Home Selling Guide

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A realtor can help protect your equity

The sale of your home affects many aspects of your life, including finances, children, your equity, and your future. This is one of the most important transactions of your lifetime. The average home sells for well over $100,000. For a small price, you can be assured that your investment is protected. When you’re faced with a legal problem, you look to an experienced lawyer to represent your best interests. When it comes to the sale of your home, a professional realtor is your best investment. Here are a few more ways a realtor works to protect your equity:

Price enhancement. A realtor can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that can significantly enhance the salability of your home. You won’t waste your time and money on non-recoverable repairs. He or she can also tell you what items may need to be moved or put away.

Right price guarantee. A realtor understands your neighborhood, as well as the overall city market. He or she is also familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, city services and facilities. Your agent should exercise diligence when it comes to providing an assessment of your home. This could include arranging for qualified professionals to conduct an investigation and prepare a written report. With a professional market evaluation, your home will be listed at the right price. You save time and trouble if your home is not listed too high or too low.

Your realtor will also assist you in obtaining a report on the title of the property. By doing this review initially, you’ll avoid the costly and length process of sorting out the status of past owners or rights of access. While most properties have some limitations such as easements (access rights) for utilities, you’ll want a title that is free and clear of any debts, liens or caveats.

Objectivity. Using a variety of informational resources, a realtor can provide community information on utilities, zoning, schools, shopping etc. Your realtor will place your home in the best possible light, highlighting features, benefits and the advantages a buyer would enjoy as a homeowner of “your” home.

Negotiation and representation. When it comes to protecting your investment, there are many negotiating factors, including price, financing, terms, date of possession, repairs, furnishings or equipment. A realtor will personally represent you during the presentation of the offer. You’ll get the best price and conditions on the sale of your home.

Maximum marketing resources. A realtor has access to a wide variety of resources to market your property to other real estate agents and to the most buyers. This includes advertising, MLS, a web site, open houses, brochures, direct mail, network contacts and an existing and former client base. In many cases, the sale of a home is made because of an agent contact through previous client, referrals, friends and personal contacts. Your realtor is your personal marketing coordinator, ensuring your home receives maximum exposure to every avenue, and to utilize cooperative relationships for your benefit.

Up to date information. Your realtor will provide you with current information on what is happening in the marketplace, with respect to price, financing, terms and condition of competing property. These are important items in selling your home quickly, at the best price, hassle-free.

Smooth closing process. Details, details, details. Your realtor will assist you in the handling of the numerous items that must be completed before the sale is final. Your realtor will also objectively evaluate each buyer’s offer without compromising your position. He or she is also trained to write a legally binding, win-win agreement. Your realtor can objectively handle all the closing issues and move the transaction to closing and settlement as quickly as possible.