CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates are CERTIFIED - STATE LICENSED REALTORS® and are member's of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 ISN'T  it  ABOUT  TIME !  "YOUR  MONEY  is  TIME  and  TIME  is  YOUR  MONEY"  so  maximize   both  and  give  us  a  call  today !  

"FREE" MLS home search FORM         

Sometimes a fresh approach is best! One of the things we do for our clients is to offer fresh ideas on how to market their homes. Today's competitive marketplace demands new ideas and modern techniques/technologies, consistent advertising and quick results.

What's on the surface is everything - Not so with real estate agents When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well beyond the surface. When you expect the best, choose the best.

Quick results are our specialty Today's homeowners often have to sell quickly for a variety of reasons. If you ever find yourself in that situation, call us. We will respond quickly with essential information about the market along with a plan for quick action! Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES @ 205-553-6858

Technology has improved many household systems in recent years. The same is true for real estate. Computers, the Internet and cell phones are great tools I wouldn't want to live without. However, they are no substitute for knowledge and experience. We utilize State-of-the-Art Real Estate INTERNET TECHNOLOGY BACKED BY NETVISIONS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, an IBM Business Partner to ensure maximizing Real Time current Technology to allow us to stay ahead of the Technology Curve.  Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES when you need some!

What's on the surface is everything. Not so with real estate agents. When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well below the surface. That's CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES!

Quick results are my specialty. Today's homeowners often have to sell quickly for a variety of reasons. If you ever find yourself in that situation, call me. I'll respond quickly with essential information about the market along with a plan for quick action!

Current market conditions are resulting in some surprisingly high prices for homes in our area. Give me a call if you'd like a current market value for your home!

 In real estate, my clients count on me to help them keep things from going down the drain. Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES to find out more!

Some needs - like buying or selling a home - do require a professional. That's when I hope you'll remember to call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES!

Opening doors is one of my specialties. For more advice on home owner issues, watch your e-mailbox for these tips in the future. If you have any neighbors who would like to receive these tips, please let me know and I'll add them to my e-mail list--just call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES!

If you've ever wondered how to save money when buying or selling a home I have some tips for that subject too. Please think of CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES when the need arises!

You know about how helpful my services can be when you think there's a "window of opportunity" to make a change of home ownership. Give CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES a call to help you unlock your window!

What's on the surface is everything. Not so with real estate agents. When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well below the surface. That's CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES!

If you'd like to know more about how I can save you time when selling or buying property, call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything!

When you have a chance to make the most of a real estate opportunity, you'll probably have only one shot at it. That's when you need a pro - like CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES! Give us a call and I'll help you take your best shot!

Sometimes a fresh approach is best! One of the things I do for my clients is to offer fresh ideas on how to market their homes. Today's competitive marketplace demands new ideas and modern techniques. When you're ready, I can show you what works today - just call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES!

Prospective homeowners look for quality details to make a decision. I can help you with other ways to showcase your home for the best value. Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES for more ideas.

TIPS when staging a home for sale clutter can be a messy problem. If you keep up with clutter, you'll enjoy a more organized life and home. Let me you show more ways to enhance your home's value.

1.  Decorative touches can mean a lot to prospective homeowners. there many ways I help my clients make sure their homes show well when they are on the market. For more ideas to enhance your home, give CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES a call.

2.  Lighting choices can really enhance your home's value. Lighting is just one of many ways I can help you upgrade your home to add comfort and value. When you need help selling or buying a new home, please call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES.

3.  Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. Why not add fresh new flooring and other updates to enjoy, and that will return their value when you resell. I have plenty of other ideas to enhance your home's value. Give CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES a call!

4.  Here's advice from your real estate professional to improve your home and enhance your home's value. Can you use this tip in your home? If you are looking for more ideas, please give me a call. CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES is ready to help!

5.  Real estate professionals agree that first impressions count! Whether you are buying or selling your home, count on me to help create a welcoming look. Keeping up with home maintenance is just one way to enhance the value of your home. Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES for more ideas!

6.  Colorful plants are attractive and invite prospects into your home, as any real estate professional will agree. Need more ideas to enhance your home's value? I'm eager to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES- I'm ready to help!

