Why Use a REALTOR® When Selling a Home?

A real estate sales representative can help you understand everything you need to know about the home selling process. They must be licensed by the province and display the REALTOR "®" trademark on their business cards and other marketing and sales literature. Sales representatives are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly and subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. They are required to take ongoing education in order to maintain a high level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.

 

Real estate transactions are one of the biggest financial dealings of most people’s lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $250,000. If you had a $250,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a certified professional accountant? If you had a $250,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Why then would you not use a real estate sales representative when you are selling a home?

If you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are more reasons to use one:

  1. When selling your home, your real estate sales representative can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace as well as the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
  2. Often, your representative can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the saleability of your property.
  3. Your representative markets your property to other real estate persons and the public. 
  4. Your representative will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The majority of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your real estate sales representative you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your representative will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
  5. Your representative can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing – and a lot of possible pitfalls. Your representative can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
  6. Your representativ can help close the sale of your home. Issues may arise between the initial sales agreement and closing, for example, unexpected repairs might be required to obtain financing or a title problem is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your representative is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.