The rapid increase of services that help home buyers and seller complete their own real estate transaction is relatively recent, and it may have got you thinking; “Do I really need a real estate agent?” While undertaking the process yourself can save you the commission rates needed to complete the transaction using a real estate agent, doing it yourself may end up being costlier in the long run. Don’t underestimate the power of a real-estate expert in getting your home sold.

We have tried breaking down the answers to the question in the following categories:

The Price is Right

Buying or selling a home is a major financial undertaking, therefore, it is common for homeowners to envision a higher listing price. Having a real estate agent by your side can help you get a realistic expectation of the market value – list at a high price and it will stay on the shelf for a longer period of time, list at a lower price and you will lose a bargain.

Your agent can factor in market trends, your neighborhood’s desirability, plus the physical value of your home and the investments you’ve made into it, to find a listing price that’s truly sound [REMAX, 2016].

The Inner Circle

We have all heard the cliché – It is not what you know, its who you know. Realtors know all the right people to increase the number of showing. I am not only referring to the numerous resources they are equipped with to allow a smoother transition; realtors can connect you with other professionals in the industry that can potentially allow you to sell faster. This includes stagers and photographers.

Marketing

Realtors can help you market the property to the outer world, this ranges from the online marketing plan such as websites to flyers and brochures to open houses.

Tricky Business such as negotiation and paperwork

An agent can help by speaking for you in tough transactions and smoothing things over to keep them from getting too personal. This can put you in a better position to get the house you want [Forbes, 2016].

Many people like the idea of direct negotiation between buyers and sellers because they believe it is more transparent and allows a mutual decision that can benefit both parties. Vaguely, that is true – assuming that both buyers and sellers are reasonable people who are able to get along. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and when you get into a difficult situation, it can really pay to have a professional on your side.