7.  A fresh color in a room can make a big difference - and it's easy to do-it-yourself. One of the things I do for my clients is to offer fresh ideas on how to market their homes. Today's competitive market requires a seasoned real estate professional. Call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES today!

8.  Be prepared so you're not left in the dark! Advice to help you find ways to protect your family in an emergency. I'm full of ideas about enhancing and protecting your home's value. If you are buying or selling, count on CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES for expert advice!

9.  It's easy to brighten a bathroom! However, in today's competitive market, you can benefit from a local real estate professional. I can show you how to enhance your home for maximum value. When you need help buying or selling a home, be sure to call CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES!

10.  Save time and money with all the top tool essentials. Think of me as another tool in your real estate 'toolbox.' In a volatile market, I can show you many ways to get the most value when you are buying or selling a home

21 REASONS WHY CENTURY 21 IS "SIMPLY the BEST CHOICE" - TOP NAME RECOGNITION! It does tend to slip into the language, though, like CENTURY 21 Real Estate, IBM, Xerox and Coke......CENTURY 21 a Powerful Brand Name and the Most Recognized Name in Real Estate with the largest residential real estate sales organization in the world, in 45 countries, 8,000 offices, 147,000 agents of change ... Our Customers,  Buyers and Sellers deserve, and receive the finest service ever offered by any Real Estate organization! ... CARTUS  PRINCIPAL RELOCATION SOURCE

1. Thousands of Success Stories Each Day - CENTURY 21 Gold Team help people buy and sell thousands of properties every day – more than any other real estate sales organization in the world. 

2. Our Image Works For You - Thanks to over $40 million in advertising every year, 9 out of 10 American homeowners recognize the CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team name – a name they’ve come to trust. 

3. We Attract More Buyers - The CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team of approximately 8,000 offices gives you access to buyers throughout the world. 

4. The Right Pricing Makes Sales - Our real estate CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professionals have the expertise to help you price your home so that you can close the sale. 

5. The Sign You Trust  - Our CENTURY 21© sign is the best local advertising of available properties. A sale can occur as a result of someone recognizing our familiar name on the front lawn and knowing it’s a name they can trust. 

6. Referral System Works For You - With the CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team Referral system, you have the nations largest network of real estate professionals. 

7. Local Advertising Targets Prime Prospects - Once our national advertising attracts consumers to CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team, our local advertising brings them to you.  Neighborhood newspapers, directory and classified ads go to work for you.  WE ADVERTISE MORE CONSISTENTLY THAN ANY OTHER REAL ESTATE OFFICE IN TUSCALOOSA.

8. Financing Expertise Makes the Difference - Financing for your home is critical. CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professionals can help answer important questions, such as how much down payment you need, and how and where to go for financing – questions important to buyers and sellers. 

9. We Have the Marketing Tools That Make the Difference - Our CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team office has an array of marketing tools designed to bring buyers and sellers together and allow you to be competitive in the real estate marketplace. 

10. Professional Training Keeps Us On Top - On-going training opportunities give CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professional access to the latest marketing techniques and the newest financial tools. 

11. The CENTURY 21© Name Means Results - Independent CENTURY 21© GOLD TEAM offices across the nation have helped sell millions of homes. CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professionals is ready to go to work for you. 

12. We’ll Handle the Details - Your CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team sales associate has the contacts to take care of the many details associated with the sale or purchase of your home – from title insurance to termite reports.  We’ll save you time. 

13. Relocation - The CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team system is actively involved in corporate relocation – working nationwide with major companies who transfer employees.  If your home is on the market, it could be just the place for one of these transferring employees. CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates is the CENDANT Principle Relocation Broker Office for West Alabama.

14. Skilled Negotiations Close the Sale  - A skilled negotiator is a critical element in a real estate transaction. CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professionals make things move smoothly, negotiating to help get the right terms and the right price for your property. 

15. We Can Help With Other Services - Need help finding insurance coverage for your new home?  We Can help.  The CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team system has business relationships with companies who can service your needs. 

16. We Take Care of The Paperwork - CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professionals have the knowledge and experience to arrange documents associated with your sale or purchase.  We handle the busy work so you can start packing. 

