| 1. How
does Help-U-Sell work? |
|
Help-U-Sell brokers and agents are professionals, fully
licensed by their local Board of Realtors and members of
the National Association of Realtors®, who work with
both Buyers and Sellers, and provide a full range of
real estate services. Help-U-Sell differs from
traditional brokers, not in the scope of services
provided, but in the dollar amount that you pay for
those services. Our brokers charge a set fee for their
services, as opposed to the traditional 6 percent
commission, which, in turn, helps you to retain a
greater amount of equity while still receiving all the
real estate services you expect. Streamlined business
practices and a focus on marketing properties rather
than marketing themselves allows our brokers to spend
their time working with buyers and sellers, as opposed
to traditional real estate brokers who spend a majority
of their time managing offices and recruiting new
agents. |
| 2.
How does
your set fee for service work?
(back to top) |
| We believe
that the traditional 6 percent commission is an outdated
practice and has no correlation to the cost of
performing a real estate transaction. Our goal is to
provide a fair price for the cost of services rendered,
much like any other professional service that consumers
would pay for. Since the cost of doing business varies
throughout the country, the set-fee offered for our
services also varies, depending on the market. What
doesn’t change is the scope of services we provide. We
perform all the same services as traditional real estate
companies, and, often times, more. Please
contact
us your local office to find out more
about the set fee in your market. |
| 3.
Do you also represent buyers?
(back to top) |
| Yes. Help-U-Sell is a full-service real estate
organization representing both buyers and sellers. We
can help a buyer purchase any home for sale in the
market, not just Help-U-Sell listings. We take the time
to learn what our buyers are looking for and represent
their best interests throughout the home purchase
process.
Search over 2 million listings nationwide. |
| 4.
Why does Help-U-Sell work?
(back to top) |
| Its simple. We are consumer-centric. Sellers
appreciate the fact that our Brokers spend their time
marketing properties instead of marketing themselves and
recruiting agents. Our Buyers appreciate the fact that
we are experts in their neighborhood and that our
website contains all of the local MLS listings, and, in
many cases, more. Our unique marketing strategies drive
an unprecedented amount of traffic to our website and
offices, which results in many buyers for our listings
and many new listings. Additionally, our streamlined
operations and cost efficiencies translate into low
overhead and savings that we pass along to consumers
with our low set fee. |
| 5.
Are Help-U-Sell agents licensed?
(back to top) |
| Yes. All Help-U-Sell brokers and agents are licensed,
members of their local MLS boards and members of the
National Association of Realtors®. |
| 6.
What advantages does Help-U-Sell offer as compared to
a traditional Realtor®?
(back to top) |
| Help-U-Sell offers several advantages over traditional
real estate companies: |
| |
1. Set-Fee. You know upfront exactly how much it is
going to cost to sell your home and how much equity you
will retain.
2. More Equity. In most cases, our set fee
is significantly lower than any other traditional real
estate company would charge in their commission.
This means that you retain more of your equity.
3. More Technology. Help-U-Sell’s proprietary
technology allows you to obtain up-to-date information
about your home sale quicker and more efficiently than a
traditional listing agent. In fact, with our technology,
you can be anywhere in the world and learn about the
latest activity on your home.
4. More Experience. The average agent typically
handles less than 10 transactions a year, while our
agents and brokers handle dozens, which means more
in-depth market knowledge, more experience solving
problems and more value for our buyers and sellers. |
| 7.
I’ve heard that Help-U-Sell offers choices. What
does this mean?
(back to top) |
|
Since all Help-U-Sell offices are independently owned and
operated, and all have vastly different market conditions,
the choices available to our clients may differ.
However, for those clients who choose to be an active
participant in the transaction many of our brokers provide you
with the opportunity to save even more money by showing your
home yourself and conducting your own open houses. Or,
you may also have the option of placing your home on the
MLS. Again, these choices are optional and vary by
office. |
| 8.
