Do I really need a Realtor?
SO YOU’RE INTERESTED IN SELLING? Aside from buying the home of their dreams, selling a property is one of the biggest tasks many people will undertake in their lifetimes. There are numerous intricacies that go into the process of not only putting a home on the market, but also effectively promoting a residence and attracting the right kinds of buyers. In this detailed four part guide, I will provide a thorough breakdown of everything that goes into the selling process — and how a real estate agent can ensure that process goes quickly and smoothly.
DO I REALLY NEED A REALTOR? With the advent and continual evolution of online search, you can access significant amounts of information within seconds. What the internet doesn’t offer, though, is provide detailed knowledge of the countless intricacies that go along with selling. Nearly nine in 10 sellers use an agent or broker to help them sell their homes — and you’d be wise to hire one as well to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Market Expertise. From understanding the local school system and jobs market to researching community home values and past sales history, real estate agents stay on top of all of the essential details they need to know to move your property expeditiously and for the right amount of money. Sure, you can research your neighborhood and general area to discover what your neighbors have gotten for their homes for sale and how much properties in your town have appreciated in value over time, but given agents are already embedded into the community in which they work, they’ve already done that work for you.
Negotiation Skills. You may know how to make your home look appealing and pitch its best features to prospective buyers, but a certified agent has a thorough understanding of the average buyer’s mindset — meaning they know the tricks of the trade that can secure plenty of buyers to show up at your open houses, call to set up personal home tours, and check out your listing online. Add in the fact that agents have skin in the game regarding the sale price (hint: commission), and it’s evident they have the knowledge and motivation to ensure you get the best price possible for your home for sale.
Law and Contract Knowledge. The amount of laws, rules, and regulations that have to be dealt with throughout the course of selling a home are seemingly innumerable. No home seller should have to deal with complicated legalese and documents while trying to stage their residence and find a new home to purchase. Instead, they should leave all of that in the hands of their real estate agent. The right agent knows how to structure home contracts so they’re not only correct, but lead to quickly and productively close deals.
Professional Network. The best of the best agents are not only knowledgeable and accomplished, but also well-connected. Expert agents spend much of their time building their networks and gaining new relationships with fellow agents and home vendors: everyone from plumbers, electricians, and contractors to appraisers, inspectors, and attorneys. So, when you sign on with an experienced agent, you get much more than their sales and marketing expertise. You also get a comprehensive network of professionals who can help move a sale along speedily.
Time. The internet offers a wealth of information for home sellers, but with much of their time dedicated to their day-to-day — working a 9-to-5, picking up the kids at school, etc. — it can be difficult for them to find a few hours each week to research agents who can help them put their property on the market. That’s why hiring an agent is essential: They’re completely dedicated to spending countless hours combing over data on local home sales, identifying buyer leads, and performing a variety of other sales and marketing tasks (online and offline) to broaden awareness of your listing.
To get all four parts of this guide, download my "Ultimate Guide to Selling"
