Showing posts with label real estate agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real estate agent. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 20, 2018


Traditional Solo Realtor Vs. Team of Realtors

By Emilio DiSpirito February 28, 2018

Real Estate Home Listing FAQs

Weekly, customers come to us at the DiSpirito Team and ask us, what is the difference between a real estate team and an individual agent? Is there an unbiased place to get information to their real estate questions about whom to hire on the web?

Recently, one of our clients reached out and and shared that he does not believe there is such a place to find equitable content for homeowners on which is the best way to sell his home.

"I've searched the internet for hours upon hours not finding anything relevant to my questions. You will find nuggets of information scattered here and there, but there has not been one reliable resource online that has answered any of my questions such as, when selling my home, which type of agent and service will truly earn me the most? Will selling my home for sale by owner vs using a Realtor or a Team of Realtors net me more? How about a discount brokerage vs. a traditional Realtor or Team? Not anywhere is there such information and it's frustrating to say the least.. can you point me in any direction?"

This article is our effort to assist homeowners in getting a straightforward, "non-salesy" approach to questions that our clients and many other consumers have.




Book your no-obligation consultation with a noted Top Team of Realtors in Rhode Island and Massachusetts here ---> www.Calendly.com/emiliodiv

Traditional Solo Realtor Pros and Cons

Pros of using a Traditional Solo Realtor

  • One call does it all: One phone call will get you to the direct source of where the information you need lives. 
  • Personal touch: Some people want to see and talk with only one person. This is for the client who feels most comfortable dealing with one individual. 
  • Accountability: You will know exactly who to speak with about any concerns. 

Cons of using a Traditional Solo Realtor

  • Limited Availability: Realtors cannot make a living on only one transaction and need to constantly be prospecting as well as working with multiple buyers and sellers. When a solo agent is performing these other tasks, often times, her availability is scarcely low to assist all of her clients in a reasonable time. 
  • Juggling Act: When a solo agent takes a vacation or a day off or is simply working with other clients, there is not anyone to respond to showing requests, client needs or to assist with marketing. 
  • Limited Resources: Individual agents are self-employed and cover the costs of all of the marketing materials which are often times overlooked due to lack of availability of funds and time to do it all. 
  • Inaccuracies in Paperwork: Realtors often times are fantastic sales people, however, are not the greatest at paperwork. Paperwork should be prepared with care and vital dates should be met. The details in this step could be the difference between winning or losing a boatload of money at any given point of the transaction. 
  • Lock Box Showings:  With other listings and buyers to tend to, a solo agent will depend on other Realtors, not associated with their company and unaware of your properties features and benefits, bring their clients in. When questions to simple answers are not taken care of on the spot, this could lead to objections which could cost the sale. 

SEARCH THE RHODE ISLAND MARKET HERE www.MyDreamHomeNow.com

Realtor Team Pros and Cons

Pros of using a Team of Realtors

  • 24/7 and 365 Availability: A team of agents allows for a homeowner to get someone on the phone who knows the file at any time of day. 
  • Efficient and Effective Systems: A well-organized team of Realtors will have systems in place to ensure effective measures are taken to protect the sellers best interest at all times. There is someone responsible for each individual step from marketing, to showings, paperwork and other vital facilitating tasks.  
  • Accurate Paperwork: Teams have administrative support who work full time to prepare and maintain all paperwork while sales agents are allowed to focus on selling their listings. 
  • Specialize: A team will have agents who specialize in working with buyers and agents who specialize in listing homes. Working with a Realtor with experience and who specifies in listing homes for sale will allow them to assist you in finding the right buyer.  
  • Advanced Marketing: Teams operate as a collaboration of agents, who pool their money together to offer a stronger presence for sellers online. Often times a team will invest hundreds of additional dollars in professional photos, website development, social media and other aggressive marketing channels. 
  • Teams Have More Buyers: Teams will have more buyers than an individual agent and will also have agents who focus specifically on bringing buyers into the teams listings. 
  • Personalized Home Showings: Often times, real estate teams will have a "showing agent" or "servicing agent" who is responsible for bringing buyers and agents through the home. This is a much safer approach than lock boxes, as your property is looked after and someone is there answering questions and clearing objections, often times leading to less days on market and a higher sale price. Negotiations start upon entrance. 
  • Stronger Negotiations: A team of Realtors will often times have two points of contact for the buyers agent to connect with. This allows for the classic "good cop, bad cop" approach when it comes to negotiations and will often times put the sellers at a stronger stance when negotiating offers in their own favor. 

