Ohio.com. Each year we're finding more and more home buyers are searching the Internet to find their new home before calling an agent.

ADVERTISING - We also use the multiple listing service, exposing your property to over 7,000 REALTORS® . The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® shows that 82% of real estate sales are the result, not of advertising, but of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family, and personal contacts, including exposure to other industry professionals. Our gold post CENTURY 21 sign is always recognized and hangs high above all others, promising it will be noticed! We utilize the HarmonHomes magazines, distributed for free in many local banks and stores, and your local media (i.e. Plain Dealer, Sun Newspapers). Ads generate phone calls to the real estate office, but statistically have minimum effectiveness in selling a specific property. Overexposure by open houses gives buyers the impression the property is distressed or the seller is desperate.

SECURITY - Working with a real estate agent ensures showings will be supervised. You can instruct unchaperoned buyers to call us for an appointment so they can be prescreened, you will be safe, and you can do your final polish before the showing.

STRONG NEGOTIATING SKILLS - After all the efforts to promote a property have come to fruition, it's important the purchase contract be dealt with professionally. Is the buyer qualified to purchase? Is the lender reputable? Are all the terms of the contract in the best interest of the seller? At CENTURY 21 Ohio Northern Realty we make every effort to be certain all buyers we bring to the table are pre-approved. In fact, at your request, our very own mortgage company will qualify any buyer at no charge and give a loan decision within 24 hours affording you the security you need. We have ongoing relationships with many local lenders, and our contact with them during the loan process is almost always informative and well-received. We have Seller Representation -- promising you the utmost service and care. In fact, the Broker is always available if you're uncertain or unhappy with anything during our listing time.

MONITORING, RENEGOTIATING, AND CLOSING - The process of appraisals, inspections, and financing involves a lot of possible pitfalls. There are many required legal forms and processes. Our agents can meet specialists and negotiate regarding repairs needed to complete your contract. Industry contacts provide resources for workpersons in many areas with knowledge as to their historical skill and reliability. Our agents are experienced in reading and following escrow instructions. We are the best people to objectively help you communicate these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

COMMISSION PLANS - Choosing an agent based upon commission or suggested list price is not a good determination of service or skills. We at CENTURY 21 Ohio Northern Realty give the seller a menu of choices, giving the seller the opportunity to select the services desired and the fee charged by the Broker.

THINKING OF SELLING BY OWNER? - Most buyers prefer to negotiate with someone they perceive as unbiased, not emotional, and professionally trained. In fact, if you are going to be a buyer, are you going to seek the help of a professional? Buyers are more likely to express objections to agents with the hope of resolution, when they otherwise might move on to another property rather than talking to you directly. A professional's insight in determining a pricing strategy for your property can keep you from missing an opportunity by undervaluing or wasting time by overpricing. Experience in evaluating competing properties and market trends is the first ingredient for the best transaction experience.