As a real estate agent, I have a variety of tools and strategies that I use to market properties to potential buyers. These include:

• Online listings: I create detailed and attractive listings for each property. These listings include high-quality photos and videos, detailed descriptions, and information about the property's location, features, and amenities.
• Social media: I use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram to reach potential buyers and promote my listings. I create engaging content such as property tours, testimonials, and infographics to make my listings stand out.
• Open houses: I host regular open houses to give buyers the opportunity to view the property in person.
• Networking: I maintain a professional network of other real estate agents, home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and other professionals who can help me reach potential buyers.

By using a combination of these strategies, I am able to reach a wide audience of potential buyers and showcase each property to its best advantage.

Finding a good local real estate agent in Wichita, Kansas can be a daunting task, but with a little research, you can be sure to find the right agent to suit your needs. One of the best Realtors in Wichita Kansas is Eric Locke Team Realtors, led by experienced Realtor Eric Locke. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Ask for recommendations: Talk to friends and family who have recently bought or sold a home in the area and ask for their recommendations, you can also check Eric Locke Team Realtors online reviews.
• Check online reviews: Look for online reviews of agents in your area on websites such as Google, Yelp, and Zillow, you can also check Eric Locke Team Realtors online reviews.
• Look for agents with experience: Look for agents who have a proven track record of success in your area and have experience in the type of property you're looking to buy or sell. Eric Locke Team Realtors have a proven track record of success in Wichita Kansas.
• Meet with the agent: Schedule a meeting with the agent to discuss your needs and goals and see if they would be a good fit for you. Eric Locke Team Realtors would be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you.

As a real estate agent in Wichita Kansas, my top priority is to ensure that my clients get the best deal possible when buying or selling a property. To do this, I employ a variety of strategies, such as:

Staying up to date on market trends: By constantly monitoring the local real estate market, I am able to advise my clients on the best time to buy or sell and what types of properties are in demand.

Providing detailed property analysis: I provide my clients with a detailed market analysis of properties, including comps and pricing trends, which helps them make informed decisions.

Negotiating on my client's behalf: I have the expertise to negotiate effectively on behalf of my clients to ensure they get the best possible price and terms.

Networking: I have a strong network of contacts such as other real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and home inspectors, who can help me find the best deals for my clients.

To determine the value of your home, we will consider various factors such as the location of your home, the condition of your home, the size and layout of your home, and the recent comparable sales in your area.

The location of your home is a major factor in determining its value, as homes in desirable neighborhoods typically have a higher value than homes in less desirable areas.

The condition of your home is also important, as a well-maintained home in good condition will be worth more than a home that needs repairs.

The size and layout of your home, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and lot size, also play a role in determining its value. Lastly, recent comparable sales in your area, such as the prices of similar homes that have recently sold, will be taken into consideration. Either way, I will try to give you the best prices in the market.

The buying process of a house can include the following steps:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Before you start looking for a home, it is recommended that you get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home and will also make you a more attractive candidate to sellers.
• Property search: Once you have an idea of what you can afford, you can start looking for properties that meet your needs and budget. You can search online, work with a real estate agent, or attend open houses.
• Making an offer: Once you find a property you like, you will need to make an offer to the seller. we will help you craft an offer that is fair and includes any contingencies you may need.
• Negotiations: Once the offer is made, the seller may accept, counter, or reject the offer. Your real estate agent will help you navigate these negotiations and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Closing: Once all the paperwork is in order, you will attend a closing meeting where you will sign the final documents and pay any closing costs. After this, the property officially becomes yours.
• Move-in: Once the closing process is complete, you can now move in to your new house.
• Keep in mind that the steps and details may vary depending on the location, the type of property and the laws and regulations on the area. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional real estate agent to guide you through the process.

