Marshall Realty Frequently Asked Questions

(650) 605-3976
683 Jenevein Ave
San Bruno, CA 94066
Q: What’s your commission rate?
A: "Our standard commission rate is 6 percent. For that, you get the full service of our firm, not simply a listing on a website."
Q: Where do you advertise?
A: "We’re constantly changing where we advertise, keeping abreast on which publications and websites are most effective at bringing in qualified buyers. Usually, it’s a mix of local newspapers, websites like craigslist and some magazines. Where we place ads depends on what publications are best for that specific property."
Q: Is home staging necessary?
A: "It really depends on the property. If the house isn’t in good shape to begin with, staging isn’t going to help much. But if it’s in a neighborhood where sales are competitive and the staging can update the house a bit and position it better, then it’s worth it. We know the areas in which we work and can advise you on the best techniques to sell your particular house."
Q: Should a Realtor represent both the buyer and seller of the same property?
A: "In our opinion, that’s fine, as long as there’s complete disclosure. Realtors are facilitators of the sale; it’s the buyer and the seller who dictate the price. Also, our realtors are actually independent contractors, so they operate autonomously."
Q: What’s a short sale? How does it affect one’s credit rating? Do you handle short sales?
A: "Unfortunately, short sales are very common these days. A short sale is where the owner owes more than the house is worth but sells before going into foreclosure. The owner makes no money on the sale, and the bank, which typically pays all the closing costs and title fees, takes a loss, but less than if they’d gone into a lengthy foreclosure process. Short sales are somewhat new and nobody is sure exactly how they will affect a credit rating. If someone is contemplating a short sale, the best thing to do is consult an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy and foreclosures. Many realtors refuse to handle short sales. We don’t like them, but we accept them as part of the business."