17. Teamwork for You - When you work with CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team office you have access to other CENTURY 21© GOLD TEAM professionals – locally, from surrounding areas, and even from across the world.  We’re here to help you make your real estate dreams a reality. 

18. We Keep You Up To Date - CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professionals know how important it is to keep you informed.  We make it a point to let you know what’s happening at every stage of the buying or selling process. 

19. We Offer Proven Success - Many homeowners who try selling their own homes fail. Your CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team professional can help you avoid the myriad of pitfalls you face in marketing your own home, including the disappointment of selling your property for less than it’s worth. 

20. You Have Our Promise - We don’t just tell you what we’re going to do – we give you our word on it. Our CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team Associates SELLER SERVICE PLEDGE© and CENTURY 21© GOLD TEAM BUYER SERVICE PLEDGE© Certificates put our promises to you in writing. 

21. We Care - Our clients are our most important asset.  When you work with a CENTURY 21 Patty Snell & Associates "Quality Service Awards", Gold Team sales associate, you’ll receive the quality of service you want and deserve.

YES, I DESERVE TO HAVE THE BEST "QUALITY SERVICE" OFFERED BY ANY REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATION - LIST MY HOME & PROPERTY AND/OR CALL

CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Office and Agent Awards and Accomplishments

Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates GOLD TEAM received numerous "2006" awards for office and individual sales agent production and quality service at the annual awards banquet at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Mar. 31, 2007.

Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates have the knowledge of Neighborhood Expertise!

Century 21 Corporate acknowledges the importance of recognition awards, therefore presents their franchise offices and individual producers with the finest awards available in the real estate industry.

Office awards are the collective efforts of every producing agent in the office.  Once again, the 2006 President Award was presented to Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates.

This most prestigious award is presented to offices that maintain Sales Production and Quality Service.  The coveted Centurion Award is presented to the offices that have outstanding sales, and Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates was presented this award again for 2006.

The Pinnacle Quality Service Award designates those offices that attain the highest level of service for their clients and customers, which was presented once again to Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates

The Produces Award was also presented to Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates for Sales Production.  Century 21 Corporate recognized individual award winners for the individual hard work, dedication, and commitment of each agent.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Customer and Clients "Quality Service" both Buyers and Sellers

With over 8,000 Offices, over 147,000 Agents, in over 45 Countries, worldwide, we have the presence to promote sales across the United States and around the world.  This is so important with Internet sales increasing everyday and the more Computer savvy clients.  We have the best of State-of-the-Art Technology at our finger tips.

Century 21 Corporate provides our agents with an awesome private exclusive web site that is second to none, to ensure our agents are always informed and top notch in every phase of Real Estate.

Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates "GOLD TEAM", of Top Award Winning Realtors has received the most elite and prestigious awards for outstanding sales and customer service that continue to exceed all expectations year after year.

Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates have the knowledge of Neighborhood Expertise!

Quality Service is the #1 priority at Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates.  We are proud of our Quality Service Award Status.

The warm and friendly team of professional at Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates will help you find you dream home.  We handle the home buying process from start to finish.

Selling your home is very personal.  Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates "GOLD TEAM" understands your needs and handles your entire marketing process, negotiating and every other aspect from start to finish.  We make your home selling experience as stress free as possible.

Whether you are moving across town, across the country, or around the world, Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates GOLD TEAM has a RELOCATION DEPARTMENT in-house to provide answers to all of your RELOCATION questions to make our move smooth as possible.

Our Customers Deserve and Receive the Finest Service offered by any Real Estate Organization", You can count on OUR Top Award Winning GOLD TEAM because We Sincerely Care!.. Our Service is the Difference!

Our "GOLD TEAM" Achievement Awards are the results of our customers complete satisfaction of their listings and selling of their Homes and Properties and express their   feeling and comments of the results on their surveys that are sent directly to Century21 Corporate for annual award considerations.

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Check Certifications - Awards - Use the most Recognized Company - Years in Business - Needs the knowledge of Neighborhood Expertise!

