Enlist the Services of a REALTOR When You Sell

With all the reports in the media of the good seller's market these days, many home or cottage owners are looking to sell their places quickly and for a good profit. But, when the pace is this fast and the stakes are high, the need for an experienced, professional REALTOR is greater than ever.

A REALTOR has the qualifications, knowledge, experience and resources to help you make a smooth move, even under pressure. There is no doubt that selling your home, property or cottage is an emotional experience at any time. During a hot market you may be dealing with multiple offers and potential buyers with shortened fuses. You can count on your REALTOR to remain impartial and professional during heated negotiations. He or she will act on your behalf and will work to protect your best interests.

A REALTOR will also provide many other services to help market your home to your best advantage. He or she will help you set a price that reflects the true value of your home under the current market conditions. Your REALTOR will also explain the selling process from listing your home to closing the deal.

Asking price

Deciding what the "asking price" of your home will be is one of your REALTOR's prime tasks. Your property and buildings will have to be analyzed and compared to similar offers for sale or recently sold in your area.

The price will be one that you and your REALTOR decide on together, based primarily on your home's fair market value. Influences such as strength of the current market, today's low interest rates and consumer demand for your type of property will also be used to determine the asking price.

Marketing your cottage or home

Developing a marketing plan is one of the many services your REALTOR will provide. Your home's marketing plan may include open houses, local newspaper advertising, Internet exposure, real estate newspaper advertising, direct mail flyers, lawn signs and multiple listings of your property through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®). An MLS® listing gives your property wide exposure to a broad base of potential buyers and is a valuable tool when you are anxious to sell your home quickly.

A good impression

A home or cottage that is clean, in good repair, uncluttered, nicely landscaped and welcoming creates a good first impression to potential buyers. How well your home shows to prospective buyers may determine how long it stays on the market and what it sells for. Your REALTOR will provide you with tips to add "curb appeal" to make your home "show" better. Things like fresh paint, flowers or a few new area carpets can improve your home's marketability even more.

Expert advice

Your REALTOR will also suggest you seek the advice of other experts such as a lawyer, home inspector and mortgage broker during your real estate transaction. With a REALTOR on your side and the help of these professionals, selling your home or cottage can be an exciting and profitable experience