Why Use a Real Estate Agent?
As you prepare to sell your home, you may be questioning how much a real estate agent can really help. If you're a pessimist, you may be questioning how much anything short of an undiscovered oil reserve in your backyard will actually help you sell your house.
The good news is that a skilled real estate agent can do a lot for you. Here are just a few examples of how a real estate agent can make selling your home easier:
1. Offering an objective look at your house.
You love your home. Your real estate agent doesn't. That's why your real estate agent can tell you how much your house is really worth, which furniture should go into storage before tours, and other tough love truths friends and family members won't dish out.
2. Acting as your advocate.
You can expect buyers and their agents to try to low-ball you. An experienced real estate agent is used to these tactics and will stand up for you, making counteroffers and putting his or her foot down when needed.
3. Helping you market your home.
Your real estate agent should be familiar with how to use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), yard signs, internet marketing, advertising, open houses, and other methods to help you sell your house.
4. Handling paperwork.
Getting purchase agreements and disclosures in order can be a pain, but a good real estate agent knows how to take care of your paperwork, giving you one less detail to worry about.
In short, a skilled real estate agent knows how to sell your house and will help you along each step of the journey.