A real estate professional who has acquired a higher level of training and experience than a sales agent. A minimum number of classes must be taken along with passing a state exam to acquire a brokers license. Generally they are a legal representative or a proprietor of the office. Brokers usually charge a fee or receive a commission for their services.

Broker is a legal term for someone licensed by the state to negotiate real estate transactions and to charge for services.

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Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) (also Multiple Listing System or Multiple Listings Service) is a database which allows real estate brokers representing sellers under a listing contract to widely share information about properties with real estate brokers who may represent potential buyers or wish to cooperate with a seller's broker in finding a buyer for the property. The MLS combines the listings of all available properties that are represented by brokers who are both members of that MLS system and of NAR or CREA, (the National Association of Realtors in the US or the Canadian Real Estate Association).

Although it is widely practiced in the US and Canada, MLS is also available in other parts of the world.

The purpose of the MLS is to enable the efficient distribution of information so that, when a real estate agent is introduced to a potential home buyer, he/she may search the MLS system and retrieve information about all homes for sale in a given area or price range, whether under a listing contract by that agent's brokerage or by all participating brokers.

The MLS systems are governed by private entities, and the rules are set by those entities with no state or federal oversight, beyond any individual state rules regarding real estate. MLS systems set their own rules for membership, access, and sharing of information, but are subject to nationwide rules laid down by NAR or CREA. An MLS may be owned and operated by a real estate company, a county or regional real estate Board of REALTORS or Association of REALTORS, or by a trade association. Membership of the MLS is generally considered to be essential to the practice of real estate brokerage.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Real Estate Brokers / Agents further education and Technology Expertise

In addition to completing the educational requirements for a state real estate license, most states issue real estate licenses for limited time periods and require real estate professionals to complete a certain number of hours of further education on an annual or biannual basis in order to renew their licenses.

Required course hours range from 10 to 20 per license period. Typically, some specific courses are required to be taken; these would include real estate law updates.

In the 21st Century, more American families than ever own their own homes—nearing 70% in recent surveys. But the makeup of those households and the technology is changing. Century 21 are "Agents of Change", with the "Gold Team" with the Gold Standards.

NAR educational requirements and recognized designations

As adherents to NAR's Code of Ethics, Realtors are required to update their acquaintance with the Code every 4 years by taking a course, available on-line or "live".

However, Realtors, as members of NAR, also have the option of studying for additional certifications in a variety of specialties, several of which are backed by NAR with offerings of certification and update courses available nationwide ^[6].

The most well known NAR sponsored designations are the following:

• Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). The Real Estate Buyers Agent Council has over 40,000 members and is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Of the REBAC members, over 30,000 have completed REBAC’s two-day course and provided documentation of buyer agency experience. Linked to the ABR is the ABRM, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM) for managers.

• Accredited Land Consultant (ALC). ALC’s are the recognized experts in land brokerage transactions of all kinds of specialized land services including farms and ranches, raw land sales and development.

• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. There are more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe.

• Certified Property Manager (CPM). Geared to real estate property management specialists, designees handle all forms of management from residential to commercial to industrial.

• Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB). The designation is awarded to REALTORS® who have completed the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees consistently increase their level of industry knowledge, advance their earning and career potential, increase their firm’s profitability and benefit from active involvement in our network of real estate professionals.

• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Designees, with 44,000 members - 4% of NAR members - who average 43 transactions per year and earn four times as much as the average Realtor, belong to the Council of Residential Specialists which is the largest affiliate of NAR. They are involved in over 27% of all transactions because the consumer prefers to work with a more knowledgeable and seasoned brokers or agents. Requirements for this designation include a total of at least 25 transactions (or specific $$ volume of sales) over a specific time period, significant experience, as well as complete rigorous educational requirements.

• Certification for Internet Professionalism (e-PRO). An e-PRO is a Realtor who has undergone a new training program presented entirely online in order to be certified as Internet Professionals. NAR is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism which involves all aspects of doing business on the internet.

• Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). Realtors with the CIPS designation have both hands-on experience in international real estate transactions, Whether traveling abroad to put transactions together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets. CIPS designees have also successfully completed an intensive program of study focusing on critical aspects of transnational transactions, including currency and exchange rate issues and cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, tax issues and more. The CIPS network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate.

