The selling process generally begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. Your Real Estate Professional can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the market and assist you in determining your homes current market value and if necessary can suggest cosmetic repairs that can drastically enhance the ability for your house to sell quickly. See What is a CMA? for more details.

     The next step is a marketing plan. Marketing, in essence, means letting the world (and especially other realtors) know that your home is for sale. Studies have shown that more than 50% of real estate transactions throughout the country involve a buyers agent and a sellers agent. In other words most likely, the agent who lists your house will not also be representing the buyers. For this reason it is important to let all other local realtors know that your house is for sale.

     Another important factor is Security. When a property is marketed with an agent's help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Agents will always pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property ensuring your property from theft or damage.

     Realtors are also pro's at negotiating and closing. They will help make sure you get exactly what you want from the sale and will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly and in a timely manner.

     Real Estate Agents subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same Real Estate Agent again.