When you’re searching for an experienced real estate firm in Centralia, MO – or anywhere in Mid-Missouri, for that matter! – look no further than Bishop Real Estate Services.  Located in the heart of Central Missouri, Don and Eula Bishop have decades of experience helping customers find, finance and sell the perfect home or investment property.

If you’re looking for a great deal, we specialize in REO (Real Estate Owned) and foreclosure properties.  Our experience has made us a “low maintenance” REO Broker who knows what to do and how to do it and we enjoy working hard to relieve asset managers of as much of their workload as possible.  Learn more about our REO Broker credentials – and sign up for our “Mid-MO Real Estate Deals List” to learn of foreclosures and hot real estate opportunities!

Contact us today, whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Centralia, Columbia, or Mexico MO or any of the surrounding communities.  And there’s no need to go elsewhere to search – you’ll find information on every property listed in Mid-Missouri within these pages.

The path to buying a new home is neither straight nor narrow.   Numerous options are available to home buyers.  One option is to have a Realtor® you with your home search and purchase. While some new home buyers prefer to handle the so-called “dirty work” themselves and work directly with the seller, others choose to rely on a real estate agent to help assist them as they maneuver through the process.

When you choose to work with a Realtor®, you are getting the services of a professional who will coordinate the transaction on your behalf and serve as a liaison between you and the seller throughout the entire home buying process.  The Realtor®’s job also includes everything from finding and showing various properties to scheduling appointments and overseeing contracts and negotiations.

New home buyers often turn to their real estate agents for a range of helpful advice. Real estate agents can advise their clients when it comes to acquiring a mortgage loan, a title company, an attorney or a closing agent. It is, however, always prudent  to do your own research and comparisons apart from your agent’s recommendations.

One advantage of using a real estate agent is that the service is free to the individual purchasing a new home. Real estate agents draw their compensation from the commission earned on a new home sale, and since the seller is solely responsible for paying the commission, the buyer’s assets are unaffected. However, this usually is offset at closing since, more often than not, the buyer is expected to cover the majority of the closing costs.

Selecting and Working With Your Real Estate Agent

How to choose a real estate agent

1. When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don’t waste time and resources – decide what’s most important to you, and then find a professional who specializes in that area. Are you buying or selling a loft? A condo? A rural property? Raw land? An investment property? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or timing. Whatever you decide.
2. Ask friends and family members for referrals. Someone you know and trust may have a Real Estate agent in mind to help you meet your real estate goals.
3. If you’ve already determined where you’d like to live, drive through neighborhoods in the area and survey them for Realtor yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up on signs time after time may indicate that the agent is a specialist in the area. If you’re thinking about selling, monitor the signs in your own neighborhood.
4. Moving far away?  You can begin to meet and greet sales agents from all around the world who can offer the same great expertise and service. Consider services they offer, additional certifications, any specialties, languages they speak. You’ll find the right professional to meet your real estate needs no matter where your home search takes you.
5. Pay attention to credentials. This will help you determine areas of expertise. These designations signify specific expertise: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist).

What to ask in the interview

1. If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold.
2. If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your property and then put together a comprehensive customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can’t suggest a single strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates.
3. Ask the real estate agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations. Pay attention to office hours and whether you’ll be invited to stay in touch via a cell phone or e-mail.
4. Ask how long the real estate agent has been licensed and how many buyers and sellers he or she has helped. While time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate experience.
5. Pay attention to the agent’s listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you’ve finished a sentence? There’s nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it’s priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.
6. Ask the real estate agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way?
7. If you are unsatisfied with a prospect’s plans or personality, thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you and repeat the process with another real estate agent. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worthwhile.Once you’ve found the right real estate agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your real estate agent get you the best deal.

How to work with your real estate agent

1. If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home’s features and best qualities, especially those you know best that others might overlook. Give this to your real estate agent, who may be able to use the information in marketing materials or when talking with potential buyers.
2. When selling, talk to the real estate agent about cosmetic improvements. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet. Remember to select neutral colors in your improvements that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
3. If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during the selling process.
4. If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered 1 through 10 and give it to your real estate agent. You can always revise the list, but give your real estate agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.