USE A REALTOR OR GO IT ALONE?

Do you really need a REALTOR when you sell your home or cottage, or can you do it yourself?

Selling your home or cottage is one of the biggest financial transactions most of us will ever make. REALTORS have the qualifications and experience to help make that transaction as smooth and painless as possible. Handling a real estate transaction on your own can be like trying to repair your own car; you may have all the right parts and tools, but unless you have the skill of a professional, you may end up making a very costly mistake.

Most people who buy and sell their homes do enlist the services of a REALTOR. Those who go the "do it yourself' route often wind up changing their minds and contacting a REALTOR when they discover the process is more complex, time-consuming and intimidating than they thought.

Saving Money?

The main reason people attempt to sell their own homes is to save on the real estate commission. But will you really save money if you sell your home yourself? Maybe. But maybe not. Most buyers expect a discount because you aren't paying a real estate commission, and as a result may offer you less than fair market value for your home. Determining the fair market value is one area requiring a REALTOR's extensive knowledge and training. If you set your price too high, you may frighten off potential buyers; set it too low and you could lose thousands of dollars needlessly. One of your REALTOR's most important tasks will be to help you decide upon a realistic market value for your home; one that will enable you to sell it quickly and for the best possible price.

Time commitment

Do you really have the time it takes to sell your home? A REALTOR will write and pay for the ads to market your home, remain available day and night for calls from prospects, host open houses on the weekends, show your property on short notice, screen potential buyers, fill out all the paperwork, handle the negotiations and do dozens of other things required to sell a home. When you consider the amount of time invested, are you really saving any money by going it alone?

Negotiating skills

Many homeowners lack the skill to negotiate the best price for their home. Selling your home can be a highly emotional experience, making it almost impossible to remain neutral when potential buyers make negative comments about the property. A REALTOR is a skilled negotiator who can remain impartial during the negotiations and keep your stress levels to a minimum.

Use a REALTOR to sell your home

When you consider all the services they provide -marketing, negotiating, dealing with contracts and legal issues -it pays to have a REALTOR on your side. Working with a REALTOR -a licensed real estate professional who is a member of his or her local real estate board and/or the Manitoba Real Estate Association -entitles you to a vast array of services and benefits you would not get if you "do it yourself'.