And why is it more advisable to work
with a real estate agent than not? Because though on the 'surface' it
might appear that without an agent involved you'll come out ahead
(inasmuch as you would not need to pay a sales-price commission to an
agent), the fact of the matter is that, STATISTICALLY, HOMES 'LISTED'
THROUGH A REAL ESTATE AGENT DO SELL FOR MORE! And in many cases, the
higher-price that you could ultimately receive by accessing the
services of a professional realtor can more-than-cover the commission
that you'd pay to a competent agent---who undoubtedly CAN help you
sell at a higher price (and quicker too--with other valuable services
thrown-in to boot).
Plus too, the benefits of working with
a professional far outweigh the issue of any direct cost per se. From
helping you prepare and show your home in the best light.....to
setting the REAL proper sales-price (too high and you minimize your
chances, too low and you'll regret it later).....to providing the
optimal options and methodologies re: advertising your home's
availability.....to pre-qualifying potential buyers beforehand (who
wants total strangers ringing your doorbell in this day and
age?).....to negotiating contract-terms and conditions (and knowing
when-and-how to hold 'firm' on an asking-price)....to complying with
disclosure requirements: these are just a few of the many invaluable
benefits you'll gain through good real estate agent-representation (in
addition to the increased chances of maximizing the sales-price)!
And re: the issue of 'sales price' per
se, you must remember that 'price' is set by supply and demand. With
demand in turn stimulated via generating 'exposure.' Accordingly, the
more potentially-interested and qualified-individuals who know-about
and see your home, the greater your chances will be to sell your home
at the highest-possible price. And 'listing' your home with an agent
assures this (as does supplementing an 'MLS listing' with ancillary
advertising avenues that an astute and experienced agent is in the
best position to recommend and handle). 'List' your home, and you
instantly WIDEN THE MARKET of prospective customers who may be looking
for exactly what you're offering!
Bottom line: get the 'right' agent to
represent you, and the entire sales-process can be accelerated and
expedited, can be managed with greater efficiency, can be less
aggravating and emotionally-draining, can be safer, and can be more
financially-beneficial as well!