A question that is often asked of Realtors is, “Why should I hire you?” And with good reason. Before entering into a relationship with a Realtor to buy or sell your home you should know what he or she can do for you. After helping people move in, out and around Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area for the past 30 years, I have established a list of what I consider the top 10 services I offer my clients and that you should expect from anyone you work with.

Here they are:

1. Conduct an accurate market analysis of your home so you price it right. While location, location, location is one real estate mantra, pricing is another. Often there are nuances in the local real estate market that only a seasoned professional would be aware of. For example, just last month in advising some clients on a waterfront home purchase I pointed out to them that the houses on the portion of the street they were looking at were being appraised $200,000-$300,000 higher than similar houses on a different section of the street because of the particular lake view. That helped them in making their decision on what to offer…which I might add resulted in a successful deal.
2. Help you get pre-qualified for a loan. Being pre-qualified is a must before entering any real estate transaction—it expedites the process and can often be the different between the offer that is accepted or rejected. I like to give my clients two or three referrals at the start of the process, letting them find the mortgage broker that resonates best with them, but at least giving them a place to start.
3. Market your home. Marketing is more than just placing an ad or placing a listing on the company website. It’s also being connected to the informal network of Realtors looking for homes with specific criteria—neighborhood, main floor master, contemporary. It’s often through this network that I learn of homes before they actually come on the market, giving my clients a jumpstart on popular listings or use the network in the reverse—letting agents know of something I have in the offing that may meet a need they’ve expressed earlier. In addition, marketing includes communication and I make it a point to update my clients weekly on the activity on their home that I have listed including statistics on the number of showings, online viewings and feedback based on my follow-up to all showings. These weekly updates help address concerns, keep expectations realistic, and make adjustments as needed.
4. Negotiate the best terms. When an offer comes in, price is only one consideration. Sometimes timing is involved, with the seller needing to stay in the house longer than usual and wanting to rent back or the buyer wanting to delay closing in order to give his or her house longer to sell. On other occasions negotiations center around repairs to be done or furnishings or appliances that the buyer would like to keep. A good Realtor is experienced in the rhythm of negotiation that ensures all parties keep talking and that his or her client is well represented.
5. Represent you at the home inspection. I am always sure to be there in person at a buyer’s home inspection to observe and hear first-hand what the inspector has to say in order to better communicate his findings to my clients.
6. Represent you at the appraisal. I’m also there representing the seller when the appraiser comes around to answer questions like, “Have there been any recent updates?” which can influence your home’s value in his or her eyes.
7. Offer referrals for repairs. I see one of my jobs as your Realtor to facilitate your home selling/buying process and expedite it as quickly as possible. Being in the business as long as I have I am well versed in recommended trades/service/repair specialists. It helps to have a list because many times these technicians are booked so you may have to work your way through a few names before you find someone who can do the job. It helps to know they come recommended.
8. Tie up loose ends at closing. I don’t like surprises at closing and assume my clients don’t either so before closing I go through the file to make sure all the agreements have been met, promised work has been done with receipts to prove it, and the like.
9. Represent you at the closing. I’m also present at the closing with the file I mentioned above to both offer moral support and to address any questions that come up like, “Did I say I’d give a $1,000 credit for deck repairs?” or “Weren’t the sellers going to leave the refrigerator?” The file don’t lie—and since I’ve done my due diligence all along, I have the answers and the documentation to make the closing go smoothly.
10. Refer you to an agent in a new town. If you are moving to a new town, I can plug you into a Realtor so you can hit the ground running. The Hasson Company works with the best relocation companies in the United States so you can rest assured that you’ll have someone ready, willing, and able to help you on the other side.

Buying and selling your home is more than just a business transaction. It’s a very personal decision as well and I like to think I’m a good listener when I need to be and a good advice-giver when that’s called for too. Let me put my professional as well as my personal skills to work for you the next time you’re in the market to move in, out, or around Lake Oswego or the Portland metro area. Reach out via the form below, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website.

And if you’re just curious about what your current home is worth, I’d be more than happy to provide you with a free market analysis. Hope to hear from you!