With real estate markets booming, it is tempting for some buyers to question “do I really need a real estate agent?” and to consider listing a property as “for sale by owner”. In a seller’s market, it may seem like there is less reason to have a Realtor, but we have 3 compelling reasons why you want an experienced, professional real estate agent on your side.
- Nothing gets your home sold like the marketing exposure that a professional real estate agent brings to your property though the MLS, print media, digital media and other methods. More importantly, many agents will not work with FSBO properties because of too many unknown factors, meaning that even though your house is for sale, buyers working with an agent may likely not ever be shown your home.
- Being a Realtor is a full-time job and not one that sticks to office hours. A professional agent will spend between 20 and 200 hours selling an average home and studies suggest that a first time FSBO property will take double that amount of time and, according to a 2017 report, sell for significantly less money than comparable properties. Furthermore, you need to be available to answer calls, emails and be available for showings on the timeline that works for potential buyers.
- An experienced Realtor will protect your best interests throughout the entire sale, ensuring that your sale is correctly contracted, documented and registered to avoid costly legal complications in the future.
While those are key reasons, perhaps the best reason to use a real estate professional is for their objectivity. A home is a very personal item to which homeowners have close emotional ties. A professional agent will help you see your home through the eyes of potential buyers, to be sure it sells quickly, easily and for a price that you’re happy with.
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