How can
Help-U-Sell charge such low fees for its services?
(back to top) |
| Years of experience have allowed us to refine the home
selling and home buying process. Rather than mega
offices, our franchises are streamlined operations with
low overhead and a small team of specialized experts.
Instead of recruiting and managing agents, we focus on
promoting our clients’ listings and Help-U-Sell’s unique
business model. Not only does this result in cost
economies but it also allows us to charge a fee directly
related to the services provided. We pride ourselves on
being extremely consumer-centric and believe that the
traditional real estate commission model, with no
correlation between the services rendered and the cost
of those services, is outdated and unnecessary. |
| 9.
Since your fees are lower, does that mean you hire
inexperienced agents and pay them less?
(back to top) |
| Actually, almost all of our brokers are seasoned
agents, and many are also top producers in their local
area. Statistics show that our listings consistently
beat the national average in terms of number of days on
market and list to sales price. In addition, our
brokers and agents consistently conduct more
transactions per year than the average real estate
agent. |
| 10.
If your
business model is so beneficial to clients and you
alike, why aren’t other brokers doing it?
(back to top) |
| Help-U-Sell, with its innovative business model has been
at the forefront of the revolution in real estate. But
as in any industry, and particularly one as entrenched
in one way of doing business as real estate, change is
slow. Although a number of Internet real estate
companies and commission discounters make promises about
changing the way real estate is practiced, only
Help-U-Sell offers a management team comprised of some
of the top names in real estate, experienced brokers and
agents licensed by the National Association of
Realtors®, full service, a fee that correlates to
service, and a proven track record. |
| 11.
Are there
any hidden fees that I don’t know about?
(back to top) |
| No. Help-U-Sell identifies all fees up front. The price
you pay is based on a fee for professional services
rendered – not on a percentage of the sales price of
your home. |
| 12.
What is MLS?
(back to top) |
| Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) is the most
comprehensive computerized database of homes for sale
with over millions of listings nationwide. This database
is used by Realtors® to market and promote their own
listings and to cooperate with other Realtors®.
Realtors®, in turn, are compensated with part of the
commission. A large portion of real estate transactions
are a result of direct MLS exposure. By having your home
in MLS, it will be exposed to thousands of local real
estate agents who otherwise would not have known that
your property was for sale and would not have shown it.
This is the same MLS used by traditional brokers who
charge a 6 percent commission. |
| 13.
Won’t
buyer’s agents boycott my listing?
(back to top) |
| No. Buyer brokers search many sources for their clients,
and they understand the advantages of Help-U-Sell. Our
listings have been sold by every major real estate
company and we have a long history of excellent
relationships with our colleagues in the industry. |
| 14.
How do I
list my Home with Help-U-Sell?
(back to top) |
| Just
contact your local
Help-U-Sell office. |
| 15.
How should I price my home?
(back to top) |
| We will provide you with a Competitive Market Analysis
that will provide you with information regarding the
price range of similar home sales in your area as well
as with information on current sale conditions so you
can choose a price you feel is appropriate for your
home. |
| |
|
House Hunting FAQs |
| |
| 16.
When I start visiting homes, what should I be looking
for the first time through?
(back to top) |
| The house you ultimately choose to call home will play a
major role in your family's life. A home can be an
excellent investment, of course, but more importantly,
it should fit the way you really live, with spaces and
features that appeal to everyone in the family. |
| At each home, pay close attention to these important
considerations. |
| |
1.
Is
there enough room for you now, and in the near
future? 2. Is the
home's floor plan right for your family?
3. Is
there enough storage space? Will you have to replace
the appliances, carpet, or mechanicals?
4. Is the
yard the size that you want?
5. Are
there enough bathrooms?
6. Will
your present furniture work in this home? |
| 17.
Is an older home as good a value as a new home?
