Buying or selling a home involves a lot of things, it also raises questions. In this column ‘Ask Bob’, real estate expert/broker Bob Bartikoski of RE/MAX Paradise Homes Bonaire answers a real estate question from a reader. This time:
Question: I recently contacted a real estate broker on the island and asked them to list my house for sale. To my surprise, they offered to buy it from me on the spot. What should I do?
First of all, it is important to realize that there are virtually no government regulations or industry controls on the real estate brokers on Bonaire, so any broker might claim to be the “most trusted” broker on the island.
It is always important to check the brokers references by talking to the references they give, AND asking around for other references since most business people will never refer to an unhappy client.
If you are considering selling your property to a real estate broker who you asked to list it for sale make sure you get a second opinion from at least one other broker. This suggestion applies if a real estate broker OR other buyer offers to buy your house from you directly. The broker or other buyer who wants to buy your property directly may offer you a lower than market price expecting to quickly resell your property and make a quick profit for themselves or just to get a better price.
Whenever you are considering listing your home for sale, it is always a good idea to talk with two or even three brokers to see how they value your home and to see how you feel about working with them to sell your house.
Do you want to buy or sell a house in Bonaire, or do have a real estate question for Bob? email him at: [email protected]. Call for free from the US: 1-866-611-7362 or Bonaire: +599-717-7362. See all our listings here.