Determining the asking price for a property can be a complex process, but as a real estate agent, I use a variety of methods to arrive at a fair and accurate price. These methods include:

• Comparable market analysis (CMA): I review recent sales data of similar properties in the same area to determine the current market value of the property.
• Property condition assessment: I evaluate the condition of the property and make adjustments to the asking price based on any repairs or upgrades that may be needed.
• Location: I take into consideration the location of the property and how it compares to other properties in the area.
• Timing: I consider the current market conditions and how they may affect the price, such as supply and demand, or interest rates.
• Owner's expectations: I also consider the owner's expectations, such as the price they want to sell the property for.
• By using a combination of these methods, I am able to arrive at a fair and accurate asking price for the property that will attract potential buyers and maximize the seller's return on their investment.

In our local Wichita KS surrounding area, it takes on average 30-45 days to close a purchase or sale when the buyer is securing a loan for the purchase. 

If the buyer is paying cash, then it could close as soon as 5 days if the title insurance is rushed & both parties agree. 

Throughout the process title insurance often takes 14 days or more to be completed and the buyer's appraisal often takes 2-3 weeks or sometimes longer depending on the buyer's loan type.  Once those items are to the lender, then the lender often needs 7-10 days for underwriting approval and 3 more days for disclosures before closing can happen. 

When the market is busy with sales & refinances, we typically see a 45 day closing time frame as standard.  That also gives both parties plenty of time to make arrangements for moving and living changes.

There are many reasons why using a realtor to sell your home can be beneficial:

• Experience and Expertise: Realtors are licensed professionals who have the experience and expertise to guide you through the process of selling your home. They have a deep understanding of the local real estate market and can help you price your home competitively and market it effectively.
• More Money: On average, homes listed with a realtor sell for 26% or more than a home sold FSBO or without an agent.  A Real Estate Professional will get you more money!
• Networking: Realtors have a network of contacts, including other real estate agents, home inspectors, and mortgage brokers, that can be used to find potential buyers for your home.
• Marketing: Realtors have access to a variety of marketing tools and resources to showcase your property to potential buyers, such as professional photography, virtual tours, and online listings.
• Negotiating: Realtors have the skills and experience to navigate the negotiation process, helping you to get the best price and terms for your home.
• Paperwork: Realtors are experts in handling the legal paperwork involved in selling a home and can help ensure that the transaction proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
• Saving time and stress: Selling a home can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but working with a realtor can save you time and effort by handling all the details and paperwork, and also by providing you with guidance and support.

In summary, using a realtor to sell your home can provide you with the expertise, resources, and support you need to navigate the complex process of selling your home, and to help you get the best price for your property in the shortest amount of time.

As a real estate agent, communication and keeping my clients updated throughout the buying or selling process is a key priority. Here are some ways I keep my clients informed:

• Regular check-ins: I schedule regular check-ins with my clients to discuss the progress of the sale or purchase and address any concerns or questions they may have.
• Email and text updates: I send regular updates via email and text message to keep my clients informed of any new developments or important deadlines.
• Online portals: I may use online portals where clients can access information on the progress of the sale or purchase, and also submit documents securely.
• Phone calls: I make sure to answer phone calls and return messages promptly in order to provide timely responses to my client's questions and concerns.
• In-person meetings: I meet with my clients in person to discuss important matters, particularly when it comes to the negotiation process, where I can give them proper guidance and support.

I understand that buying or selling a property can be a stressful and emotional experience, and I strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible by keeping my clients informed and involved every step of the way.

In KS the seller typically pays 6% commission through their listing agreement with the listing agent’s brokerage. 

That commission is often split 3% to the seller listing agent's brokerage and 3% to the buyer agent's brokerage. 

So the seller pays all commission unless your buyers agent is charging additional fees. 

Be it known that the listing agreement only specifies the amount the seller will pay will be 6%, it does not specify that if there is not a buyers agent that it will decrease to 3%. 

So the seller pays 6% regardless if there is a buyer's agent or the buyer represents themself in the purchase transaction.  In that case the seller's agent gets the full 6% & only represents the seller.

The short answer is no.  The model home listing agent/Realtor works for the Builder and or the developer.  That means they have a  fiduciary responsibility to them first.  Sure they can sell you the home, but they more than not will be representing the seller, not you as a buyer.

