Are you getting ready for a big move? Are you considering using a realtor to sell your home?

It can be tempting to consider putting your home on the market by yourself in order to save money on commission. Yet many folks who opt for this method find themselves wishing they had taken the time to find a qualified agent. In the end, it could end up saving you serious time and money.

Why use a realtor when you do not have to?

Let us take a look.

Saves You Time 

It may seem like all you need to do is list your home on a few sites and wait for prospective buyers to call you, but selling a home is a serious time commitment. 

If you have another job or a family, you may have trouble taking time off to hurry home and show your house to a prospective buyer. You may not have the time to respond to everyone who shows interest in your home on multiple listing sites. Maybe you cannot take a couple of days off to review and negotiate offers.

If you cannot make a full-time commitment to spend on selling your home, you can hire a real estate agent who will manage showings and offers for you. They can coordinate with lawyers and insurance agents for the closing. And they will leave you only with the task of accepting a great price on your home so you can move on to the next phase of your life.

Expertise Is Quite Helpful

The best real estate agents know what about your home will make it sell, and how to make it attractive to buyers. They can offer suggestions for staging and small repairs that will make it appealing.

For example, maybe you never thought about painting the bathroom a different color or getting an affordable comforter cover that will make your room look bigger. Perhaps a deep cleaning could help you get a better price for your house. 

Your real estate agent will also be able to present you with comps and help you list your home at the right price. You will learn what houses are going for in your neighborhood and what price point will help you get buyers in the door.

In addition, today's real estate marketing involves so much more than high-resolution photos. Video walk-throughs, social media exposure, and attractive fliers will all make sure your house sells. If creating media like this is not your strong suit, hire an agent who knows how to make your house look good.

Get A Better Price

Beyond that, it is important to note that homes listed by the owner have been discovered to get 30% less than agent-listed properties. This more than makes commission worth it!

Your agent has a responsibility to help you get the best possible price for your home. They know what works and what does not when it comes to negotiation. 

Those who are selling their own homes may tend to be a bit emotional about the process. You have invested a lot of time, money, and precious memories in your years there. 

The right real estate agent, however, can be removed and professional about the process. If you are looking for a higher bid, they will be able to respectfully let a prospective buyer know.

Get More Realtors To Show Your House

If a buyer's agent knows that your home is For Sale By The Owner, they may be less likely to show it because of the lack of guaranteed commission. They may also discourage buyers because they want to close the deal with a professional on the other end.

Some buyer's agents will show FSBO properties under the right conditions. Yet as a homeowner, you may not be ready to take that risk. Maximize the number of qualified buyers that will show up at your door by listing with a professional realtor.

In addition, some buyers may be hesitant to look honestly and carefully at your home if the owner is present. They may not want to hurt your feelings or get your hopes up. An agent is a more neutral party and they can honestly consider whether or not this is somewhere they can see themselves living.

Only Negotiating With Qualified Buyers

Not all of the folks who view your house are serious. Some may just be getting a feel for the neighborhood, and others could be looking for decorating ideas. Your real estate agent will know which questions to ask so they will not waste your time with those who are just visiting.

Realtors will be able to figure out which buyers are qualified and motivated. They will quickly move them forward to the point of making an offer.

Cast A Wider Net

If you are selling your home yourself, you can probably list it on major multiple listing sites. But in some markets, that may not be enough.

Your real estate agent will have contacts with other agents, lawyers, and sales sites that will help you find qualified buyers. These may even include folks who currently live outside the area. E-mail blasts and social networking could help you find your buyer before you know it.

The Right Paperwork

It's important to have the right documents in place before closing on a sale. If you do not, you could risk legal problems that could cost you serious money. You could be held liable for fraud, breach of contract, or negligence.

The right agent will make sure you disclose to the buyer anything that could be a problem later on.

In addition, closing on a home requires important paperwork that is easiest to sort through when handled by a professional. If you do not have the right contracts, inspections, and appraisals in place, your deal could fall through or be delayed. If you want to make sure your sale is speedy and above board, it pays to hire an agent.

Reduce Stress

Our jobs and families often cause enough stress in our lives. Moving, however, can really add to feelings of overwhelm. You are worried about the details and walking into an unknown new phase of your life.

Using a realtor can take a lot of the puzzle off of your plate. Someone else will be marketing, pricing, and negotiating the sale of your home. 

With these things in place, you can worry about things like packing and notifying the right people of your new address. You can know that you are getting the best possible price and can use your profits to start an exciting new chapter. 

Finding The Right Agent

It is important not to choose just any agent to sell your home. Your cousin or neighbor may have their real estate license, but they may not be the best person for the deal. You have invested a lot of time and money in your home and you want to make sure its sale is handled professionally.

Recommendations are a great way to start. Reach out to others who have sold their home recently, and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Were they happy with the price they got for their home? Were there ever any snags? Was the agent professional and able to offer helpful suggestions?

You can also read online reviews and see what former clients are saying. If you notice a pattern of similar positive comments, you are probably going to have a good experience.

Once you have narrowed down your search, call up prospective agents and ask them questions. This can give you a chance to learn about their level of expertise.

Based on their knowledge, what range would they recommend selling your home in? How many homes have they sold in the past year? How much did they sell for?

You can also ask agents how they plan on marketing your home, and if they have any suggestions for improvements. The right agent will have ready answers. 

In addition, your agent's appearance and communication style can let you know whether or not they are professional. The right agent will have experience, expertise, and many happy former clients that can give you the confidence you are making a good decision.

Why Use A Realtor?

Why use a realtor when you can sell your house on your own? In today's market, realtor advantages go far beyond making your life easier. The right professional can help you get the best possible price and move confidently on to your next home.

Do not stop getting smart about selling your home now. For qualified realtors and resources, contact us today.