Should I Use A Real Estate Agent?

A Real Estate Agent has a state license to practice real estate. In order to get a state license, they must take specific courses and pass a state exam.

On the other hand, a Realtor^® is a Real Estate Agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors^® and subscribes to their strict code of ethics. 

A good agent will spend at least nine to ten hours working behind the scenes for every hour spent with a client. A seller's agent takes a financial risk every time they list a property, since they pay for all the marketing, advertising, etc. It is one of the only professions in which the client does not pay any money in advance for services rendered. 

The best way to hire an agent is to ask a friend for a referral. Ask if the Realtor^® is trustworthy, assertive (but not overbearing), made the transaction as convenient as possible, and did what they said they were going to do.

How a Realtor^® can help you sell your home:

Since nine out of ten consumers have stated that they would never try to sell their home themselves, and 75% of the rest wind up using agents anyway, this section has been designed to help you understand the qualities of a good agent.

When making the decision to sell your home, it is important to take advantage of every tool available. A good agent knows the market, can prepare your property for sale, market it and get it sold for top dollar. 

A good agent will educate you, giving you enough information to make clear, informed decisions. They will not make these decisions for you.  A good agent works full time, voluntarily restrict themselves by geographic location and property type and will tell you when they think adding other experts (lawyers, inspectors, etc.) to your team is advisable.

A Realtor^® can research your housing needs through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), even if you are relocating from another city. This enables them to show you only those homes best suited to your needs. They will take into consideration such factors as size, features, location, style, and accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and so forth. They can suggest simple, imaginative changes that make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value. Look for a Realtor^® who will negotiate a win-win agreement that will satisfy both you and the seller.