Cons of using a Team of Realtors

  • New Team? If the team is new, there may be many kinks to work out and these sometimes can affect the level of personal service and overall outcome. 
  • No Systems in Place: A team of individuals without a core set of values, standards and systems can be just as disastrous as hiring a solo Realtor who chases his or her tail. Systems are vital and make sure you can get a good idea of what the teams offer under all the "fluff" that you interview. 
Schedule a convenient time to speak with a top Realtor here ---> www.Calendly.com/emiliodiv



Monday, October 30, 2017

What is the best way to sell my home in fall and winter?

What is the best way to sell a vacant home in the fall or winter?

By Emilio DiSpirito, Realtor, Radio Show Host, Blogger & Real Estate Podcast Host 

Is the fall or winter a good time to sell a home in Rhode Island?

Selling a home during a New England winter!

The winter and fall months have historically seen fewer sales than warmer months. Why? Some homeowners do not want the traffic or "mess" during the busy holiday season while others are misinformed and believe it is a bad time to sell. 
  • Get this! During the heat of the Rhode Island summer market in July 2017, a combined number of 1439 single family, multi-family homes, and condominiums sold in Rhode Island. October 2017 seen about 9.8% fewer home sales which are less than a measly 140 homes statewide. 
  • Furthermore, December 2016 seen 1264 homes across the state sold which is only 175 homes fewer statewide than the hot summer month! 
What these statistics do not tell you is that in December 2016, when you combine condos, single family and multi-family active listings for sale you had 4,319 total!!! When we combine all 3 categories today, in November 2017, we have only approximately 3900 homes for sale in Rhode Island! 

Needless to say... there are just not enough homes on the market for the demand and regardless of what time of year, as long as buyers can afford to buy as well as navigate the roads, homes will sell. 

What can I do to sell my vacant home for the highest possible price in fall or winter?

The formula is very simple. I've shown hundreds of homes to buyers all over Rhode Island and Massachusettes and the results are always the same! Warm🔥and inviting spaces sell a home faster and higher at price!! Vacant homes can be shown at all times of the day and night!! This is a huge plus and will command more traffic! Let's leverage this!!

Warm and inviting homes sell faster and higher in price!
  • A buyer will rush a cold showing and will appreciate and stay in the warmer home!
    • Keep the heat set between 67 and 68 degrees for a comfortable temperature. 
    • This temperature will also ensure your pipes do not freeze!
      • Frozen pipes lead to floods, mold and costly repairs! 
  • Change all of the light bulbs to energy efficient LED bulbs! Save money and add life to your space!
    • With showings happening many times when people get out of work during the weekdays, make sure that the exterior of the home, front and back is very well lit, safe and inviting. 
    • Interior spaces should be lit accordingly. Pay special attention to lighting in the kitchen, bathrooms and living areas! Place lamps in rooms without overhead lighting. 

Make sure the property is maintained! 

  • Curb appeal is critical! Make sure that the grass is trimmed in the fall and that the walkways are clear of snow and ice in the winter! 
    • Imagine this! It's highly likely that the buyers coming to see your home have viewed other vacant properties as well. Other properties which did not have a clear, welcoming and safe path to the front door!! Set yours apart by ensuring a smooth transition from driveway to the front door! 
    • If you are not in a position to do it yourself, ask your Realtor for a referral or offer extra compensation to your agent to handle. 
  • Offer serious buyers a copy of your Pre-list home inspection report
    • Show buyers you care about your home and hire a home inspector to ensure that the home is safe, that it is financeable and turn key with a pre-list home inspection report!
      • Click the video below to learn how to prepare your home to meet criteria for all of the mortgage programs like FHA, VA, RI Housing, etc.

