There are many reasons for using a professional REALTOR® to sell your home, here are just a few to think about...

We know the local market:

Listing your home at the correct price is essential. Statistics show that if your home is priced just 10% above market value only 30% of potential buyers will look at your property. You need to know what the demand is for a home like yours in your neighbourhood.

REALTORS® can provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation which is a comparative market analysis report based on data in the Multiple Listing System. This analysis compares homes similar to your own that are currently available, and those that have sold in the last 6 months (or within current market conditions); plus those that have expired or been withdrawn, showing what the current buying market is not willing to pay.

We sell homes for more money:

REALTORS® have extensive education and experience in buying and selling property. It’s what we do… Every day! Good REALTORS® are not messengers delivering buyer’s offers to sellers and vice versa. We are experienced real estate professionals trained to negotiate and present your case in the best light, and agree to hold your information confidential from competing interests.

The main reason we are told that people choose not to use a REALTOR® is to save money on commission. However this doesn't always translate into more money in your pocket. Statistics show that only 1% of private sales end up coming out ahead, and over 70% of private sellers end up listing with a REALTOR® eventually.

A National Association of REALTORS® study found that out of 1,000 private sellers:

• 700 will end up hiring a real estate professional to sell their home
• 200 will give up selling altogether
• 100 will actually sell, of these -

• 10 will come out ahead (usually because they already have a buyer waiting)
• 90 will sell, but mathematically receive less money than if they had a REALTOR® sell for them

Some buyers perceive there is more risk associated with purchasing a home from a private seller rather than through a licensed REALTOR® who carries insurance for errors or omissions, and has a regulatory body overseeing their ethics and professionalism. This higher risk is often compensated for with a lower purchase price.

All REALTORS® are graduates of a real estate education program and are committed to pursuing ongoing professional development courses. They must also adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice (PDF); your guarantee of professional conduct and service excellence.

We have pre-qualified buyers:

When private buyers bring an offer you have no guarantee how much they can actually afford. Most REALTORS® ensure their buyers are pre-qualified for a mortage before they start shopping for homes so that they know what price range is appropriate.

We are an objective third party:

Many buyers feel uncomfortable expressing their dislikes or concerns about a property directly with a seller because they don't want to hurt their feelings, so may never give the seller an opportunity to address those concerns. A REALTOR® will have more opportunity to handle any of the buyer's criticisms, objections or demands objectively and professionally as a more detached third party who has taken the time to understand their needs and wants.

Considering the small upside cost and statistically larger downside risk, it may be a costly decision to enter into a real estate transaction without the professional advice and assistance of a licensed REALTOR®.

To arrange a FREE, no obligation Seller Consultation, Home Evaluation or simply to receive advice on how to prepare your home for sale please fill in the form below, or call us at 250-503-3461.