By Nathan Bangs & Associates - Keller Williams Realty

07/20/2013 The advantages of listing South Tampa real estate with a licensed Realtor are very real and abundantly numerous, but there are still some urban legends and folklore myths that can confuse sellers when they are ready to get the process started.

For your convenience, we have compiled some of the most widely spread South Tampa real estate agent listing facts and fiction to help set the record straight.
Fiction: In a real estate market that’s hot like South Tampa is known to be the listing agent has it easy. He or she can basically sit back and let the business flow without lifting a finger.

Fact: Even in a hot market with buyers galore the professional requirements, due diligence and client-focused effort during each phase of the listing, sales and closing processes remain constant for every real estate agent.

The fact is, and this goes against public perception of the true role of a South Tampa Realtor, is that much of what a Realtor does for a client occurs after a sales contract is presented. The listing agent provides guidance and professional oversight through a very confusing process, delivers understanding of all real estate laws, and offers analyses of the buyer’s financial documents and qualifications and more. And this is just a glimpse of the listing agent’s responsibilities regardless of market activity.

Fiction: I’ll save a few bucks by demanding my listing agent reduce the commission.

Fact: You get what you pay for. Cliché but it is a true, accurate and factual statement when it comes to the compensation that a listing agent or for anyone in any other above-board profession earns.

A listing agent who agrees to discount his or her fees will certainly make up the difference elsewhere. You want to pays less? Sure! But any South Tampa listing agent who agrees to cut commissions will most likely deliver less marketing of your property. You’ll also probably notice that you’re down the priority list a bit when it comes to personal attention and professional service. Any reduction in effort by a listing agent directly corresponds with a reduction in the final sales price you get, the longer time your home sits on the market, and the net return you realize on your property at closing.

With your property listing you want the most active, professional bang for your commission buck. Creating value and saving a dollar on fees are very different things. Remember – you definitely get what you pay for.

Fiction: You hire a real estate listing agent to sell your home, condo, etc.
Fact: In reality, a South Tampa real estate listing agent isn’t hired to sell your property. The fact is that you own the real estate therefore you are legally the one selling the property. Your South Tampa Realtor delivers the services that facilitate the sale of your property. This includes marketing the property, showing it to prospective buyers, handling the many back-office procedures necessary during the sale and finally providing oversight of the administrative and legal services that span the entire sales process (like contract explanation and closing document guidance). It’s your property, you own it. A listing agent makes sure the sale happens accurately to bring you the best value on your investment.



Fiction: All South Tampa real estate listing agents basically provide the same services so it doesn’t matter who I choose.
Fact: With professionals skilled in any specific area – doctors, lawyers, Realtors, etc. – the level of professionalism and personal service can be the best of the best or worst of the worst. These professionals are people who may be great, or horrible, at what they do.
Your South Tampa listing agent is assisting you with one of the largest investment transactions you will go through in your life and choosing the right one should be a very, very educated and research-driven decision.
Check for current licensing. Ask for, and check, references. Check for average listing-to-closing time. Ask for proof of how the listing agent will market your South Tampa real estate. The proof is there, just do a little research. Check the website – is it professional and provides the online marketing you’d expect for your property? Is the listing agent readily available to answer any pre-listing questions you have? You’ll find that no two South Tampa listing agents are created equal.
As we stated at the beginning the advantages of listing South Tampa real estate with a licensed Realtor are very real and abundantly numerous. The information above, hopefully, will dispel some of the urban legends and folklore myths that can confuse sellers when you are ready to get the listing process started.

Nathan Bangs & Associates - Keller Williams Realty

At Nathan Bangs & Associates, we are committed to creating a win-win deal for our clients. Our dedication to high ethical standards and always “doing the right thing” has set us apart as the Tampa real estate agent you can trust…

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