Five Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent

One of the most stressful and time consuming events of owning a home comes when it is time to sell. The dream of buying a home, raising a family in the home, and retiring in a rocker on the front porch chosen in youth belongs to yesteryear. Today's mobile society relocates for many reasons. Whether relocating due to employment, financial reasons, or outgrowing the current home, putting the property on the market adds an entire column on the "to do" lists that choreograph busy lives. The smartest thing a busy homeowner can do is to hire a real estate agent to list and sell their home.

The main reason to use the services of a real estate agent is simple: Dealing with the ins and outs of property on a daily basis, agents understand the business and all its aspects. Most agents have colleagues in related professions, such as finance and legal fields. The contacts an agent provides can prevent potential problems before they occur. Agents also help homeowners with the tedious tasks associated with selling that often prove intimidating, like deciphering paperwork, and the closing. Agents know what sells a home. Trained to scope out problem areas, real estate agents provide valuable suggestions to improve the curb appeal of the home. Most importantly, agents are sales people, and they recognize without potential buyers, a sale is impossible.

The second benefit of hiring a real estate agent is the contacts with potential buyers. Agents also know a potential buyer must be a qualified buyer. Real estate agents have an entire network of agencies at their fingertips. Collaborating as a cohesive unit, real estate agencies work together within the community. This means any agent in the network can show property that is listed with any agency. Typically, buyers contact an agent to tour homes on the market. Thus, an agent is the door through which potential buyers enter and consider purchasing the home. Agents often go above and beyond for qualified buyers, often picking them up and driving to showings of properties.

A third advantage of hiring a real estate agent is advertising. An agent handles all elements of advertising: MLS listing, photographs, periodical publications, web site features, on line virtual tours, sign-age, flyers, and showings. With the multitude of avenues used to advertise an agency listed home, a house for sale by owner often falls through the cracks, unnoticed by potential buyers who are being courted by the network of agencies working together.

Commission is the fourth reason to hire a real estate agent. Agents are paid on commission, which means if the house does not sell, they do not get paid. As a result, the agent has a vested interest in selling the house. Furthermore, the agency funds the up front costs of advertising, and the agent provides the hours up front. This means the homeowner assumes no additional financial burdens if the house does not sell. The commission is paid at closing, with the proceeds from the sale.

Finally, selling a house can be an overwhelming experience. An agent handles the pressures of scheduling showings, proofing advertising materials, and most importantly, bringing in qualified buyers. This frees the homeowner to focus on the other issues involved with relocating, such as packing, finding a new home, preparing the family for the move, and enjoying the final days in the house and the neighborhood.