It is not unusual for
homeowners to consider selling their home without the services of a Realtor®.
It would appear that the seller would save money by avoiding the cost of a sales
commission. As logical as this sounds, the opposite is often true because
Realtors usually have the ability to get a higher sales price than an amateur.
Here are some things to consider:
CREATION OF DEMAND Realtors® also belong to multiple listing services. These services swing
into action when a home is listed by a member firm. Information on each home is
broadcast by computer to every other real estate agent who belongs to the
service. This allows hundreds of agents to show your home to potential buyers at
the invitation of the listing agent.
PRICING EXPERTISE THE POWER OF AN AGENT
A Realtor® can create more demand for a home than an owner acting alone. This
increase in demand increases the price of the supply of homes that are available
to meet this demand. Demand is created by commissioned salespeople who don't
receive a paycheck unless they make a sale. So, Realtors are motivated to
produce results. Realtors are always advertising to attract buyers to their
listings. These advertisements provide a constant supply of buyers who are
interested in buying homes in certain geographic areas.
Correct pricing is best achieved by someone who is in real estate on a regular
basis. The asking price must attract buyers, be competitive with similar homes,
and allow for some negotiation. Many sellers lose money at the outset with
improper pricing. It is best to use a professional when making the critical
decision of the asking price.
There are numerous situations in which it is better that the buyer and seller
not communicate directly with each other. A seller could become intimidated by
the buyer and sell the home for less than it is worth. The seller also may
betray how anxious he or she is and give the buyer reason to drive a hard
bargain while negotiating. An objective and experienced Realtor® can help
protect the interests of the seller and obtain a fair market price.