(back to top)
|
| It's a matter of personal preference. Both new and older
homes offer distinct advantages, depending upon your
unique taste and lifestyle. New homes generally have
more space in the rooms where today's families do their
living, like a family room or activity area. They're
usually easier to maintain, too. However, many homes
built years ago offer more total space for the money, as
well as larger yards. Taxes on some older homes may also
be lower. Some people are charmed by the elegance of an
older home but shy away because they're concerned about
potential maintenance costs. Consider a home warranty to
get the peace of mind you deserve. A good Home Warranty
plan protects you against unexpected repairs on many
home systems and appliances for a full year or more
after you move in. |
| 18.
Do I need to bring anything along when I'm looking at
homes?
(back to top) |
| Bring your own notebook and pen for note taking and a
flashlight for seeing enclosed areas. Be prepared to
"snoop around" a little. After all, you want to know as
much as possible about the home you buy. Sellers
understand that because their home is on the market, it
will be looked over pretty thoroughly. If you need to go
back to a home for another look, we will be happy to
schedule another viewing appointment. Be sure to ask any
questions you have about the home, even if you feel
you're being nosey. You have a right to know. |
| When you find a home you may be interested in buying,
make sure we ask the owner the following questions: |
| |
1.
How much money do you pay for monthly utilities?
2. What
features have you enjoyed most about living in this
home?
3. Are
there defects or problem areas that need to be
fixed?
4. How old
is the furnace and central air conditioning system?
5. How old
is the roof? Have you experienced any leaking? |
| 19.
What should I ask my Broker about each home that I look
at?
(back to top) |
| As a rule of thumb, ask any questions you have about
specific rooms, features or functions. Pay particular
attention to areas that you feel could become "problem"
areas-additions, defects, areas that have been repaired.
And above all, if you don't feel your question has been
answered, ask until you do understand and are satisfied.
In most cases, we will be able to provide you with
detailed information. |
| 20.
What should I tell you about the homes I look at?
(back to top) |
| Tell us what you liked and didn't like about each home
you saw. It is important for us to really get a feel for
what you're looking for in a home in order to find your
dream home. Don't be shy about talking about a home's
shortcomings. Was the home perfect except for the
carpeting? Let us know that, too! |
| 21.
How many homes should I look at before I buy?
(back to top) |
| There is no set number of homes you should look at
before you decide to make an offer on one. That's why
providing us with as many details as possible up front
is so helpful. The perfect home may be waiting for you
on your first visit. Even if it isn't, the house-hunting
process will help you get a feeling for the homes in the
community and narrow your choices to a few homes that
are worth a second look. You'll be one house closer to
"your" home! |
| If you're looking in more than one community, try to
make the most of each house-hunting trip. Stop by the
local Chamber of Commerce to pick up promotional
literature about the community. Or ask us for welcome
kits, maps, and information about schools, churches, and
recreational facilities. Also, be sure to take along a
camera and snap some pictures of all the homes you like.
That'll make it easier to remember. |
| 22.
What should I think about when I'm deciding which
community I want to live in?
(back to top) |
| Good city services, nice parks and playground
facilities, convenient shopping and transportation, a
track record of sound development and good
planning-these are just a few considerations that are
important to many people when they choose a community in
which to live. |
| As for individual neighborhoods within a village or
city, there is no better source of information than
Help-U-Sell Brokers. We know the people and the
communities we serve, and chances are we can help you
find a neighborhood that really fits your family's
needs. |
| 23.
Where can I get information about local schools?
(back to top) |
| We are your best source. We know where the local schools
are, and can provide you with valuable information about
school districts, including test scores, extracurricular
activities, bus service and more. If you're relocating,
we may even be able to put you in touch with teachers
and principals when you visit the area. |
| 24.
How can I find out what homes are selling for in a
given neighborhood?