• Counselor of Real Estate (CRE). A CRE designee is one of only 1,100 by-invitation-only members of an international group of professionals who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters.

• Graduate of the REALTORs’ Institute (GRI). The GRI designation is held by 19% of Realtors and courses are offered through state Realtor Associations with 90 hours of coursework on marketing and servicing listed properties to real estate law. In a 2003 survey, NAR has determined that GRIs earned over $33,200 more annually than non-designees.

• Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA). Designed for administrative assistants or employees of Realtors (who may or may not hold a real estate license), a two-day certificate course provides an intensive introduction to the real estate business and to the specific ways support staff can become valuable assets to their employers

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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The Real Estate Agent

Needs the knowledge of Neighborhood Expertise!

A person who acts or has the power to act for another. A real estate agent acts on behalf of the principal (the buyer or seller) and has a fiduciary responsibility towards the principal. Buyer's Agent: a agent who represents the buyer and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. Seller's Agent: an agent who represents the seller and owes fiduciary duties to the seller. They are usually referred to as the listing agent who is authorized by a property owner to find a buyer or a tenant for the property.

Our "GOLD TEAM" Achievement Awards are the results of our customers complete satisfaction of their listings and selling of their Homes and Properties and express their   feeling and comments of the results on their surveys that are sent directly to Century21 Corporate for annual award considerations.

When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well beyond the surface.

Century 21 Patty Snell and Associates have the knowledge of Neighborhood Expertise!

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

The Same way you’d find a good doctor or lawyer – start by asking friends and co-workers if they’ve had a good experience with any particular person.  Then if you're looking to sell your home, call three real estate companies that are active in your area (read ads and look at lawn signs) and ask them to send someone over.  You won't have any obligation, and you'll be able to pick their brains and profit from the information they bring you. Then list the property with the one who inspires the most confidence. If you're looking to buy, you can sometimes find the right person by visiting open houses and answering ads, looking for someone who seems really interested in your quest, is a good listener, offers advice and further service.  Or you may seek someone who represents only buyers.  Either way, you can retain a buyers’ agent who is legally bound to put your interests first. The word "Realtor", by the way, does not apply to every licensed real estate agent.  It's a trademarked word, properly capitalized, and applies only to members of the National Association of Realtors, a trade group. TOP NAME RECOGNITION: It does tend to slip into the language, though, like Century21 Real Estate, IBM,Xerox, and Coke.

When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well beyond the surface

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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The "Guaranteed Sale" - "BE AWARE" !!

Be aware of Guaranteed Sale.  In some circumstances, you may need to know that you can count on a certain minimum sum by a given date. Some offices can offer you a guaranteed sale. In essence, it is a promise to buy your property at a discounted price if it has not been sold by your deadline. Any guarantee should be in writing, and you need assurance that meanwhile the office intends to market the property aggressively and to try for a higher price.
In a broker-guaranteed sale, the broker is justified in offering a price below market value. The broker buys your house at wholesale. It is worth much more to the homebuyer who intends to live in it. Some of the broker’s costs, if he or she does buy your house and then sells it again, include an average of three months’ taxes, insurance, utilities, and lost interest on the investment while the house is vacant. Legal fees for buying and again for selling, maintenance, emergencies, and points (explained in Chapter 10 and in the glossary) must all be considered. The broker will also include the lost commission on the eventual buyer, who might otherwise have been sold another house.

If a guaranteed sale is contemplated, the broker should explain these factors to you and furnish an estimate of true market value. The broker should counsel you to price the house attractively yourself in hopes of selling it at retail within your time limit.

Some large corporations will offer you a guaranteed sale in your relocation package, assuring you of a certain agreed-upon price for your home, but allowing you, say, 30, 60, or 90 days in which to get your home sold through their referred agent for a higher price. If, at the end of that period, your home remains on the market, you would have agreed to accept the buy-out, and that, as they say, would be that.

"GUARANTEED SALE"  READ BETWEEN THE LINES!

When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well beyond the surface.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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How to Protect Yourself

If the agent is duty-bound to put the seller’s interest first (and there’s only one first place), how should this affect your relation ship with the broker?

