Jan Brito

Some home sellers in the boom years were tempted to market their homes "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) to avoid paying a real estate broker's commission - especially in seller's markets where homes attracted multiple buyers.

While the impulse to save money is certainly understandable, selling without professional representation in today's market is a risky strategy that could actually result in lower "walk-away cash" (net proceeds) from the sale and a longer time on the market. Here's why: Increased Competition. The nationwide inventory of existing homes for sale still hovers around a 10-month supply given the current pace of sales - in some local micro-markets, the overstock is even greater. Bottom line: lots of competition among home sellers. To stand out from the crowd and secure a sale in today's market, you'll need every advantage realtors can provide. We will:

• Design and execute a detailed, customized marketing strategy that puts a spotlight on your home.
• Help you determine the "right price" that's not too high, not too low.
• Recommend cost-effective improvements and repairs to attract buyer interest and offers. (Today's buyers can demand move-in condition.)
• Put your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to reach thousands of buyers and agents actively shopping right now.
• Provide yolu with information that's up to date and accurate about local market conditions and trends.
• Promote your home sale through your nationwide network of industry professionals and local client contacts.

With everything that is going on in our economy, there are a lot of people who are in financial trouble and who may be having trouble with their mortgage payments. In addition to residential real estate sales, I also started to offer help to homeowners who may be facing foreclosure or are upside down on their mortgages and don't know their options. A lot of people in this situation believe there is nothing anyone can do for them, and unfortunately so do many agents. The truth is that if help is provided soon enough, there are ways to avoid foreclosure. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I invite you to have anyone you know who may be in this position contact me to find out what their options are. One of the aspects of the real estate business that I love is the opportunity to help people. I can't tell you how rewarding it is to help someone avoid the heartbreak of foreclosure and the huge negative impact on their credit, and to help them get on with their lives and start over. Distressed homeowners need an advocate that will act in their best interest and help them find the best solution to the financial crisis they are facing. The individual best suited for this role is the well-informed, well-trained Agent.