The Benefits of Using A Realtor When Selling Your Home

Real estate agents are either despised or loved, depending on how successful they are at serving their clients. Some people don’t understand what agents do—and they wonder whether they can’t do for themselves while saving money.

The truth is that some buyers and sellers could manage very well on their own. An A-rated agent can bring added value to a transaction, but for some consumers, it’s not necessary. Those who prioritize a quick transaction and the ease of representing themselves may prefer to go without an agent, but many will find that it’s more work than they want to handle. This decision depends on your circumstances, along with how much time and money you have to spend on buying or selling your home.

Can You Make More Money Without an Agent? 

As a seller, you can find your own buyer. But an agent may be able to help you net more on your bottom line. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the difference can be 40% or more. Much depends on the real estate market, your location, and other factors.¹

In a seller’s market, almost anybody can put up a for sale sign and attract offers. That’s because eager buyers are busily waving earnest money deposits in the air. In this situation, be prepared to handle multiple offers. You should also be prepared to handle a possible lawsuit, extract money from a buyer, get through a home inspection, and close a deal. In buyer’s markets, there are fewer buyers, which makes an agent’s services even more valuable.

According to NAR, almost 90% of buyers purchase a home through a real estate agent. You might lose access to many of these buyers if you decide to sell your home on your own.

The Benefits of a Seller’s Agent 

Unless you routinely attend every open house in your neighborhood, you may not possess intimate information about the interior of your neighbors’ homes nor know why some sold for higher prices than others. Experienced agents have this knowledge and use it to position your home to sell at the highest possible price.

Top listing agents sell homes every day. Services most listing agents offer to sellers include:

• Marketing materials and proven selling systems
• Professional virtual tours and photography
• Wide internet exposure
• Promotion at company meetings and multiple listing service (MLS) meetings
• Networking with fellow real estate agents
• Price guidance according to market data and recent sales
• Home stager, inspector, and repair contractor referrals
• Buyer feedback and private showings
• Confirmation of potential buyer qualifications
• Counteroffer and negotiation expertise, especially with multiple offers
• Guidance to get past the home inspection without making repairs
• Suggestions for dealing with low appraisals