First, realize that no confidentiality is owed to you. It’s practical to reveal your financial situation if you expect to get effective service, but you may want to keep some information to yourself. The broker who knows that you would pay more “if we have to” is, strictly speaking, obliged to convey that information to the seller. Saying “but don’t tell the seller that” won’t help because the agent does not have any special obligation of obedience to you. Never reveal the highest price you are willing to pay to a seller’s agent. Assume that whatever you say will be (or at least should be) transmitted to the seller.

Take advantage of the fact that you must receive honest answers to your questions. In a few states you are entitled to a seller’s written disclosure of defects, but elsewhere, “Are you aware of any defects in this house?” is a good all-purpose query to ask of both seller and broker.

When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well beyond the surface.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Home or Property Inspection

Detailed inspection of the physical structure, the plumbing, electrical and heating systems and the overall condition of the home. Typically the cost is $150-$300 and the results are detailed in a multiple page report.

The seller and real estate brokers must disclose any major problems they know about, that you can’t see for yourself. They also owe you honest answers to direct questions.

A qualified home inspector has special expertise. Prudent buyers will include in their written purchase offer a clause known as a “contingency: -- an “only if.” It states that the deal will be binding only if the buyer’s inspector turns in what they consider a satisfactory report.

When it's time to buy or sell, you need a professional whose knowledge and experience extends well beyond the surface.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Services provided to seller as client

Upon signing a listing contract with the seller wishing to sell the real estate, the brokerage attempts to earn a commission by finding a buyer for the sellers' property for highest possible price on the best terms for the seller. In Canada, most provinces' laws require the real estate agent to forward all written offers to the seller for consideration or review.

To help accomplish this goal of finding buyers, a real estate agency commonly does the following:

• Listing the property for sale to the public, often on a Multiple Listing Service, in addition to any other methods.
• Based on the law in several states, providing the seller with a real property condition disclosure form, and other forms which may be needed.
• Preparing necessary papers describing the property for advertising, pamphlets, open houses, etc.
• Generally placing a "For Sale" sign on the property indicating how to contact the real estate office and agent.
• Advertising the property. Advertising is often the biggest outside expense in listing a property.
• In some cases, holding an Open house to show the property.
• Being a contact person available to answer any questions about the property and to schedule showing appointments
• Ensuring buyers are prescreened so that they are financially qualified to buy the property; the more highly financially qualified the buyer is, the more likely the closing will succeed.
• Negotiating price on behalf of the sellers. The seller's agent acts as a fiduciary for the seller. This may involve preparing a standard real estate purchase contract by filling in the blanks in the contract form.
• In some cases, holding an earnest payment cheque in escrow from the buyer(s) until the closing. In many states, the closing is the meeting between the buyer and seller where the property is transferred and the title is conveyed by a deed. In other states, especially those in the West, closings take place during a defined escrow period when buyers and sellers each sign the appropriate papers transferring title, but do not meet each other.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Real estate Brokers and Sellers Services Provided

Services provided to Sellers:

Services provided to seller as client

Upon signing a listing contract with the seller wishing to sell the real estate, the brokerage attempts to earn a commission by finding a buyer for the sellers' property for highest possible price on the best terms for the seller. In Canada, most provinces' laws require the real estate agent to forward all written offers to the seller for consideration or review.

To help accomplish this goal of finding buyers, a real estate agency commonly does the following:

• Listing the property for sale to the public, often on a Multiple Listing Service, in addition to any other methods.
• Based on the law in several states, providing the seller with a real property condition disclosure form, and other forms which may be needed.
• Preparing necessary papers describing the property for advertising, pamphlets, open houses, etc.
• Generally placing a "For Sale" sign on the property indicating how to contact the real estate office and agent.
• Advertising the property. Advertising is often the biggest outside expense in listing a property.
• In some cases, holding an Open house to show the property.
• Being a contact person available to answer any questions about the property and to schedule showing appointments
• Ensuring buyers are prescreened so that they are financially qualified to buy the property; the more highly financially qualified the buyer is, the more likely the closing will succeed.
• Negotiating price on behalf of the sellers. The seller's agent acts as a fiduciary for the seller. This may involve preparing a standard real estate purchase contract by filling in the blanks in the contract form.
• In some cases, holding an earnest payment cheque in escrow from the buyer(s) until the closing. In many states, the closing is the meeting between the buyer and seller where the property is transferred and the title is conveyed by a deed. In other states, especially those in the West, closings take place during a defined escrow period when buyers and sellers each sign the appropriate papers transferring title, but do not meet each other.

