Letting Your Agent Lead

If you’re planning to sell your home, you may be considering placing it on the market without the services of a real estate agent. Although eliminating the “middleman” may seem like a good idea, a licensed real estate agent can save you time and money in the end.

Some sellers believe attempting to sell their home alone can save on commission fees and requires little effort. However, the complex legal issues involved in selling a home, which are handled by a real estate agent, are often overlooked. Another seller consideration lies in an agent’s ability to accurately price a home by conducting a comparative market analysis on the property. This report provides pricing information on similar homes in the area in order to accurately price your home – reducing the property’s market time.

In order to ensure you remain up-to-date on the latest real estate developments, sales associates also have constant access to industry statistics and pricing information. They are experienced in negotiating contracts, discussing financing options and marketing homes. And, with access to the latest technology and marketing tools like online virtual tours, floor plans and property videos, you can reach a broader audience – targeting more potential buyers than you could alone.

In addition, today’s agents often have additional real estate services at their fingertips – including mortgage, title and relocation. Remember, if you go it alone, you won’t have the convenience of finding all your real estate needs in one place.

Not only can a real estate agent assist you in the actual transaction process, but some even provide additional home-related services to make life easier. For example, some brokerages may offer home warranties, utility-connection services or “concierge desks” to eliminate the confusion and stress of buying or selling your home.

Whether it’s work, school, family or friends, you have lots of other priorities. And to market your home well, you'll likely find it's a full time job! Working with a professional real estate agent will not only ensure you price your home correctly, and sell it quickly – but it will also mean that you'll have time to focus on the important things in your life.