By Pam Evans If you’re a fan of less stress, and holding on to more dollars, hiring a Realtor to help you Sell or Purchase a home is an excellent idea. The truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of work and professional knowledge to get a home through the selling process, which is worth remembering when putting up a “For Sale by Owner” sign seems like a great idea. If you are thinking how hard can it really be, consider the advantages of working with a Realtor who works in Real Estate every day and closes more transactions in one year than most people do in two lifetimes. It is a Realtors job to understand the local market, trends and make recommendations that will help you capitalize. That plus be an excellent negotiator and problem-solver. Buying or selling a home is a major financial transaction that can be a disaster when placed in the wrong hands—even your own. To offer a cliché analogy, if you broke your leg would you try to fix it yourself or see a Doctor? Making a Real Estate decision that could impact your financial future for years to come is no different, so consider the following benefits the next time you’re tempted to go it alone. How Realtors SAVE You Money PROFESSIONAL MARKETING When it comes to selling, marketing is everything. Effective sales strategies include professional materials, presentation, and a sound online strategy. It’s simple to get your listing in the MLS service, but not as simple to get Buyers flocking to your home. Ideal is to target both other Realtors representing Buyers, as well as Buyers directly, with effective and strategic purpose. PROFESSIONAL STAGING Living comfortably in your home is one thing and staging your home to appeal to the camera and buyers may be another. Working with a professional who can help you accomplish both is critical. Homes that present well usually sell well. IT’S ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW An experienced Realtor will have a solid team working behind them, which includes everything from trustworthy lenders, plumbers, electricians, inspectors, contractors, landscapers, etc. Whether selling your home requires a fresh coat of paint or some more extensive repairs, your Realtor can recommend people who will do a great job at a fair price. Plus, your Realtor will help you prioritize – what really needs to get done, and what doesn’t. MORE MONEY AT CLOSING While you may not always understand the ins-and-outs of what a Realtor does, a great Realtor will approach the home selling process with a strategy, which means they’re going to work their magic to get you the most money for your home by appealing to the largest number of Buyers. PURCHASING WITH A REALTOR Bringing your own Realtor to the table, including when purchasing New Construction, is wise. The Realtor in the Sales Office represents the Builder, not you. Same with a Realtor listing a property. Their professional responsibility is to their Client, and they will do what is in their Client’s best interest. Have your own Realtor in your corner to help you navigate properties, assess value, negotiate, and win. Best part is, the Seller is usually the party paying the Brokerage fee, not you. So why would you go it alone? TIME IS MONEY Plain and simple, the longer your property sits on the market, the more expensive it is for you in terms of “holding costs”. Chances are if you are ready to sell, you are ready to move on to your next chapter. So, have a solid game plan with your Realtor, and don’t give Buyers a reason to wonder what may be wrong with your property, as it hasn’t sold. Ask a friend if they can recommend an experienced Realtor with an excellent track record. Or do some research. Read Reviews. See what other Sellers or Buyers have said. Making the right choice whether you are Listing your home or Purchasing will absolutely save you stress, time and money. Pam Evans is an Associate Broker with Century 21 Results, and can be reached at HelloPamEvans@gmail.com or 678-778-6551. 12 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM VOLUME XI | ISSUE 1
VOLUME XI | ISSUE 1 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 13