You’re selling your home and you make an appointment with a real estate agent. You are impressed with the listing presentation but 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 can include your home’s square footage, type of heating and cooling, proximity to schools, and so on.

 2. Providing you with a Market Analysis, estimating your property’s value, based on comparable sales in your area.  Advising you in establishing the best asking price.

 3. Preparing, coordinating and paying for advertising and marketing efforts for your home. This can include Internet marketing, newspaper and/or other print advertisements, conducting open houses, and placing a sign in front of the home.

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

 5. Preparing Agreement of Sale paperwork, placing the buyer’s deposit in escrow, and taking care of other necessary documentation throughout the transaction.

 6. Advising you on aspects of the sales contract and dealing with the buyer or their real estate agent 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.

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

 8. Handling details from home inspection results, termite inspection reports, title preparation details, and working with lenders as needed. 

 9. Scheduling and accompanying 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®, real estate professionals subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to both buyers and sellers.

If you are an Internet-user, I also recommend selecting an e-PRO REALTOR®  Check out my blog post entitled: What is an e-PRO—and why should you use one?