(back to top) |
| Home sales are a matter of public record, so ask us! If
you're interested in a particular home, we may be able
to provide you with a list of comparables - sale prices
of homes in your area that are roughly the same size and
age as the home you're considering. Although there will
certainly be some differences between the homes - the
house next door may have an extra bedroom, or the one
down the block may be older than the one you're looking
at - it's a good way to evaluate the seller's asking
price. We also encourage you to visit the Help-U-Sell
e-Valuator, powered by Cyberhomes, which uses public
records, among other sources, to provide home
valuations. |
| |
|
Ready to Buy -- FAQs |
| |
| 25.
I'd like to have a professional look at the home
before I buy it. What does a home inspector do?
(back to top) |
| For your own safety, and to make sure you're getting
your money's worth in the home you choose, using a
professional home inspector is highly recommended.
Although services vary from state to state, a home
inspector generally will check a home's plumbing,
heating and cooling, electrical systems, and look for
structural problems, like a damp or leaky basement. |
| Usually, you call an inspector immediately after you are
"In Contract" on a home. However, before you sign any
written purchase offer, make sure that it includes an
inspection clause or other language which says that your
purchase obligation is contingent on the findings of a
professional home inspector. |
| Your home cannot "pass" or "fail" an inspection, and
your inspector will not tell you whether he or she
thinks the home is worth the money you are offering.
They are not there to address "value." The inspector's
job is to make you aware of repairs that are recommended
or necessary. |
| A seller may be willing to renegotiate a price
reduction to accommodate needed repairs, or you may
decide that the home will take too much work and money.
A professional inspection will help you make a
clear-headed decision. In addition to the overall
inspection, you may wish to have separate tests
conducted to check for termites, or the presence of
radon gas or mold. Talk to us for information about
these tests and companies in the area that perform them. |
| In choosing a home inspector, consider one that has been
certified as a qualified and experienced member by a
trade association such as the National Association of
Home Inspectors or the American Society of Home
Inspectors. |
| 26.
Should I be present during the inspection?
(back to top) |
| Yes. It's not required, but it is very much to your
advantage. You'll be able to clearly understand the
inspection report, and know exactly which areas need
attention. Plus, you can get answers to many questions,
tips for maintenance, and a lot of general information
that will help you when you move into your new home.
Most important, you'll see the home through the eyes of
an objective third party. |
| Remember, the purpose of a home inspection is to help
you learn things about the home that are not easily
discoverable during your home-buying tour. The home
inspection is NOT INTENDED to be a "Laundry List" of
cosmetic issues or very minor repairs for Sellers to
repair or replace. It is not intended to be a "weasel"
clause to get out! |
| 27.
Do I need to talk to my insurance agent?
(back to top) |
| Yes, and the sooner, the better. Most insurance
professionals have a lot of experience in working with
homeowners and can offer useful tips about home
ownership, particularly regarding home safety and
keeping your premiums low. |
| Once you've found a home, work together to develop a
homeowner's policy that meets your individual insurance
needs. You'll need to supply your pre-paid policy to
your mortgage lender prior to closing. |
| 28.
Is there any way I can protect myself against
emergency repair bills in my new home?
(back to top) |
| Yes. Home warranties offer you protection against many
potentially costly problems not covered by your
homeowner's insurance. They've become increasingly
popular in recent years, and for good reason: the
coverage can save you thousands in the event of a major
mechanical breakdown, at a time when your cash reserves
may have been depleted by your down payment and moving
expenses. Ask us whether a Home Warranty is offered when
looking at homes. But remember, if it is not offered,
feel free to ask for it when writing the offer to
purchase. The Home Warranty will give you the peace of
mind necessary to feel comfortable in your new home.
|
| 29.
How do I determine the amount of my initial offer?