Stage the interior 

  • Staging will allow for buyers to connect the dots and also feel more at home than a blank canvass. Roughly, only 1 out of 10 buyers will be able to image the space without seeing a visual. 
  • Hire a reputable home stager who has an inventory that will compliment the style of the house. 
    • Usually, pricing is between $1,000 and $3,000 to stage the main living areas and master on a 2,000 sq ft home. 
    • Buyers buy on how a home makes them feel! Make them feel at home!!

Bake cookies!

  • Hold an open house and bake some cookies and offer hot chocolate to your guests! The smells, taste, and experience will allow your buyer's brain to connect with the property in more ways than one! 

Use data to determine your homes fair market price

  • Price your home according to the market and not your emotional ties
    • Homes priced properly will outshine homes that are not, may lead to multiple offers and are guaranteed more often than not to actually sell your home at a higher price point than playing the sit and wait for price drop game! 
To schedule a 20 minute appointment to get your real estate home value report, visit www.mydreamhomenow.com/sell or call Rhode Island & Massachusetts Realtor Emilio DiSpirito 401-359-2338 to set up a consultation. 



Tuesday, August 8, 2017

How Much Money Do Realtors Make?

How Much Money Do Realtors Make?

By Emilio DiSpirito, Realtor


Watch the video to quickly learn how much Realtors and Real Estate Agents actually make!


Often times the general public will view Realtors as making money hands over fist!! Turn on the TV, see agents pull up in fancy cars, in the best attire and show million dollar homes... Hmmm.. not sure how that fits in with reality when according to Salary.com, the average Realtor in Rhode Island and Massachusettes earns a whopping income of $43,000!! 

$43,000 a year.. aka $827 per week! But Wait!!! Do Realtors get benefits? Are they employees? How many hours a week does a Realtor work? How do Realtors get paid when a transaction falls apart? Glad you asked! 

The answer to all of the questions below is NO!
  • Realtors are considered Self-Employed and pay their own income and social security taxes!
    • Realtors pay their own social security tax which is 12.4% 
    • Now we are at $37,668
    • Lets factor in $5226 in Federal income taxes
      • Realtor is down to (not including any deductions) $32,442
    • How about State Taxes? 
      • Realtor is now down $1612 in Rhode Island
        • $30,830 
      • Realtor is now down $2193 in Massachusettes
        • $30,249
    • How about Health Insurance?! 
So when we deduct taxes and health insurance, your average Realtor is making $25,353! Per year!!! This amount does not include business expenses, brokerage fee's, gas, car payments, car insurance, mortgage or anything else associated with being able to live!!

So basically less taxes and health insurance only, the average Realtor makes $487..56 per 60 hour work week. Aka $8.13 per hour!!!

Isn't minimum wage $9.60 per hour in RI and $11.00 an hour in MA?

  • Realtors make -$1.47 per hour less than Rhode Island minimum wage
  • Realtors make $2.87 less per hour than Massachusettes minimum wage
Imagine that a highly trained and experienced real estate agent makes less than a high school student flipping a hamburger or folding clothes on a retail display.. insane!! 


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*Speak with a local accountant for details on taxes, etc. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

What is a Buyers Agent? Do I Need One?

What is a Buyers Agent? Do I Need One When Buying a Home?

By Emilio DiSpirito www.EmilioDiSpirito.com

Practical Real Estate Advice - Without the Fluff.


Watch the video above and read the blog!! :) Subscribe for more CLICK HERE


Should I hire a buyers agent when buying real estate?

