Frequently Asked Questions
On this page we answer questions about real estate in general, and HomeSell Select in particular. See our contact us page and email your questions…we'll give you answers or find a resource who can.
Q. How is HomeSell Select different from other real estate agencies…aren't they all basically alike?
A. In NC, all agencies are governed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, and agents who choose to be REALTORS® are also governed by the National Association of REALTORS®. Beyond that, each agency is free to create the type of marketing plans, products, services, pricing, etc. they will offer to the public. Traditional agencies typically offer a single, company-wide marketing plan & commission rate to all clients. We offer a number of innovative marketing plans that allow our clients to select the level of marketing & pricing that best showcases their home and fits their personal situation.
Q. What marketing areas are covered by HomeSell Select?
A. We are members of the Triad MLS, so our primary markets are Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Kernersville, Archdale/Trinity, Winston-Salem, Thomasville, Lexington, and areas surrounding these cities. Our NC brokers license authorizes us to sell property anywhere in North Carolina, but for property outside our area, we'd probably refer clients to an outside broker.
Q. I'm trying to decide between listing my home with a large, national franchise firm, or a smaller local company. Which is more likely to give better service or a quicker sale?
A. The quality and effectiveness of your real estate services are determined by the knowledge, abilities, experience and concern of your individual agent. Real estate brokers are self-employed contractors who pay fees to affiliate with a specific company. (Actually, recent figures from the NC Association of REALTORS® show that 82% of REALTORS® in NC are affiliated with firms of 5 agents or less.) Most real estate firms, large or small, have access to similar sales support services and marketing choices. And the length of time your home is listed "for sale" is usually determined more by it's pricing, condition, or overall market factors than either the agent or their company. Allow your agent to help you price your home fairly and follow suggestions she/he offers to make your home more appealing to buyers. Bottom line: select an agent with a marketing plan you can believe in…someone you feel is capable, trustworthy, and that you can communicate with easily, and your home sale process is likely to be a positive experience regardless of which (if any) company's logo is on your sign.
Q. With the internet, do I really need an agent to sell my home?
A. That depends on a lot of factors…your location. your home's condition, your circle of influence (how many potential buyers you are likely to come into contact with). There are many websites that allow you to post a home for sale. A good agent, however, can be of invaluable assistance…from offering an objective analysis of your home's condition and its worth comparable to other properties listed, to networking with other brokers who may have buyers, or handling contract negotiations & closing details. So weigh the costs of professional services vs. your own time & energy spent…and assess your own level of expertise & experience with the sales & closing process before deciding whether to list or go "FSBO". If you decide to go it alone, you may want to consider checking out our a la carte services and adding a virtual tour or single property website to your online marketing efforts. There's absolutely no pressure to list your home with us…we offer our a la carte services on a fee-basis to the general public…no listing agreement necessary.
Q. What percentage of "For Sale By Owner" listings typically sell?
A. According to the most recent NAR surveys,16% of "FSBO" (For Sale By Owner) listings are actually sold by the owners.
Q. If I list my home as "For Sale By Owner", will it be seen on REALTOR®.com?
A. REALTOR®.com promotes listings that come directly from the National Association of REALTORS®. Unless you contract with a member agent, either by listing with the agent, or contracting for a service that allows you to list your home there, your home will not be on REALTOR®.com. HomeSell Select offers this listing service as one of your marketing choices. Our "Basic Plan" lists your home on the Triad MLS site, as well as REALTOR®,com, and many other home sale websites. With our Basic Plan, you pay a very reasonable flat fee when you list, and a only pay a commission to the buyer's agent when your home sells (vs. paying a commission to both the listing & selling agents). We do all the preliminary work necessary to get your home listed, and also schedule your buyer appointments, but you handle your own negotiations & closing transaction.
Q. Aren't all real estate agents considered "REALTORS"?
A. People often refer to all agents as "realtors", but actually REALTOR® is a trademark name for agents who subscribe to a high standard of ethics by taking an oath when they join the National Association of REALTORS®. An agent can be licensed to sell real estate without becoming a member of the NAR, and as a non-member of that organization, would not be authorized to use the term REALTOR®.