(back to top) |
| There is really no rule to use in calculating a
realistic offer. Naturally, the buyer wants the best
price and value and the seller wants the highest price,
but negotiations can be influenced by many factors, such
as a seller who may be changing jobs and wants to sell
quickly, or a buyer who really wants a specific home. |
| After you've looked at the home's features, asked
questions, checked comparables, and talked about it with
us, you should have a good idea in your heart of what
the home's value is in the current market. Consider what
you can afford and make an offer. |
| Most buyers and sellers negotiate on price until both
agree. When the price is agreed upon, the paperwork will
be signed and initialed as needed by both parties. At
that point, you typically will begin the process of
arranging for home and wood destroying insect
inspections. |
| 30.
Should I move myself or use a moving company?
(back to top) |
| In almost every case, you can save yourself time and
energy by using a reputable moving company to help you
move. Ask us, consumer groups, the Better Business
Bureau, friends, and co-workers for recommendations,
then get estimates from several companies. Don't choose
a mover based on price alone - consider the reputation
and professionalism of the company, too. For those that
are moving from state-to-state, we offer The Moving
Concierge to help with all your moving needs. |
| Work closely with the moving company to coordinate your
efforts and your move will be achieved with maximum
efficiency. |
| |
|
Mortgage FAQs
|
| |
| 31.
What is a mortgage, and what are the benefits of
different kinds of mortgages?
(back to top) |
| Simply put, a mortgage is a loan that a home buyer
obtains directly from a lender to purchase real estate.
The mortgage is a lien on the property that secures a
promissory note (promise to repay the debt) that states
the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, and
the number of payments. |
| The most popular mortgages available to home buyers
today can be divided into two general categories: those
which offer fixed interest rates and monthly payments,
and those where one or both of those factors are
adjustable. |
| Fixed rate/fixed payment loans are more traditional, and
remain the most popular home financing method, currently
accounting for about two-thirds of all residential
mortgages. Their advantages are well-known: You always
know what your monthly principal and interest payment
will be, so your basic housing cost will remain
unaffected by interest rate changes until the mortgage
is paid off. |
| Mortgages that entail flexible rates and/or payments
have grown in popularity during periods of high interest
rates and/or rapidly rising home prices. Many, including
the popular ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages), offer
lower-than-market initial interest rates that allow
buyers a measure of affordability unavailable in
fixed-rate loans. The tradeoff may be higher interest
rates and higher monthly payments later on. As yourself
the question: Is my income expected to go up in the
future, or not? |
| 32.
What are the different types of lenders, and how do I
choose the right one for me?
(back to top) |
| Before someone lends you the money to purchase your
home, they'll want to know a lot about you. And you're
entitled to know as much as you can about them, too. |
| It's important because getting a mortgage is not just a
one-time signing of documents, a handshake and a check.
You will be depending on your lender to fund the loan as
promised, on time, and over the life of the loan, to
keep good payment records, pay your taxes and insurance
(if included in your monthly payment) and many other
continuing services. |
| Look for a lender that has the authority to approve and
process your loan locally. It's easier to obtain
information on the status of your loan and discuss
conditions directly with the person who will approve
your loan, rather than some far away loan committee.
It's important that your lender know home values and
conditions in your local area. And while biggest doesn't
always mean best, financial stability, reputation,
qualifying procedures, and unique programs benefit are
what they offer home buyers. |
| 33.
Are there any mortgages especially designed for
first-time home buyers?
(back to top) |
| Today,
first-time home buyers enjoy a number of mortgage
options that make purchasing a home more affordable by
minimizing down payments and keeping monthly payments as
low as possible during the early years of the loan. |
| Most ARMs feature an interest rate that is often below
market for the first year, and may only rise gradually
after that. |
| VA and FHA-insured loans call for extremely low down
payment (0-5% of the purchase price), and often offer a
below market interest rate. Similarly favorable terms
can also be arranged with the help of conventional loan
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) or FHA loan MIP
(Mortgage Insurance Premium). |
| Finally, first-timers who can find a cooperative seller
or third-party investor can look into such
non-traditional financing methods as a lease/buy
arrangement. |
| 34.
Can I get an FHA or VA mortgage?