No, not in South Central KS. 

What buyers aren’t aware of is how a new home development usually works.  The developer develops the land to be sold for the house to be built upon. 

The builder buys the lot from the developer & then starts the build.  The developer usually has a “deed attachment” or “deed restriction” placed on all lots sold which state that 6% commission which state “Grantee shall pay the marketing representative for the development in which the lot is located (with half such fee being paid to the cooperating agent, if any) a marketing fee (the “Marketing Fee”) equal to 6% of the sum of the Construction Costs and the original sales price of the Lot paid by the Grantee to Grantor.” 

In short, 6% commission (Marketing Fee) must be paid 1 way or another.  Either the Model home agent/listing agent’s brokerage receives all 6%, or it is split 3% to the Model home agent's brokerage and 3% to the buyer agent's brokerage representing the buyer. 

If 6% is going to be paid either way and it’s not going to cost you any more or any less on the sales price, then, why not have a buyer’s agent represent you?

In KS, special taxes are a tax that the county imposes on a newly built property to cover the cost of sewer installation, drainage, street paving, sidewalks, street lighting, fresh water lines, utilities, etc. 

They are levied against the home, not the owner, & stay with the home passed from owner to owner until they are paid off.  Typically in Sedgwick & Butler county KS special taxes are amortized for 15 yrs on each property & transfer with ownership. 

The rest of the country puts these costs into the price of the initial lot when the house is built. 

Special taxes can be added to existing properties, say a home just off the pavement that the county decides to pave the gravel road.  Then the county would impose special taxes on that property & any property that benefits from it.

An inspection is a thorough review & testing of all the home's components & condition. 

An appraisal is an opinion of value based on similar sold comparables in a set timeframe that is provided to the lender to approve a buyer's loan. 

A home inspection is hired by the buyer and should consist of a licensed home inspector/company.  The inspector will thoroughly inspect all the aspects of the home on behalf of the buyer.  A home inspection is very thorough & often takes a minimum of 2 hours and sometimes up to 4 hours to complete. 

A home inspection is provided just to the buyer that paid for the service and then can be shared during repair requests and repair negotiations. 

An appraisal is paid by the buyer up front when the loan process is started, however it often takes 2-3 weeks to be completed.  Depending on the buyers loan type the appraiser will follow a set guidelines on condition requirements and usable comparable requirements used to help establish value. 

An appraiser is often at the property for less than 30 minutes and his inspection for condition is based on what is readily visible to the naked eye.  The appraiser does not test outlets, walk the roof, check plumbing, HVAC, etc.  Their report is limited to mostly verifying that the house appears to be “structurally sound, functioning as designed, and safe”.

No, you do not have to get a home inspection.  But it is highly recommended that you do.  The seller has a legal obligation to disclose all known defects, however, some can be unknown or overlooked.  Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people make in their lifetime. 

We highly recommend you invest the money for a thorough home inspection.  Then based on the results you can try to negotiate repairs and costs or cancel the contract during the specified inspection timeline.

Yes!  If they are military then before deployment JAG will often secure a Property Specific Power of Attorney allowing a designated party to sell or purchase a property without them being physically present.  If said person is not military, then often we can still use a POA or we can coordinate a separate closing with a cooperating entity at their out-of-town location.  This happens quite often and can be accomplished with prior preparation.

Earnest money can be thought of as a “good faith deposit”.  The minimum amount is $500.00 however the more a buyer offers often reflects the buyer's interest & is more appealing to a seller during negotiations or multiple offer situations. 

In our local KS board earnest money is paid to & held by a mutually agreed upon & specified title company. 

Our board contract states that earnest money is then applied to the buyer's proceeds upon a successful closing of the transaction, it can be released back to the buyers after a mutual contract release/cancellation, or it could be released to the sellers to cover any expenses incurred on buyers behalf with a mutual release/cancellation. 

It must be mutually agreed upon to be released back to either party for a contract cancellation that doesn’t end in a closing.