The Value of a Real Estate Professional

While it is possible to buy and/or sell a house without the use of a real estate professional, they are often a great source of information.

A real estate professional is valuable to both parties in a real estate transaction, the buyer and the seller, offering information and expertise in a complicated field.

For the Buyer

Homebuyers often fear that the use of a real estate professional will require they pay a fee to the real estate professional. Generally, it is the seller, not the buyer, who pays the commission for the sale of a home.

Another frequent myth is that homebuyers can find a better deal by purchasing "For Sale by Owner" properties because the seller is avoiding the expense of a real estate professional commission. However, in many cases, the selling price of these homes end up being equal to or higher than those listed by real estate professionals.

A real estate professional can:

• Help you determine an approximate price range


• Refer you to a lender with financing options best suited to your needs


• Provide access to many informational resources, including:
  • Community information, zoning, schools, etc.
  • Information on a broader housing supply through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
  • Investigation into available properties that aren't advertised via the MLS


• Provide a simple market analysis to see how a home compares with the current market


• Use their experience to aid in negotiating price, repairs, inspections, additional furnishings and/or appliances


• Follow up on all of the details involved with the closing process

For the Seller

When selling a property, the focus should be on:

• Getting the best price
• Selling the house in the shortest amount of time
• Selling the house with the least amount of hassle

A real estate professional can:

• Provide up-to-date information on what is happening in the real estate market, including financing changes and competing properties


• Serve as your marketing coordinator, knowing how and where to advertise your property, including:
  • Suggesting repairs or cosmetic work to increase the salability of your home
  • Providing access to the MLS
  • Marketing your property to other real estate professionals, as well as to other potential buyers


• Pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property


• Guide you through the details of negotiation and close the sale of your property

How to find the real estate professional for you

If you decide to use a real estate professional, how do you find the one that's right for you? Some questions that can help you decide are:

• How do you plan to keep us informed on the progress of the sale?
• Where do you feel your strengths lie?
• How did you arrive at the suggested listing price?
• What is your marketing plan for the sale of my home?
• Can you give me three references of buyers/sellers you have worked with?
• How long have you been in real estate?
• Are you a full time agent?
• How many home sales did you participate in last year?
• How many buyers/sellers are you presently working with?
• How "available" do you make yourself?
• How does someone contact you?
• Are you familiar with the price and area in which we want to look?
• What was the average selling price of the homes you sold last year?