(back to top) |
| Just about anyone can apply for an FHA-insured mortgage
through banks and other lending institutions. They are
particularly well-suited for buyers of low to moderate
income; and have low down payment requirements (as low
as 3% of the purchase price). |
| Similarly, VA-guaranteed loans often require no down
payment. These loans are reserved for either active
military personnel or veterans, or spouses of veterans
who died of service-related injuries. |
| If there is a downside to these loans, it's the
qualifying process. Though you apply for
government-insured financing through a lending
institution, the Federal Housing Administration or the
Department of Veterans Affairs must insure or guarantee
the loan and may require specific documentation or
procedures not necessarily required for conventional
financing. That may take more time than is generally
required for conventional mortgage approval.
Additionally, FHA-required insurance (MIP) must be added
to your payment. Make sure the lender you select has
approved authority by each of these agencies to ensure a
quicker loan process. |
| 35.
How much of a down payment will I need to buy a home?
(back to top) |
| A down payment of 20 percent has been the benchmark for
conventional financing, but today, many options are
available, some requiring as little as 3 percent down.
For buyers who qualify for conventional financing but
can't handle the high down payment requirements, lenders
offer this financing with PMI, or Private Mortgage
Insurance. Designed to protect the lender against
default by the borrower, PMI allows you to obtain
traditional financing with a down payment significantly
lower than the standard 20 percent. By using PMI, you
may be able to get a fixed rate or adjustable rate
mortgage by putting as little as 5 percent down. |
| As with an FHA-insured loan, you must pay premiums for
PMI coverage, the amount of which are determined by the
lender. Moreover, PMI premiums are often lower than FHA
insurance, and may be paid as part of your monthly
mortgage payment, in annual installments, or in a lump
sum at the time you obtain the loan. Your mortgage
expert can help you determine which down payment option
is right for you and your budget. |
| 36.
How does a lender determine the maximum mortgage I
can afford?
(back to top) |
| The three primary areas lenders examine in determining
the size of mortgage you can handle include your monthly
income, non-housing expenses, and cash available for
down payment, moving expenses and closing costs. |
| 37.
What are the steps involved in the loan process?
(back to top) |
| The information your lender needs is not much different
than what is needed when you apply for a major credit
card: names and addresses of your employer and bank
account numbers and balances. The lender will also need
other financial information such as installment
payments, auto loans, charge cards, and department store
accounts. The location and description of the property
also are required. Your lender will verify this
information with your present and past employers, order
a routine mortgage credit report on your current and
past accounts, and order a professional appraisal of the
property you're wanting to purchase. |
| 38.
What is APR, and how is it calculated?
(back to top) |
| The Annual Percentage Rate is a calculated rate of
interest for a loan over its projected life. This rate
includes the interest, all points (which are considered
prepaid interest), mortgage insurance, and other charges
associated with making the loan that the lender collects
from the borrower. |
| The APR is calculated by a standard formula that all
lenders use. This enables the borrower to comparison
shop between lenders and/or loan products. |
| 39.
How can I find out what my property tax bill will be?
(back to top)
|
| Usually, the total amount of the previous year's
property taxes is included on the listing information
sheet for the home you're interested in. Remember, tax
rates change from year to year, so the previous year's
bill should be considered simply as a "ballpark" figure
of what you would pay. For a more precise projection,
call the local auditor's office for assistance, or
simply ask us. |
| 40.
What is the difference between pre-qualifying and
pre-approval?
(back to top) |
| Pre-qualifying for a mortgage up to a certain amount is
a verbal exchange in which the lender tells you in
advance approximately how much money the buyer is able
to borrow, based upon the information you provide the
lender on your debt and income. |
| Pre-approval goes a step further than pre-qualifying. It
is an actual commitment to lend, provided that, when the
borrower is ready to buy, he or she still meets all the
qualifying conditions that were met at the time of
conditional approval. We strongly recommend it to give
you the best negotiating position! |
