You're selling your home and you make an appointment with a real estate agent. You are impressed with the listing presentation and the agent asks if you want to contract with him/her--i.e., his/her assistance in exchange for a commission. At this point you may be asking yourself, "Exactly what do I get for my money?" Following are just some of the wide array of services you may receive when you enlist the help of a real estate professional.

1 Compiling information about your home in preparation for the listing. This information can include your home's square footage, type of heating and cooling, proximity to schools, and so on.

2 Estimating your property's value, taking into account comparable sales in your area. This is done in order to help you establish the asking price.

3 Preparing, coordinating and paying for advertising and marketing efforts for your home. This can include putting advertisements in the paper, conducting open houses, and placing a sign in front of the home.

4 Screening prospective buyers so that only qualified buyers with serious intentions are shown your home.

5 Listing the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and working with other agents to let the maximum number of qualified buyers see your property.

6 Writing offers, placing the buyer's deposit in escrow, and taking care of other necessary documentation such as title reports.

7 Advising you on aspects of the sales contract and dealing with the buyer on various elements you may want to negotiate. This includes negotiating with the buyer on price, if necessary, in an effort to obtain the full value for your home.

8 Helping the buyer locate financing, arrange for home inspections and an appraisal, and other details in preparation for the closing.

9 Accompany you to the closing or attending in your place.

10 Presenting you with a check at settlement!!

Working with a real estate agent can save you time, money and headaches. When you enter into a contract with an agent, you have the security of knowing that your agent is legally representing you and acting in your best interest throughout the property transaction. Additionally, choosing to work with a real estate agent who is a REALTOR® can give you added peace of mind. As members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to both buyers and sellers.