SELLING | GeorgeLunaRealtor

REASONS TO USE A REALTOR WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

Selling a house can be a complex process. A real estate agent who's a Realtor®—a member of the National Association of Realtors—can help you at every stage, from setting a price to marketing the property to closing the sale. Here's more about how a Realtor can help you sell a house.

Getting the Realtor guarantee

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors are called Realtors. They proudly display the Realtor logo on their business card, website, and marketing. Realtors subscribe to a strict code of ethics and have access to advanced educational opportunities and training in both residential and commercial real estate specialties. Realtors are committed to treating all parties to a transaction honestly.

Setting the price

The selling process generally begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. Your real estate agent or Realtor can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in your local marketplace, as well as the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in marketing your home and selling it at the best price. Often, your agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of the property.

Marketing your property

The next step is a marketing plan. Marketing exposes your property to the public as well as to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service, other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, and so on. In many markets, a substantial portion of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. The Realtor Code of Ethics requires Realtors to use these cooperative relationships when they benefit clients.

An agent will also know when, where and how to advertise—which medium, format and frequency will work best for your home and your market. Though advertising can be valuable, the notion that advertising sells real estate is a misconception. National Association of Realtors studies show that 82 percent of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts from previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.

Providing security

When a property is marketed with an agent's help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Agents will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Negotiating your real estate deal

Your agent 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—a lot of possible pitfalls. Your agent can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

Monitoring, renegotiating and closing

Between the initial sales agreement and the closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, there are unexpected repairs that require the buyer to obtain financing, or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your agent is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.

Getting expert assistance

Finally, consider the scale of your transaction. Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to solve it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the relatively small cost of hiring a Realtor and the large potential risk of not hiring one, it's smart to find a professional to sell your home.

TIPS FOR SELLERS

Declutter Your Home. All your counter tops and table tops should be cleared of unnecessary decorative items. If you have extra pieces of furniture or out of season decorations make sure they are all in storage. Be sure to clean and organize the garage too!
A nice deep clean for your windows will make a whole lot of difference in the look and feel of the home. Take out your window screens and brush them clean. Also, make sure to clean the windows with newspaper to avoid streaking. Vacuum and dust around window sills and wash curtains.
Let The Light Shine In. Remove heavy curtains that block sunlight and replace with sheer, new curtains on windows and large glass doors. Replace any burnt light bulbs with new ones and consider high-wattage bulbs for lower light areas of the home.
A deep clean is a great idea before you open your home to prospective buyers. Consider hiring a professional service or get started by following these steps.
Professional carpet cleaning will help eliminate any odors in your main rooms as well as washing and drying drapes on all windows. Open all the windows to air out the house prior to showings. If lighting scented candles, make sure they smell clean rather than fruity or seasonal. Run lemon rinds through the garbage disposal for any odors by the sink and add baking soda box to fridge it eliminates odors.
Holes in your window screens, sticky doors and windows, dripping faucet or scratches on the floor boards can seem minor but will distract buyers from the great features of the home. Make sure you give buyers an impression that the home is well-maintained by fixing any small repairs prior to showing.
Set the scene, decorative centerpieces with fresh flowers or fresh logs in the fire places. Help buyers picture themselves living in your home by giving a more personal, comfortable feeling.
Take away any of your personal toiletry items from all bathrooms and replace with fancy soaps and fresh towels. Remove toothbrushes and used towels.