Shelley Russell - Real Estate Professional

The home-buying or home-selling process can be confusing and exhausting. That’s where a good agent steps in with their professional expertise to guide you through the complex details. My job is to help you define your real estate objectives and educate and explain the buying, selling, and lending processes, as well as to make sure the transaction is smooth and complete. I will also properly prepare forms, contracts and disclosures, which are required by law, and make sure that all documents are legally correct. During the transaction I\'ll resolve any problems that arise.

The benefit of buyer representation is having the dedication of an agent committed to the home buyer’s best interests. For most of us, buying a home is the biggest single investment we’re likely to make – and we’re only likely to do it two or three times in a lifetime. The buyer’s agent and homebuyer establish a mutual agreement, known as a buyer agency agreement that will entitle the homebuyer to full disclosure of all material facts such as relationships between agent and other parties, existence of other offers, status of earnest money, seller’s financial condition, property’s true worth, commission split with other brokers, and legal effect of important contract provisions; and confidentiality regarding any discussions, facts, or information.

Help you define the property you’re looking for-the right home in the right neighborhood
Pre-approve you for a loan or help you choose another mortgage broker
Find and screen homes that fit your goals
Tour properties with you
Advise you regarding repairs that should be made
Advise you regarding any inspections that should be done, including septic, well, soil, etc.
Provide comparable sales data to assure that you are paying the right price
Prepare and submit your offer; respond to counter-offers
Negotiate effectively on your behalf with the seller, seller’s agent, title and others involved in the process
Arrange the appraisal and make sure it’s done properly
See that any repairs or requirements are met prior to the closing
Oversee and explain the complete loan, escrow/closing and title process
Properly handle the walk-through process with you prior to the final closing
Obtain keys after closing so you can take possession of your property

When you’re ready to start looking for a home, be sure to use the tools I have available here on my website. If you’re a First Time Home Buyer, be sure to click the link to the left. Conduct a search of homes by clicking MLS Search. Get financial information by clicking Financing, Loan Information, and Calculators. To help you understand words you might not be familiar with, I’ve included a Mortgage Glossary and a Real Estate Glossary. Feel free to ask me questions or let me know what you’re looking for by clicking Property Request Form or Contact Me. And if you’re relocating, click Relocation Assistance.

When selling a home people often question the need for a seller’s agent (listing agent) because they are tempted to avoid paying the commission. However, without a Real Estate Agent, sellers do all the work and take all the risks. If you are thinking about selling your home, you should consider all the duties and difficult responsibilities of selling a home unassisted:

§ Time - you’ll need to be constantly ‘on duty’ for showings and open houses, and to talk with potential buyers when they call or come to your door.

§ Screening - your ‘For Sale’ sign and advertising may attract unqualified, curious people seeking entry into your home. Identifying a real prospect is often difficult and without an agent, you could spend a lot of time with unqualified buyers. In addition, an agent will use their valuable contacts to find the right buyer.

§ Expense – you won’t be able to list your home on the MLS, where most buyers look for potential homes. You’ll have to pay for costly ads that may prove ineffective and for legal fees for a lawyer’s review of your contract.

§ Negotiations - for sellers without an agent, negotiations lead to the most difficulties. Often, a third party negotiator, possibly an attorney, is needed for the final agreement and to provide a greater net return on your investment

§ Buyer’s Agent Fees - most buyers will want an agent representing them, and fees for their agent will need to be included in negotiations. Chances are, you’ll still end up paying half the commission fees you would have paid by having a listing agent as well.

Is it worth it? The commission ‘saved’ may not be enough to meet the total costs of your own time and marketing efforts. As a listing agent, I handle all that for you, plus:

If you are thinking about selling your home be sure to use the tools I have available here on my website. To get an idea of your property value, click Property Market Value. In our current difficult market, you might have questions about foreclosure, short sales and loan modifications. If so, click on Facing Foreclosure, Short Sales, and Loan Modifications. Please feel free to send me your questions by clicking Contact Me, or calling me directly at 916-952-4294

I look forward to being your agent and making your buying or selling experience a smooth one!

If you have any questions, or are ready to buy or sell, please click Contact Me or call 916-952-4294.