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The Realtor’s Toolbox: Tools of the Trade

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”

– Chris Grosser

What tools do Realtors have and how do they benefit me?

How do Realtors use their tools to maximize your real estate success?

Get a sneak peak at the exclusive tools Realtors keep inside their toolboxes to better serve you.

 

Hello, homeowners, future homeowners, and everyone who accidentally clicked this link thinking it was a recipe for lasagna! Today, we’re talking about the helpful and dynamic tools only Realtors use to turn your property dreams into a reality. Realtors have more than just a listing sign, lock box, flashlight, measuring tape, and shoe covers in their arsenal.

Realtors leverage digital marketing to maximize your outcome.

Multiple Listing Service (MLS): The Digital Real Estate Encyclopedia

This is the #1 most used tool by Realtors. Think of the MLS as a dating app for homes, but without the awkward mess. The MLS is a comprehensive database of all the homes currently on the market hoping to find their perfect match. This allows you to be able to view all the photos, documents, and information disclosed about the home to make sure it’s worthy of a first date. The MLS is also how Realtors are able to seamlessly schedule showings.

  • For sellers the MLS broadcasts your home for sale with a massive reach, bringing you more qualified and serious buyers. Pro Tip: Ensure your Realtor advocates for you and fully utilizes all listing information to maximize your home’s exposure in filtered searches. A crucial step that requires you to provide them with comprehensive details about your property.

  • For buyers the MLS refines searching to show us homes that fit specific criteria. If you want a ranch style home with a fireplace, we can search for that. If you MUST have a 2-car attached garage, we can search for that. If it’s a physical feature, we can filter the search for it. Easy-peasy, just like that.

Virtual Tour & Social Media: House Hunting in Your Pajamas

Your Realtor should already have your home on the MLS as the minimum but it’s 2024, why stop there? Thanks to virtual tour technology, you can visit a dozen homes while sitting on your couch in your cozy PJs. Realtors are the unsung influencers of the property world, using social media to make homes go viral (in a good way). Who knew a humble two-bedroom bungalow could make for such satisfying content? You know you love it! Learn more about why [Realtors are the leaders in Marketing], my blog breaks it all down.

  • For sellers, this is another way to allow your property to receive its maximum reach of exposure to bring in more qualified and serious buyers who might have limited time.

  • For buyers, need I say more? It is not the same as going into the homes, but you can get a deeper look into the home before committing to a showing.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) & other Market Analysis Tools: This Section Could be its Own Blog

Firstly, understand that CMAs automatically calculate and compare the home’s data input by the Realtor to the most recent and accurate public records of sold data. CMAs will generate a listing price range for the Realtor to discuss with the seller dependent on the home’s current physical condition. So, CMA’s help in pricing a home just right; not too high to scare everyone away, not too low to leave money on the table. Check out my blog [Understanding CMAs] to learn more about how they work and their importance.

  • For sellers, CMAs help you price to sell without leaving money on the table.

  • For buyers, CMAs not only confirm the market value of the home, but also provide an extensive amount of insight into the property and neighborhood details.

Electronic Signature Software: Click, Click, Boom

With tools like DocuSign and Dotloop, you can securely sign documents with a click, making the process faster than deciding what to watch next on Netflix. Now, I know this streamlines the process in a beautiful way, but don’t let your Realtor get lazy. Make sure your agent is still reading through contracts with you and discussing the documents for your comprehension before signing.

This benefits all parties the same!

Realtors are required to obtain continuing education courses for credits to be eligible to reinstate our license year to year.

Required Continuing Education Courses: Forever Students

Realtors are always learning, attending courses that sound as exciting as watching paint dry but are crucial for helping you. Topics like “Behave Yourself: The Code of Ethics”, “Advanced/Stats”, and “Mortgage & Real Estate Taxation” might not be blockbuster material, but they’re essential.

  • This benefits all parties the same. Make sure your Realtor is educated and taking advantage of these courses supplied by their local board.

Professional Networks: It’s About Who You Know and Surround Yourself With

From mortgage brokers to home inspectors, and photographers to professional cleaners; Realtors have a Rolodex (okay, a digital contact list) of professionals to help you through the process. You know what they say, “eVeRyOnE kNoWs A rEaLtOr.” Well, it’s true – there are no secret agents in real estate. So, if you need someone for really anything, just ask your Realtor, I promise they know someone in any industry to connect you with. Check out [Why Choosing the Right Realtor for You Matters More Than You Think] blog, I think you’ll find it compelling.

This benefits all parties. Extra Tip: Make sure your Realtor wisely selects their preferred partners with morals and values that align with your own.

My job as a Realtor is not to persuade you into buying or selling. My job is to prepare you for buying or selling, and be your go-to real estate resource when you decide you are ready.

Conclusion: More Than Just Opening Doors

Realtor’s do more than open doors and exchange keys, they’re providing a seamless, transparent, and personalized experience in one of life’s biggest decisions. With access to extensive databases, cutting-edge technology, and a network of industry experts, Realtors bridge the gap between daunting market complexities and your dream home aspirations.

In essence, choosing to work with a Realtor is not just about leveraging their tools; it’s about unlocking a level of insight, efficiency, and ease that going it alone simply cannot match. So, whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, remember that with a Realtor by your side, you’re equipped with more than just expertise – and maybe they’ll help you find that home with the perfect kitchen for making lasagna. Learn more bout the [True Value of a Realtor], here.

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