Real estate transactions normally have two real estate agents involved:


  • Listing Agent - Lists the home and works for the seller to negotiate the highest price and the most favorable terms.
  • Buyers Agent - Negotiates the most favorable price and terms for the buyer. 

What does a buyers representative do? Is it wise to go in without one?

  • Negotiate the best fair market price on a home
  • Walk buyers through the very convoluted process by connecting them in some cases with financing, home inspectors, closing and title company, contractors and various other professionals needed during the transaction. 
  • Negotiate the best terms for the buyers. Terms may include a prolonged inspection period or mortgage approval or closing time frame.
  • Discuss inspection report thoroughly with buyer and educate buyer on what will hit their wallet the most now and later and what is vital to ask seller for now. Negotiate repairs or credits for buyer. 
  • Often times going in without a buyers agent, buyers may pay more and may not get the best terms available to them when going directly to the listing agent that works for the sellers. 

Other common duties of a buyers agent:

  • Set buyer up with a home search
  • Protect financial interests
  • Protect buyers private and confidential information
  • Must always look after buyers best interest, even before their own
Click photo to start your home search in Rhode Island

Who pays the buyers agent commission?

  • Seller normally pays the listing agent who then gives a split to the buyers agent.

In what situations may a buyer be responsible for a buyers agent commissions?

  • If listing agent is not paying a buyers agent
  • If listing agent is paying a very low fee 
  • If buyer wants to purchase a For Sale By Owner FSBO that is not paying a fair brokers split

How do I go about qualifying a buyers broker?

  • Do they specialize in the area looking? Have they sold in that town or neighborhood?
  • Do they have significant experience negotiating or are they new?
  • Does agent know what pitfalls to watch for in the transaction?
  • Have they educated me on the current market and expectations?

Why Should I sign an exclusive agreement with a buyers agent?

  • Because the buyers agent at that point MUST protect a buyers best interests.
  • The best agents who will get you the most favorable terms would not move forward without one. 
  • You are showing a serious commitment to the home buying process, which is needed for a successful transaction. 

How many buyers use a buyers agent?

  • Approximately 87% of buyers use a buyers agent
Any further questions? Feel free to leave a comment below!! 
Before you know it... Moving Day!! :)



Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Mortgage Pre Approval Letters & Why They Should Be Made Mandatory By Law

Mortgage Pre Approval Letters & Why They Should Be Made Mandatory By Law

By Emilio DiSpirito, Realtor/Team Leader of The DiSpirito Team with HomeSmart Professionals RI License S35582 Cell Phone 401-359-2338 email emilio@mydreamhomenow.com 501 Centerville Rd Warwick RI 02886

Watch the video "6 Reasons Buyers Need to Be Pre Approved" & read the blog! 

Video Featuring Emilio DiSpirito Realtor with DiSpirito Team & John Castore, NMLS 12727 Mortgage Professional with Semper Home Loans

The real estate process involves many people and is extremely complex. It's hard to nail down exactly how many people are involved, however when you take into consideration the professionals and average family size between buyers and sellers, it's safe to say approx 51 individuals will take part in any one real estate transaction. 


This is what 51 people look like
This is what 51 people in a VW Bus look like
 Much of the perplexity comes in with all of the federal regulations put in place to protect you, the consumer. At the bank alone you have the administrative assistant, loan Originator, processor, underwriter, supervisor, quality control & regulatory department just to name a few. In addition you have the appraiser, home inspector, real estate agent, agents transaction coordinator, broker, contractors, title and closing office and their staff, insurance company and so on.


Home Buyers working hard
Forget about the professionals involved for a second and lets talk about you the buyer and the seller. As a buyer you may be taking time out of work or away from your family & friends in order to search for a home, so you can understand first hand some of the time it takes. You've spent several weeks, hour after hour (even at work.. shhh!!!) checking out the local Rhode Island MLS sites to find your perfect home.



