Monday, January 30, 2012

How Much Can You Save

How much can you save selling your own home? Take control of the selling process and save thousands! On average a homeowner can save $12,000 in listing commissions. Who wouldn't want to save that amount?! Calculate your savings to see how much you can save selling your home. 


The listing agent will list you on the MLS, place a yard sign in your front yard, host 1-2 open houses and assist in paperwork. Most sellers are capable and feel comfortable doing this on their own. Is that work worth 6%? We at MySecretAgent don’t think so!  Any homeowner selling on their own can do this with the help of listing on the MLS with MySecretAgent.
 

Friday, January 27, 2012

Over a Million Saved

MySecretAgent is proud to announce that we have helped homeowners save over One Million dollars in commissions in just 2.5 years! Our goal has always been to focus on the seller- giving them the best chances in selling effectively without having to pay 6% in commissions.


MySecretAgent allows all FSBO homeowners to be in control of their listing 24 hours a day via online account. You can change the price, photos, description, etc any time. The seller handles showing appointments (besides who knows a home better than the seller), controls access to the property and answers questions about the property. Is that work worth 6%? We at MySecretAgent don’t think so!  Any homeowner selling on their own can do this with the help of listing on the MLS with MySecretAgent



Contact us should you have any questions on how we can help you save on commissions.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Tips on Getting the Best Result Selling by Owner

Selling a home by owner, FSBO, may seem like a lot of work but in reality it's not. An owner knows more information about a home then any agent would anyway. A traditional listing agent will list you on the MLS, place a yard sign in your front yard, host 1-2 open houses and assist in paperwork. Most sellers are capable and feel comfortable doing this on their own. State laws require a licensed agent to list a property on the MLS therefore giving traditional agents the upper hand.  When analyzing the role of a traditional agent it is hard to justify paying thousands in commissions when you can get the same result listing with MySecretAgent, a top discount broker.

Now, back to the point: Below are some tips on how to get the best result selling your home by owner.

Exposure: If you are selling your home by owner, FSBO, list with the a Flat Fee MLS company that will get you Internet exposure. Listing with MySecretAgent will give all sellers local and National Internet exposure. All listings will be displayed on Realtor.com and more.


Listing Price: Be realistic on the selling priceIt's tough being the seller in a buyer's market. But you can improve your odds with the right research. Call or email MySecretAgent for a FREE CMA. 


Showings: Make sure your home shows well and has a great first impression. Remove the clutter, all rooms have a purpose, etc. Here is an extensive checklist to insure your home is ready to be on the market. 


Preliminary Paperwork: You can set up a preliminary escrow account when you are ready to place your home on the market. This will make the process easier when it is time to negotiate the purchase of your home with the buyers. 


Should you have any more questions on Selling Your Home by Owner, please call or email us. 







Monday, January 16, 2012

Outstanding Reputation


MySecretAgent.com strives to serve clients through superior knowledge, service and support. We are dedicated to offer professional services and make all sellers feel comfortable with the process of listing their home. Here are a few testimonials from past sellers. 



Whether you are already a client, or you are a homeowner who is interested in our services, we are here to answer any questions via phone or Email. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tips to Negotiate Buying a Home

Negotiating to buy a home may seem daunting but with our checklist you may even save some money negotiating yourself. First and for most, stay focused during the process and keep your eyes on the goal; Purchasing your home!


Keep Your Emotions to Yourself: Not letting your emotions take over buying your home. Remind yourself that buying a home is a "business transaction". If you go into it with this mentality then a seller may think you have other options and may be more inclined to sell to your terms.


Ask Questions: Asking questions about the sellers' financial position may let you know how motivated they are to sell. If they are in foreclosure or short sale this will let you know that they are motivated. Remember, if this is the case the bank may have the final word. Also, ask if the buyers  already purchased another home. If they did, they may be motivated as they probably don't want to carry two mortgages.


Get Prequalified: Before you start to look or place offers on homes get prequalified. Getting prequalified shows sellers that you are serious about buying a home.


Check Comparable Properties:  Do your market research to reflect your offer based on what has sold in the last three to six months in the neighborhood. You will most liekly find that homes that are listed sell sell for lower than the active listings. 



Avoid Contingencies: Keep your offer free of complicated contingencies, such as making the purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. Do keep contingencies for mortgage approval, home inspection, and environmental checks typical in your area, like radon.


