Why Use an Agent

One of the first decisions you are confronted with when selling your house is whether or not to list it with a realtor or try to sell alone, without the help of an agent. For most people this decision boils down to time and money: agents take a commission but make the job of selling your house less stressful. However, the issue is a little more complicated than that.

The idea of taking 6 percent immediately out of the value of your house may hard for you to wrap your head around, but before you start putting up "open house" signs in your yard, you should first consider how an agent can help you out:

• Agents can objectively assess a buyer's offer and advise you on what is an appropriate counter-offer.
• Agents know what is the best way to market your property. They know whether or not you take out another listing in your local newspaper or if your property is becoming overexposed.
• Agents help you navigate the complicated paperwork that is part of the actual selling process of the house. Your house is probably the single most expensive asset that you will sell. You want to know what every signature actually means.
• Agents have extensive connections in the real estate world. A huge number of sales across the country are cooperative sales. Usually this is the result of your agent telling other agents who are representing buyers about the house being on the market.
• Agents can recommend repairs or cosmetic changes that can make your property more attractive to buyers.
• It is an agent's job to stay on top of the latest happening in the real estate market. This information can be key to you selling your home.