Archive for May, 2009
When considering renting property, you need to do your sums and work out how much you can actually afford to pay. Take into account not just the rent, but council tax bills, utility payments, your TV license and insurance that you will have to pay.
Try and find out the price of the rent as soon as possible. Then, it would be a good idea to carry out local market research. This way you will get an idea as to the rent charged for the type of property you are interested in and how the rent varies according to the location. You can source this information from obtaining rental lists from local letting agents, local newspapers such as the loot and some internet websites such as findaproperty.com. This information could be useful to you in negotiating the price down.
If you are negotiating with a landlord or an agent, you should always remember that you have the upper hand. They want to rent out the property and if it is empty when you view they will be eager to get someone in as soon as possible. Offer the landlord less than the rent he is asking for; typically it is possible to get
Property in Verona has always been desirable, and that have never been more true than in today’s market. Verona real estate is snapped up as almost as soon as it comes on to the market. At least these are the findings of the real estate agents involved in the Italian Network.
The Italian Network consists of a wide base of real estate agents from all over Italy. Through the network, both local and indeed national coverage of real estate is met allowing the customer to have access to and view a very wide selection of properties held all over the world. Clients are also able and encouraged to take advantage of the huge number of collective years of experience held amongst the network of agents.
Verona is outstripping other parts of Italy at the moment in terms of popularity and desirability. There are many sumptuous properties available currently in and around the city of Verona. Whether it’s a stunning city centre apartment you are after or a delightful country house situated on the outskirts, through the Italian Network, you will be sure to lay eyes on your dream Verona property.
The range of properties offered in Verona through the Italian Network are some of the most exclusive in Italy and as it is part of the Sotherby’s International Reality Network, you know it is a name you can trust to provide a service that is second to none.
Verona is a delightful Italian city based in the heart of the Italy’s north. Its rose-washed mediaeval buildings and Roman remains attract visitors from around the globe, and let’s not of course forget that it said to be the location where the great love story of Romeo and Juliet took place. The famous balcony of Juliet’s is visited today by tourists in their droves.
Part of the Veneto region, it is in close proximity to Venice, the town of Treviso which is set within 16th century walls and one of the most ancient cities in Italy, Padua. The region itself stretches right across from the Alps to the Adriatic coast and with the stunning scenery, lakes, ancient towns and bustling life that encompass the area, it is of little wonder that Verona property is hungrily sought out. In addition, the excellent links to the popular ski areas held within the Dolomites provide yet further investment potential to real estate in Verona.
If it is buying or selling an exclusive property in Verona, let the Italian Network help. With our clients placed at the centre of everything we do and our strong commitment to providing outstanding service, you can be sure you are in safe hands. We will find your dream Verona property!
By: Ian Baker
First, let’s cover how NOT to choose an agent because these are the 3 most common mistakes sellers make (but now you won’t).
1. You should not select a friend or relative just because you know them.
If they are going to do the best job marketing your home, then choose them for that reason, if not you need to do what is best for you.
2. You should not select the agent because they say they will get you the highest price for your home.
Your home is worth what a buyer will pay for it and the way to get the most money is to prepare the home to show as well as it can, pricing it correctly and marketing the home properly. The agent that does those things will really get you the best price for your home.
3. Don’t choose someone just because they tell you they have a potential buyer for your home.
When you list with the best sellers agent, any agent with a buyer can still show and sell your home, so that is not a reason to choose them to market it.
You want to choose an agent you feel comfortable with, but that is not the only criteria. The agent you select should be continually learning, you can tell this by their designations or certifications earned. How a home is marketed has changed drastically over the last few years, largely due to the Internet. You want an agent that keeps up to date. You also want some who is trained in the type of property you are selling, whether it’s single family residential, luxury homes, condos, commercial or investment property. They are marketed differently. Of course, the agent’s job is to effectively market your home so it sells. More than 80% of the time, the listing agent is not the one to represent the buyer. You are hiring them to market your property. Any agent can sell your home if it’s listed with another real estate agent, that’s the purpose of the MLS. Ask a potential agent about their marketing plan. It should include ways to market to the public and ways to market to agents.
Some agents want to sell your home themselves so they don’t have to split the commission and they don’t market to agents. This is a common practice, but is not in your best interest. No one has control of your homes location, neighborhood, incurable functional or external deficiencies, interest rates and the overall real estate market, but these things have an effect on the time it will take to sell your home and your actual selling price. You want an agent who has experience in the things you do have control over such as marketing, preparing the home for sale, and determining the most realistic asking price. The Internet has rapidly grown to be the most effective way of marketing a home. Choose an agent who is good at using the Internet to get maximum exposure. Other skill considerations are the knowledge and use of virtual tours, photography, ad writing and communication. Commission rates among brokers are similar and seem to average around 6%-7%. If you are asked for a higher commission, be sure you are getting the value for it in extra services. If you are offered a lower commission, be sure you know what you are giving up. It may sound like you will end up with more money, but if your home doesn’t sell or sells for a lower price because you gave up valuable marketing, you don’t end up saving anything. Better marketing and service usually result in better sales prices and may be worth the higher commission. Some properties such as luxury homes or investment property are more expensive to market and usually take longer to sell.
One of the most important jobs a real estate does for you is the negotiation after a buyer is found. This is difficult to know about. Look for a certification or additional training in negotiation. “A real estate agent has a high fiduciary duty – a duty of trust and confidence” Donald R. Brenner, professor emeritus at American University.
Consider choosing an agent who is a Realtor