Please contact MySecretAgent should you have any further questions on how to list your home or how to contatact a seller




Monday, January 9, 2012

What to Expect After Listing

The listing process is easy with MySecretAgent. What to expect after listing is just as easy and efficient. 

Paperwork: Your paperwork is emailed to you automatically after listing online. Once you send back signed documents we will list you on the MLS by the same day or next business day. We have a quick turnaround time to ensure you getting listed on the MLS as soon as possible. 

Internet Exposure: After listing on the MLS your listing will propagate to most websites within 15-30 minutes. 

Post: If you order an Extended or Full Package a sign will be installed within two days (usually the next day) of listing on the MLS. 

Sign: Your costum sign is sent to you via UPS within two days of listing. The sign includes your phone number and MLS number printed directly on it! 

Flyers: Our Full Package includes 50 perfissionally printed flyers. You have four templates to choose from. A PDF of the flyer is sent out the same day or next business day for your approval. Once you approve the flyer the are printed and sent out to you via UPS. The flyers are sent out in the same package as the sign. 

Should you have any questions on how the listing process works with MySecretAgent or what to expect after listing please give us a call or email us. 


Thursday, January 5, 2012

5 Tips in Getting Your Home Sold 2012

It's that time of year when owners start thinking of selling their homes. If selling your home is one of your 2012 resolutions here are a few tips to set your self up for success. 

1. Study the market: You want to know the homes that are comparable to yours and be in the same price range. Most homes that are successful in selling are priced right from the get go!  You want to know what makes your home stand out from your competition as well. Do some homework and study the market- it will pay off in the end. If you need some assistance in what is on the market and what sold in your neighborhood call or email MySecretAgent.com for a FREE comparative market analysis (CMA). 

2. Crub Appeal: You only have one time to make a great first impression. Make sure your home is appealing from the curb. A home with curb appeal will attract buyers to take a look inside. 

3. Prep your home: To make your home appear larger remove all clutter. When buyers walk through the front of your home they want to see clean spacious area that affords them plenty of living space. Depersonalize, remove family photos; a buyer may get distracted looking at family photos or knickknacks preventing them looking at your beautiful home. 

4. Paperwork: Gather your paperwork now for a smooth transaction when your home does sell.  
  • Disclosure Form: This form is emailed to you automatically when you list with MySecretAgent This includes any documentation of anything that might impact a buyer’s decision about your home, whether it be inspection reports, repair receipts or estimates for repairs you haven’t actually had done yet.  
  • Financials Documents: Before the property’s title can transfer to another owner, the escrow or title company will need your mortgage statements to order payoff demands from any mortgage holder who has to get paid before that can happen. 
  • Preliminary Title: Open a preliminary title at an escrow company of your choice. This will get the ball rolling for when you do get a mutually accepted offer. 

5.  Marketing: By now you have priced your home right, your home is appealing from the curb, the inside is de-cluttered and your paperwork is gathered. The last step is making sure to choose photos that highlight your home in the best way. Because you are saving money listing with MySecretAgent I would recommend sellers getting professional photos. Buyers are looking at many homes a day. You want your listing to stand out from the rest.






Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Steps to a Stress Free Closing

By doing a little homework before it's time to sign paperwork in escrow you will feel confidant during the process of closing you home. Below are 6 simple steps to a stress free closing for all buyers. 

  1. Set a Closing Date: Make sure to choose a closing date that fits with the end of you lease or the sale of your current home. Choosing a date at the end of the month will save you money in interest as it is prorated. 
  2. Funds: If you are required to bring funds to the closing make sure to transfer it to a liquid bank account to avoid last- minute problems. 
  3. Title Insurance: Title insurance protects the policyholder against trouble with a home’s title. You should also consider purchasing what’s called an owner’s title policy, which protects you from fraudulent claims against your ownership and errors in earlier sales.
  4. Homeowners Insurance: Make sure to line up homeowners insurance prior to closing on your home. Get quotes and compare policies. Depending on the size, area, etc annual policies should between $500- $1000. 
  5. Walk Through: Before closing on your home make sure to walk through to ensure all repairs you requested have been done. If any times have not been met to your standards make sure to identify this during the walk through. In some states you may delay closing until it is done. 
  6. Paperwork: Review your good faith estimate and HUD-1 estimate sheet. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of your closing fees. Some of those fees can’t change, and others can rise by 10%. Before you go to the closing, read your good-faith estimate, compare it with your HUD-1 settlement statement, and question any fees that increased.