Sellers

Today’s buyers are very informed. They know that if the house is listed with a REALTOR, the total sales commission is typically built into the price. When selling on your own, you’ll often find that buyers will expect a substantial discount since they know you’re not paying a commission, which generally means a lower sale price. On the flip side, sellers will find that they need the skills a REALTOR offers to market the home at the most responsive online websites, to negotiate the contract, to expose the home to more buyers, and to help with the myriad of details to bring it from signed purchase agreement to closing such as inspections, state-mandated disclosures, and the phases of the loan application.

If you don’t already know and trust a particular REALTOR, we recommend that you interview at least three REALTORS, asking about their experience, what marketing program they would recommend for your property, and if they work in your neighborhood. And don’t be shy about asking friends, family and neighbors for recommendations as well. Studies by the National Association of REALTORS show that 82 percent of happy sellers identified their REALTOR through a friend, family member, or a referral from the REALTOR’s previous clients.