Sellers working hard to prepare for Buyers
Sellers, you have spent several days and sometimes weeks preparing to list your home for sale between selecting  the best agent in Rhode Island, storing valuables, decluttering and organizing your home and having it professionally staged. For every showing you have to make sure you take the 2 dogs and cat in the car with you and for a 30 to 60 minute ride. Some sellers even take time out of work in order to give the floor a last minute sweep and shine and to place cookies in the oven and leave coffee for the buyers. This is your home, it's where you lay your head down at night, have tucked your children into bed and have prepared memorable holiday meals.. It's only natural that you are proud of your home and want it to appear its best and for your agent to help portray why your home is special while protecting your family and assets.

It's easy to see in this brief observation the sacrifices and time you put into buying or selling real estate. By far, the most important people involved in the transaction are you, the home buyer and/or home seller.

So.. This takes us to our point.. Why are a growing number agents & sellers requiring proof of funds (a document from your bank on bank letterhead stating you have "$x amount" to purchase a property) or a mortgage pre approval letter before allowing buyers to see a property?

6 of many reasons why buyers need to be pre approved or show qualification before viewing a property

  1. Seller & Realtor Safety - Your Realtor is on the front line.. Several Realtors have been attacked & even murdered from showing homes to undocumented buyers. 
    1. News Coverage of Realtors Being Murdered - Non qualified & undocumented buyers. Could of been avoided.
  2. Theft - It's sad to say that thieves are smart & know how to take advantage of weak real estate agents. Agents that do not require a pre approval letter are subjecting themselves and their clients to many scary issues, one of which may be immediate theft or allowing a professional criminal in to case the property. Easily avoided by obtaining information from bank or mortgage brokerage. Someone who knows their identity is known would not commit heinous crimes. 
  3. Understanding what you are qualified for - Often times you may be looking at homes that you are not qualified to purchase. In many instances, you have the income but maybe you wrote off to many deductions on last years 1040 or you had some leave time from work or your credit score dipped below where it needs to be. Obtaining a mortgage pre approval will allow you to prepare and budget. 
  4. Wasting your time as a buyer & time if you're a seller. 
    1. Think about the time you spend online.. never mind in person! You could literally be wasting your own time! 
  5. You can not purchase a property without proof of funds or a mortgage pre approval. 
    1. You can't even test drive a car without the dealership taking a copy of your license.
      1. More expensive car brands may require a credit check before test drive or even discussing a purchase. 
      2. Some of the worlds most expensive cars cost less than the median home price here in the United States. So why is it unreasonable for a Realtor to gather a pre approval letter?
  6. For Your overall best interest
    1. You know exactly what you can afford so you can budget and make sure you are comfortable with the monthly payments amid the slue of maintenance costs, utilities, taxes, insurance etc that come with home-ownership. 
    2. You save time and heartache. There is nothing sadder than watching potential home buyers fall in love with a home, picture themselves there then to find out that they do not qualify for it. 
    3. If you're a seller think about how long it took and takes you to prepare for a showing. You may feel as if your whole routine is flipped upside down during showings. 
The above list is a short example of why a large amount of real estate professionals believe that a mortgage pre approval or proof of funds should be required by law to view properties. By having clear documentation of all parties involved everyone is protected in all aspects. 

 Watch our virtual Open Houses
Click Pic to See Our Virtual Open Houses
You may ask how can this be enforced in an open house situation? Many buyers at open houses are curious and maybe just starting the home search process and may need some guidance, or many neighborhood potential sellers may be interviewing Realtors to see who does the best job presenting a property.. So how can you account for buyers or potential seller guests that are not pre approved? Upon entrance you require all parties to sign in and show a state ID to confirm name and address. As a Realtor, you make sure you use the "buddy system" and have another agent or mortgage broker with you that can assure your safty and also be another set of eyes while you are showing the basement or second floor and someone to welcome guests in and get them acquainted with the sign in policy. Any serious buyer will not have an issue with this and any serious seller will want this done at their home!  


What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment below!

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