With all of today’s increasing technology and access to information, a new question arises in the world of real estate for home sellers. That question is, “Do I even need a realtor?”

The answer to this question is most likely, yes. And we’re here to tell you why.

The most important reason to have a realtor when selling, is that they really do have the capability to get you more money for your home. According to the National Association of REALTORS, statistics reveal that homes listed for sale with a real estate agent sell for $46,000 more on average than For Sale By Owner houses.

Realtors have access to market data about recent sales and other homes on the market that can be used to set the correct price for your property. Studies show that homes sell quicker when they are priced appropriately when they are first listed. They also tend to sell for a higher price than homes that have been on the market for a while.

One thing that new sellers fail to realize is that selling your home yourself is way more than just putting a “FOR SALE” sign in the yard. You need to have a sales plan.

Realtors have professional marketing knowledge and connections to other Realtors who work with buyers. They also have the support of a brokerage that will market your home to more people than you can as an individual.

A Realtor can help you negotiate a contract that not only gives you an appropriate price for your home, but also meets your needs for a settlement date. Additionally, they can make sure your contract is in compliance with all local regulations.

A Realtor can screen visitors to your home, which provides a measure of safety that ‘For Sale By Owner’ sellers don’t have. Realtors also have the means to check if buyers are legitimate and can afford to purchase your home. Your realtor can help you avoid wasting time showing your home to unrealistic buyers.

They give you more convenience. If you are selling your home yourself, you will have to solicit calls from interested parties, answer questions and make appointments. Please know that potential buyers are likely to move on if you tend to be busy or don’t respond quickly enough. Realtors have the full time job of being your connection to prospects, and catering to prospects.

The bottom line is that with the art of negotiation, leverage of local knowledge, use of valuable marketing tools, greater access to the market and ability to qualify buyers, realtors can definitely get you more money for your home.

If you’d like to get an idea of the value of your home, and/or are looking to sell, please reach out to us. We’d love to help!