Choosing the Right Agent

1. Choosing the Right Agent Presented By: Clara Lee Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Palo Alto Midtown

2. Co-listing: Two Heads…Better than One? Sometimes it makes sense to list your property with more than one agent. • You need a local expert but you already have a relationship with a trusted realtor who is not • You need different advocates for multiple sellers with different goals/agendas, e.g. divorce • A relative, family friend or neighbor is a realtor and you can’t/wouldn’t want to leave them out • Your property is particularly unique and needs the benefit of two agents’ expertise • You want to refer business to someone you know/trust but it’s not always the best fit, e.g. special needs, age, language, culture • Assumes the two agents are good collaborators

3. Listing #1 Sellers A are friends of mine. They are moving out of the country and are waiting to prepare their house for sale after they leave because they have small children and mother lives with them. Their home is located in the East Bay outside of my area of expertise. They trust me and want me to look out for their needs since they won’t be here. • Co-listing with a fellow agent in our Downtown PA office who has local expertise in their neighborhood • Real estate practices, e.g. disclosures, contracts, offer presentation • Benefit of brokers tour and networking • Knowledge of market trends, neighborhoods, schools, service providers, etc.

4. Listing #2 • Seller B lost her job two years ago and is now forced to sell her home. I helped her to buy the home three years ago. • Co-listing with a fellow agent in our Downtown PA office who has expertise in short sales • I am more familiar with the client’s background and can offer emotional support • Other agent is more familiar with process of dealing with lenders

5. Listing #3 Sellers C are going through a difficult divorce: • Co-listing with the agent who helped them buy the house; she is acting as advocate for the husband; I am acting as the advocate for the wife; we are both listing agents for both • Two divorce attorneys are also involved in decision-making regarding home preparation expenses, pricing, paperwork, etc. • Communications between sellers is strained and require good communication and collaboration between agents • Helping clients to make informed decisions based on facts, not emotions • Decided not to represent buyers (dual agency) due to circumstances and conflict of interest

6. Out of Area Referrals There are certain occasions where you need the assistance of a realtor outside of your local area but I can still help: • Moving out of area, state or country (rent or buy or sell) • Looking to buy or sell vacation or investment property • As a CB agent, I have access to a unsurpassed network of real estate professionals so that I can assist you in interviewing and finding the right agent for your needs.

7. Buyer #1 Yuppie couple looking for a condo in SOMA District in SF • I found an agent in our Lakeside office who shares similar language and culture and understands their financial situation (parents) • She is more familiar with real estate practices and market trends in SF • I will receive a 25% referral fee for referring them to her • I keep in touch with agent/clients to make sure that things are going smoothly

8. Buyer #2 Husband moved to Bay Area first while wife stayed in AL with 2 young kids to sell house (FSBO) • I helped them find 3 agents to interview to help them sell their property in AL • I showed them properties to get familiar with this area • They ended up deciding to rent for now so they can build up their savings, sell their home and get familiar with this area • Keeping in touch for now

9. Q & A