A real estate agent is more than just a "sales person." They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance and doing a job - helping you buy or sell a home. Due to the fast changing market, the data on available listings is not 100% accurate. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.
The process of selling your home begins with the determination of a reasonable asking price. A Realtor® can give you up-to-date information on the market to help you price your home right to get your home sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
Having a marketing plan is key in getting your home exposure to as many buyers as possible. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales meaning that a Realtor® other than yours brings in the buyer. Your Realtor® will act as the marketing coordinator so make sure you choose an agent with a good marketing plan and one that you agree will help you sell your home at the best price, in the least amount of time, and at the least amount of hassle to you. Your agent will dispurse information about your home to other real estate agents through the Multiple Listing Service, open houses, and other marketing networks. Your real estate agent will know when, where, and how to advertise your home to the public and other agents.
When a property is marketed with the help of a Realtor®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. This gives a seller extra comfort and security knowing that all prospective buyers that enter your home are pre-screened and accompanied by an agent.
Your agent will help you resolve any question or problems that may arise between the initial sales agreement and closing. He/she is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.
You be the judge! Remember this is probably your largest investment. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it yourself or would you inquire the help of an qualified attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a Realtor®.
