Why should I hire an agent to sell my home?
Agents typically have knowledge in areas that a homeowner might not have such as appraisal issues, surveys, clue reports, covenants, etc. Agents have experience with these issues and can provide assistance.
It is important that you know prior to listing your home what you will net from the sale. There are several expenses that Sellers might not be aware of, and your agent has the ability to provide you with a “Net to Seller” worksheet showing what these expenses are. Agents can also explain the Settlement Statement to you. A Settle Statement can be very difficult to understand, and an agent can explain fees and how they are calculated such as points, transfer tax, intangible tax, proration of taxes and insurances, etc.
Agents have the ability to price your home right. They have the tools and
resources to research the market in your area and prepare a Comparative Market
Analysis. This analysis will take into consideration any active, pending,
contingency, expired, and sold listings in your area in order to price your home
right.
Agents can also advise you how to prepare your home making it ready and
presentable to put on the market. Your agent has experience in this area so be
open to their suggestions. An agent can assist you with finding qualified
professionals when it comes time for appraisals, surveys, termite, home
inspection, etc. They typically have pre-screened and have already established
relationships with vendors who they trust to do good, quality work.
Your Realtor can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal and the process of appraisals, inspections and financing. Between the initial sales agreement and closing, the required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your Realtor is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.