Selling a home can be one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever make, and you want to have someone by your side looking out for you every step of the way. That is the role a good real estate agent plays. Here are some reasons you’ll want to work with a real estate professional:
- Valuable assistance. Your agent can help you field offers and counteroffers, avoiding common home selling pitfalls and making sure you follow the necessary rules and regulations involved in selling a home. They also can help you coordinate home showings and visits by home inspectors and appraisers.
- More exposure. Real estate agents market your property in a number of ways, including listing it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Many agents also have an extensive referral network. As a result, homes marketed by real estate agents often reach a much larger pool of qualified buyers. Did you know that a greater pool of homebuyers could lead to a higher selling price?
- Invaluable advice. A real estate agent can help you determine any home repairs or improvements that should be completed before you list your home. They also can help you in other ways to put your home in the best possible light. Beyond cleaning and de-cluttering, should you paint your home before listing it? Make any major repairs? Your agent can help you make the best decision.
You’ll also want to make sure you find the right agent for you and your family. Consider these points:
- Your price range. Have an entry-level home you’d like to sell? An agent that specializes only in high-end luxury properties may not be your best bet. Does the agent have experience selling homes in your price range?
- Your goals. Do you need some advice for putting your property in the best possible light? Ask if the agent has some ideas that can help you make your home more marketable or appealing. Are you concerned about how visible your property will be to prospective buyers? Ask the different ways the agent would market your property.
- Your instincts. You don’t need to be best buddies, but you should get good vibes from a real estate agent who will be handling one of the biggest financial transactions of your life.
You can take on this process yourself. But do consider the stress that goes along with it. It’s more than setting a price. It’s marketing, showings, paperwork, and so much more. The right real estate agent can make the experience so much better.
