office (404) 630-8236
fax (770) 478-0215
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a specific question about real estate please don't hesitate to call us!
Q: What is the difference between
listing with a "full service" brokerage and other brokerages.
A: Typically a full service brokerage doesn't receive any payment or
commissions until your home has sold. This means that the
broker has a vested interest in selling your home. Some
brokerages receive their payment when the listing is signed.
In this case, the broker may have little interest in selling your home and
may in fact prefer that it doesn't sell as they may be getting other
business from the listing.
Q: How can I know if a home in my
community may be the subject of mortgage fraud.
A: It is usually very difficult to identify a case of mortgage fraud.
Neighbors are not typically privy to the specific information in a
real estate transaction between a buyer and a seller or the features
of the subject property. Real Estate professionals are more
likely to suspect that an incident of fraud may have taken place but they
too are not usually sure as, like other consumers, they may not have
access to the specifics of the transaction in question.
However, one thing to look for is a sale price that seems much
higher then the surrounding properties. Neighbors will
sometimes say "I hope I can get that much for my house" and often
initially see such sales as a positive for the community. This
is usually short lived as the home will usually end up in foreclosure several
months down the road. Additionally, the new higher sale causes
the assessed values of homes in the community to be inflated and
subsequently property taxes increase.
Q: What should I do I if I suspect mortgage fraud?
A: Start by talking to a real estate professional and see if what
you suspect is the case. Is the rumored sale price correct? If, after investigation, you still suspect fraud,
report the incident to your local FBI office. Atlanta FBI Field Office,
Mortgage Fraud - Tel: (404) 679-9000.
Q: Why isn't my listing agent showing my home?
A: Your agent would probably love to show your home. However, most buyers have their own agent representing them. These are referred to as a "Buyer's Agent". Buyer's Agents show available properties to their clients, write-up and submit the offer it to the seller's agent. The listing agent represents the seller and the seller is usually better served when two (2) agents are involved in a transaction and the listing agent is not expected to directly communicate with the prospective buyer(s). Keep in mind that, as a seller, you may have already discussed with your agent the minimum amount you're willing to take for your home, not to mention any other specifics regarding your circumstances like, for example, you may have already purchased a second home and feel pressured with the burden of two (2) mortgages.