A couple of years ago blogging was almost an unknown, certainly not common knowledge.

Some agents and other real estate professional were involved but not to the extent we see today. Similarly, use of the Internet by buyers and sellers continues to grow dramatically – it is hard to find a consumer who isn’t searching for homes, and learning about real estate and agents, on-line.

Real estate professionals, as well, derive many advantages in their blogging for consumers. Those of you who blog regularly know this; those who don’t (but you are reading this, right?), listen up!

Read the full article here with all the 9 advantages of blogging for YOU, the buyer or seller.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by

phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler

Are you finding yourself working with a mediocre Buyer Agent who just does not seem to get it? Are you feeling that he or she is doing a substandard, or poor, job?  Does this agent not seem to be representing YOUR interests, as you expected and hoped?

Or, if you have not yet made that decision to hire an agent, are you concerned about  having to face these issues by hiring the wrong person?

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence in the world of real estate. And as an agent, I am embarassed to admit that. Yes, it's a tough job - there is a lot of work to do, problems to solve, and things do not always go the way you and your client would like.

• Some agents just don't act as if they care about their job or how well they do it
• Some are only focussed on making the commission, rather than their main focus being YOU, the client.
• There are agents who do not follow-up in a timely manner (say, making appointments, answering questions, or responding to your calls and emails)
• Others do not seem to know all that they should be doing to represent you in the transaction., or they don't understand the paperwork or disclosures well enough to explain them to you

So, what can you do?

Read more about the problems you might encounter when working with a Buyer agent and what you can do about it.

Have a great weekend!

Here is the final post in this series on "What Does a Realtor do in a Sale."  If you missed any of the earlier posts, you can read them here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5).

• Check to make sure the bank has scheduled the appraisal
• If necessary, provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser
• Follow-Up On Appraisal to ensure timely processing with lender
• Notify buyer’s agent when appraisal has been completed

• Make sure all paperwork is reviewed and signed, and apporpriate copies provided to the necessary personnel
• Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
• Confirm closing date and time with individual handling the closing (varies by state)
• If necessary, assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining Death Certificates
• Coordinate with buyer's agent for final walk-thru prior to closing
• If appropriate in the state, obtain and review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
• If applicable, arrange for  "Home Owners Warranty" before closing
• Attend closing (again, this will vary from state to state)
• Make necessary changes in MLS to reflect sold status
• Close out listing in MLS and office files
• Send thank you card to buyer’s agent
• Make sure checks are distributed appropriately
• Assist seller with any last minute issues at closing or afterwards
• STAY IN TOUCH with seller

Hopefully this series has provided you with a better idea of what a REALTOR does when working with homeowners to sell their home. Each situation is unique, and some agents provide more, or fewer, services. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or I can be of assistance.

Here is the next post in this 6-part series. If you missed any of the earlier posts, you can read them here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4).

• Contact lender to ensure all necessary information has been provided
•  Follow loan process through to the underwriter and contact lender (or buyer’s agent) weekly to ensure processing is on track
• Keep seller informed of status of loan
• Relay final approval (i.e., loan commitment) of buyer's loan to seller

Part 4 of this series on "What Does a REALTOR do in a Sale" focuses on activities once an offer is obtained. If you missed any of the earlier posts, you can read them here (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3).

• Receive and review all offers submitted by buyers or buyer's agents; make sure all information is submitted, including pre-approval letter and copy of deposit check
• Present all offers to seller as soon as possible, preferably face-to-face; provide written copy to seller for review (some buyer agents may request permission to present the offers themselves to the listing agent and sellers).
• Counsel seller on offers and answer all questions. Discuss merits and weaknesses of each offer
• Review buyer's qualifications and discuss offer with buyer's agent
• Negotiate offers on seller's behalf
• With sellers, prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer's agent(s)
• Ensure necessary paperwork flow between sellers and buyers regarding offer, counteroffers, etc.
• Once offer has been accepted and signed by seller, deliver signed offer to buyer's agent and provide copy to office file
• Record and promptly deposit buyer's earnest money in escrow account (process varies by state)
• If property will continue to be shown determine "Under-Contract Showing Restrictions" (depending on seller’s request)
• Cancel planned public and broker open houses if applicable
•  Advise seller in handling any additional offers to purchase that may be submitted between contract and closing
• Change status in MLS to reflect being under contract

Since the process of making and finalizing offers may vary quite a bit from state to state, there may be many other activities that your REALTOR will engage in during this phase. If there are any questions, please feel free to let me know.

Part 3 of this series on "What Does a REALTOR Do in a Sale?" is fairly lengthy, as it focuses on the activities a REALTOR might engage in while marketing a home. Not all agents will be this comprehensive, and some situations will not required the same amount of type of marketing.

If you are interested in more details on this series, you may visit my website and request the full report via email.

• Review current title information, establish square footage, examine plot plan if available, verify loan information
• Prepare showing instructions for buyers' agents and agree on showing times/requirements with seller
• Identify Home Owner or Condominium (if applicable) Association manager or contact, if applicable, and determine condo/HOA fees
• Request copy of Condominium Association bylaws and Master Deed, if applicable
• Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
• Have extra key made for lockbox (if used) and for office
• If leased property, obtain copies of lease(s); verify rents and deposits
• Install signage, brochure box and lockbox
• Finalize marketing plan
• Discuss how offers are to be handled, especially in a multiple offer situation
• Discuss dual agency and what it means
• Take additional photos for MLS, flyers and advertising
• Enter listing into MLS, including photos, and proofread; email copy to seller for review
• Provide seller with signed copy of the Listing Agreement and a printout of the MLS Listing within 48 hours; revise MLS listing as needed per seller’s feedback

The role of a REALTOR in the sale of a house is complex, far more so than many buyers and sellers realize. This is because many of the acitvities go on behind the scenes.

Since you are going to be working with a REALTOR to help sell your house during your relocation (unless you decide to chance doing it on your own - read my series on "Thinking about Selling Your Home Yourself."), it would be beneficial to you to understand what the role entails.

Here are some of the things a REALTOR does before even meeting with a seller to discuss a potential listing.

• Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
• Confirm listing appointment and call to reconfirm
•  Review pre-appointment questions and information needed from seller
•  Provide Pre-Listing Information Package to seller (surprisingly, many agents DO NOT do this like I do)
•  Research all comparable currently listed properties
• Research sales activity for the past 6 months (standard review period) from MLS and public records databases - in some markets, such as one where prices are rising or dropping, the time period is less
• Research property tax roll information, property ownership, details of lots, legal description, zoning
• Prepare "Comparable Market Analysis" (CMA) to establish fair market value - I do a RIGHT PRICE ANALYLSIS (see my website for more information on this)
•  Verify legal names of owner(s) in county's public property records
• Prepare listing presentation package with above materials and MLS information
• Perform exterior "Curb Appeal Assessment" of subject property
• Make sure marketing materials are assembled to review with seller
• Take pictures of property for mock up of feature sheet (again, not something a lot of agents do)

If I can answer any questions or provide other assistance, please let me know.