Working With RE/MAX When Buying Or Selling A Home

RE/MAX real estate has been around since 1973. Here's why you should consider working with our RE/MAX team of agents in Ohio. There are a few things you may not realize...

Our RE/MAX team of REALTORS do NOT charge you "administrative, processing, or junk fees" as some call it. Most larger brokerages in the Cleveland, Ohio area such as Howard Hanna, Coldwell Banker, etc. will charge you $150-$250 to work with them when buying or selling a home. We do not charge our buyers a penny when they work with us. We're essentially saving you hundreds just by working with us to buy a or sell a home in the Cleveland area. We're proud of this and think of it as only fair to our clients.

RE/MAX and YouShouldOwn.com has the largest Cleveland, Ohio real estate presence on the Internet. The combination of the largest broker in the world and the largest Cleveland real estate website offers many benefits and mass exposure. Marketing is what we do. From social networking prominence to your home being placed on hundreds of websites.

If you're selling your home and work with a RE/MAX agent, RE/MAX is the largest broker in the world. RE/MAX sells more homes than anyone else. You'll have the power behind you of a world-wide company and 100k + agents in a strong referral network of 52+ countries.

RE/MAX agents are the best trained and most experienced agents. What most people don't realize is that most newer agents don't start their career with RE/MAX. They start at other brokerages to get their training and field experience. Once many agents get years of experience behind them, they move to RE/MAX. Make sure to ask your agent how long they've been in the business and how many homes they've sold. This is where RE/MAX breaks the mold in the industry. From strong negotiating power to knowledge about the entire home buying/selling process, RE/MAX is hands down the best in the business.

Other RE/MAX real estate services for home buyers and sellers include: Agent announcements of new or updated properties, a world-wide network of agents on your side. The largest internet presence in the world. Online marketing is key. Connect with the best in the business.

Charity and causes are important to RE/MAX and their agents. Since 1992 RE/MAX has supported the Children's Miracle Network raising more than $67 million for children's hospitals in addition to supporting the Susan G Koman Foundation, Little League and many more events and charities.

If you're thinking of buying a home, contact us 24-hours a day or start looking at properties for sale. If you're considering selling your home in Ohio, you can fill out our simple Home Value Form to get started. We look forward to showing you more of the RE/MAX difference and assisting you with your home buying and selling needs in Northeast Ohio.

Are Buyer Agents in Ohio Free?

Many people ask if working with a buyer agent when buying a home is free. It's very important to understand how buyer agency works and the benefits of working with a real estate agent that specializes in buyers.

Most larger real estate brokerages in Ohio charge a processing fee ranging from $150-$250. This fee is included in your closing costs and it covers all "handling and storing of paperwork for five years." It costs pennies to store documents on a computer. Working with a RE/MAX agent in Ohio when buying a home, automatically saves you this 'administrative fee.' Our team at RE/MAX chose not to hand down this cost to you. You instantly save hundreds of dollars when you work with us. We're proud of this and think it's the only fair practice.

When buying a home in Ohio through RE/MAX and most brokers, there is no commission paid by you for using a buyer agent. At RE/MAX, we believe buyers and sellers should each have their own representation during the home buying and selling process. Each side should have an agent to handle the paperwork, details and coordination of actions from beginning to close. Some real estate companies will make you sign a contract to work with them and some will even represent both parties at the same time. We don't bind our buyers and only represent either the buyer or seller, never both at the same time. In other words, we can work with you while selling your home but not the buyer buying your home and the other way around.

Many people think that they have to pay a commission to the buyer agent. Only the seller pays the commission when their home has sold. The commission they pay covers both buyer and seller agents. The seller's agent determines how much the buyer agent will receive. It used to be standard for buyer agents to receive 50% of the commission as they're doing half of the work in the transaction. In today's real estate market, many selling agents keep more of the commission and a 60/40 split is common. It's important for you to understand and know this if you plan to sell your home using an agent. You may want to insist that they give at least 50% if not more to the buyer agent as incentive and encouragement for them to show your home and help sell it. Get it in writing on the listing agreement. My agents and I believe that a 50/50 split is fair and equitable and in the best interest of our sellers. Unfortunately, most don't realize how the commission is split or paid.

Working with a buyer agent is a crucial part of buying a home. An experienced Realtor will:

• Best match you and your needs to properties on the market.
• Identify new homes coming to the market that aren't listed yet.
• Know the history of a property and its true value.
• Negotiate on your behalf to get you the best price and terms.
• Explain and guide you through all paperwork, steps and laws.
• Deal with the seller's agent and handle potential negotiation issues.
• Walk you through the home inspection process, escrow and close.
• Give you experienced advice on lending, insurance, taxes and title.
• Refer you to top, reputable industry experts in the area.
• Be your advocate when it comes to repairs and contract changes.
• Handle all follow-up on your behalf making sure all steps are completed.
• Make life easier for you during your move by coordinating the close.

One bit of advice - If you're out looking at homes on your own, be careful going to open houses, calling yard signs or ads. The person answering the door or phone on the other end will more than likely represent the seller. Once you are in their care, it's hard to now bring in your own agent. Some seller agents won't honor another agents involvement. If there is no buyer agent in the transaction, the seller's agent keeps all of the commission. It's best to pick a buyer agent in the very beginning of the process and have them work with you from the start.

View it as having your own attorney in court. You wouldn't want the other side's representation working with you or knowing your personal details, thoughts or plans. Anything you mention to the seller's agent can hinder your final cost, negotiations and ultimate outcome.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to discuss the process further. Whether you've been actively looking for a home or are just starting, a good buyer agent will be able to fill you in on tips and ways to minimize your stress, costs and time. Email, text or call. Our Cleveland RE/MAX team are always available and happy to help.