WHY DO YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT
How much energy, time, information, resources and contacts do you have to market and sell your home? Would the process be a smooth, non-stressful transaction? Would you be able to get the best price for your home?
Pricing
A real estate professional has the knowledge and tools to determine a pricing strategy for your property. You don’t want to miss opportunities by placing the value too low or too high. Knowledge about the surrounding area, pricing trends, local information and experience will ensure you get the best price for your home.
Marketing
Real estate professionals have many ways to effectively market your property. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. Proven marketing methods include flyers, open houses, local newspapers, the Internet and the most effective is listing in the local Multiple Listing service (M.L.S.)
Advertising is one part of marketing your home. Overexposure of a property in any media may give a buyer the impression the seller is desperate. Whereas a real estate professional will know when, where and how to advertise your property.
Your home is presented to all the real estate professionals. Over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales, that is when a real estate professional other than your agent brings in the buyer. Your real estate professional presents your home and coordinates the distribution of information to other real estate professionals through the M.L.S., real estate tours and open houses
The real estate professional is suited to recommend the preparation of your home such as repairs and cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your home.
Security
Real estate professionals pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property which avoids strangers entering your home. New high-tech lock boxes transmit electronic messages to your agent every time a real estate professional enters your home which ensures additional security and quick follow up regarding comments and suggestions.
Negotiating
Your real estate professional can assist you by objectively evaluating every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. The negotiating process involves appraisals, inspections, financing and resolving potential obstacles. Your real estate professional will help you write a legally binding agreement that will more than likely make it through this complicated process.
Monitoring, Renegotiating and Closing
The real estate professional is there to answer questions that may arise regarding the sales agreement and closing/settlement. The required paperwork can be intimidating. Your real estate professional is the best person to objectively help you resolve agreement issues, make sure unforeseen problems are handled reliably and quickly to move the transaction to closing.