*38 yrs experience *over 1000+ home sales *Zillow Top Agent Award *Zillow Premiere Agent *Zillow Showcase *I represent several institutional cash buyers *Full-Appraisal Value Cash Offers * Sell Now Move Later Cash Offers Repair First Sell Later Cash Offers * Cash to Win - Make Regular Buyers into Cash Buyers Program iBuyer Type Cash Offers
Now more than ever, sellers should ensure they get their money's worth from a listing agent. All commissions are negotiable. Any agent with a license and a member of the MLS can offer you syndication to all of the major portals and access to international buyers. That, in and of itself, is worth no more than a small flat fee commission or 1%.
2001 was the last buyer's market or neutral market. It has been 23 years since the last time there was a "normal" market with more than five months of inventory. Here in the Greater Fort Lauderdale metro, there are now 3 to 5 months of inventory for single-family detached homes and 8 to 11 months of inventory for condos, depending on the area. So, if your agent has at least 24 to 26 years of experience, they need to learn how to sell in a market where sales and marketing skills are at a premium. 1991 to 2001 were markets with ample inventory (competition) for buyers. So, your ideal listing agent should have at least 200 to 400 sales from 1991 to 2001.
For listing agents to be worth a higher commission, they must have a unique marketing plan that guarantees more eyeballs on your listing. The ideal listing agent has a database of several hundred to one thousand buyers who haven't purchased yet so that your listing can attract more eyeballs and, therefore, a higher price.
Since Aug 17, 2024, buyer's agents must have a value proposition that makes them worth their commission. If they are just door openers, then the fee for that is around $20 a door. Buyer's agents should have many years and many sales to have enough experience to get buyers the home they want. They should have a way to make you a cash buyer so you can win competitive homes, so that you can pay thousands less, or so that you can get a lower interest on your loan.
You deserve the best. Ask plenty of questions. Informed sellers and buyers are powerful sellers and buyers. Extensive knowledge and experience in your agent gives you power. Being friendly, honest, and hardworking isn't enough. It is those things plus so much more.
If you want to talk directly about renting, buying, selling, investing, or relocating to Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contact me.
View Tomas Fonseca's Agent Profile