Selling a home is a big financial decision, one that can have lasting affects. It is something you’ll want to do correctly and not leave anything to chance (or on the table). Therefore, you want a Realtor on your side, working hard for you. Someone to ensure you make a sound financial decision and to help you get it right. In fact, 87% of buyers use a real estate agent1. So chances are the people who are buying your home are using a Realtor, giving them an edge.
While it may seem like a simple task to sell your home, it’s not as straightforward as you may believe. Sure you can put up a sign, post an ad online, talk to all your friends and family, bombard social media, and even hold an open house, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Do you know how to properly prepare your house for the market? Do you know what buyers are expecting? Realtors are experts at aiding you in getting your house ready for the marketplace. From staging to yard work, repairs to curb appeal, Realtors know what attracts buyers and just as importantly, what doesn’t. Realtors provide you with a professionally installed sign and marketing materials. They provide professional photography and best of all, they are the buffer between you and the calls you will get to show your home. Not only that, if the potential buyers don’t have an agent to show the house, your Realtor will do it for you, helping to keep you safe and protecting your anonymity.
Do you really know how to accurately price your home so you don’t get looked over by a potential buyer or taken advantage of? It is difficult to price your home correctly. Realtors have information readily available to them to allow them to assess the value of your home; neighborhood and city sold history, current price of homes under contract, as well as understanding market gaps and placement.
While selling your home, you are going to be up to your ears in paperwork. Every transaction is laden with paperwork, it is especially time consuming and can be quite intimidating if you are quite sure what everything means. Realtors are there for you, not only for the paper work, but also for any questions you may have, clarifications you may need, or simply to put your mind at ease. Working nearly all hours of the day and night, they are there.
Are you a strong negotiator? This is yet another reason why hiring a Realtor is advantageous, as he/she have had a lot of training and education, and depending on the Realtor you choose, he/she can have a lot of experience successfully negotiating for clients. Negotiations are not just about price; they also encompass timelines and any other contingencies that are unique to your needs and your property. Realtors
Plus, Realtors know a whole lot of people. Over time and through experience, they have grown a reliable network of people who will only enable your transaction – mortgage brokers, inspectors, contractors, and interior designers, whom have been vetted by your Realtor. All this and more are why using a Realtor is so important.
Again, selling your home shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it can have monumental affects on both your bank, not to mention your emotions. To ensure you make strong decisions, you want a Realtor on your team. Find out how my vast experience and education can be of value to you.
(1) http://www.realtor.org/field-guides/field-guide-to-quick-real-estate-statistics
