In today’s market, some people choose not to hire a Realtor when they decide to sell their home, after all there is a wealth of information that is available on the internet, and since the Competition Bureau forced the Canadian Real Estate Association to open access to its Multiple Listing Service (MLS), many homeowners are thinking of going through the process on their own, believing they will save a lot of money. But are they?

Real Estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today often exceed $300,000. If you had a $300,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a Certified or Chartered Accountant? If you had a $300,000 legal situation, would you handle it without your attorney? Considering the small cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider dealing in real estate without the professional assistance of a Realtor .

Okay, you say ” but now I can list my home on MLS for as low as $99.00 with an alternative real estate company and save thousands on commissions! Who can sell my home better than me?”  After all, you watch the real estate shows on TV, read the real estate sections in the newspapers and you even got some free information from  your neighbour’s sister in-law’s cousin who is a real estate agent, so you know what your home is worth in today’s market right?   Here’s what you’re up against when you decide to “go it alone”

An unrealistic listing price

: If you don’t price it right, you won’t get any traffic. Let a house sit on the market too long at an absurd price and your listing is stale. A Realtor will help you establish a listing price within current market guidelines, develop a marketing plan and offer advice on how to make your home more attractive.

You’re Rarely Home

: Let’s face it, you have to go to work! That lawn sign that you put up and your listing on MLS are useless if nobody is available when buyers want to see your home. Unless you like having unqualified buyers, nosy neighbours or perhaps even thieves over to visit your home, selling a home by yourself is time consuming. Why not have a professional Realtor screen potential buyers for you, book the appointments and handle the showings and paperwork.

Legal Limbo

: Buyers will expect you to be prepared to accept and evaluate offers. Is your lawyer available on call during the evenings & weekends? Are the clauses in the offer to purchase prepared by you or your buyer protecting your interests? Probably not. Selling your home is NOT a simple procedure. It involves large sums of money, stringent legal requirements and the potential for costly mistakes. A Realtor is committed to spending the time it takes to help you sell your home in the least amount of time and for the best possible price, with the least amount of stress. Call me anytime to discuss your real estate need. I’m here to help!