Although there can be other ways of doing business, a real estate brokerage usually earns its commission after the real estate broker and a seller enter into a listing contract and fulfill agreed-upon terms specified within that contract. The seller's real estate is then listed for sale, frequently with property data entered into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in addition to any other ways of advertising or promoting the sale of the property.

In most of North America, where brokers are members of a national association (such as NAR in the United States, a listing agreement or contract between broker and seller must include the following: starting and ending dates of the agreement; the price at which the property will be offered for sale; the amount of compensation due to the broker and how much, if any, will be offered to a co-operating broker who may bring a buyer. Without an offer of compensation to a co-operating broker (co-op percentage or flat fee), the property may not be advertised in the (MLS) Multiple Listing SYSTEM.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

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Real Estate Brokers and Buyers Services Provided

Services provided to buyers:

Buyers as Clients

Our Customers Buyers and Sellers deserve, and receive the finest service ever offered by any Real Estate organization!

With the increase in the practice of buyer brokerage in the US, especially since the late 1990s in most states, agents (acting under their brokers) have been able to represent buyers in the transaction with a written "Buyer Agency Agreement" not unlike the "Listing Agreement" for sellers referred to above. In this case, buyers are clients of the brokerage.

Some real estate brokerages choose only to represent buyers in an exclusive buyer's agency relationship and do not take "listings" from sellers.

A real estate brokerage attempts to do the following for the buyers of real estate only when they represent the buyers with some form of written buyer-brokerage agreement:

• Find real estate in accordance with the buyers needs, specifications, and cost.
• Takes buyers to and shows them properties available for sale.
• When deemed appropriate, prescreens buyers to ensure they are financially qualified to buy the properties shown (or uses a mortgage professional to do that task).
• Negotiates price and terms on behalf of the buyers and prepares standard real estate purchase contract by filling in the blanks in the contract form. The buyer's agent acts as a fiduciary for the buyer.

Due to the importance of the role of representing buyers' interests, many brokers who seek to play the role of client advocate are now seeking out the services of Certified Mortgage Planners, industry experts that work in concert with Certified Financial Planners to align consumers' home finance positions with their larger financial portfolios.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

In most states, until the 1990s, buyers who worked with an agent of a real estate broker in finding a house were customers of the brokerage, since the broker represented only sellers.

Today, state laws differ. Buyers and/or sellers may be represented. Typically, a written "Buyer Brokerage" agreement is required for the buyer to have representation (regardless of which party is paying the commission), although by his/her actions, an agent can create representation.

• Find real estate in accordance with the buyers’ needs, specifications, and affordability.
• Take buyers to and shows them properties available for sale.
• When deemed appropriate, prescreen buyers to ensure they are financially qualified to buy the properties shown (or uses a mortgage professional to do that task).
• Assist the buyer in making an offer for the property.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858

TOP

Real estate Brokers and Sellers Services Provided

Services provided to Sellers:

Buyers as Customers

Our Customers Buyers and Sellers deserve, and receive the finest service ever offered by any Real Estate organization!

In most states, until the 1990s, buyers who worked with an agent of a real estate broker in finding a house were customers of the brokerage, since the broker represented only sellers.

Today, state laws differ. Buyers and/or sellers may be represented. Typically, a written "Buyer Brokerage" agreement is required for the buyer to have representation (regardless of which party is paying the commission), although by his/her actions, an agent can create representation.

• Find real estate in accordance with the buyers’ needs, specifications, and affordability.
• Take buyers to and shows them properties available for sale.
• When deemed appropriate, prescreen buyers to ensure they are financially qualified to buy the properties shown (or uses a mortgage professional to do that task).
• Assist the buyer in making an offer for the property.

CALL CENTURY 21 PATTY SNELL & ASSOCIATES. When it comes to making a deal, timing can be everything @ 205-553-6858