A Realtor has the qualifications, knowledge, experience and resources to help you make a smooth move even under pressure. Theres no doubt that selling your home is an emotional experience at any time. During a hot market you may be dealing with multiple offers and potential buyers with shortened fuses. You can count on your Realtor to remain impartial and professional during heated negotiations. He or she will act on your behalf and will work to protect your best interests.

A Realtor will also provide many other services to help market your home to your best advantage. He or she will help you set a price that reflects the true value of your home under the current market conditions. Your Realtor will also explain the selling process from listing your home to closing the deal.

Asking price

Deciding what the asking price of your home will be is one of your Realtors prime tasks. Your home will have to be analyzed and compared to similar homes for sale or recently sold in your area.

The price will be one that you and your Realtor decide on together, based primarily on your homes fair market value. But influences such as the strength of the current real estate market, todays low interest rates and consumer demand for your type of property will also be used to determine the asking price.

Marketing your home

Developing a marketing plan is one of the many services your Realtor will provide. Your homes marketing plan may include open houses, local newspaper advertising, Internet exposure, direct mail flyers, lawn signs and multiple listing of your property through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). An MLS listing gives your property greater exposure to a broader base of potential buyers and is a valuable tool when you are anxious to sell your home quickly.

You will be able to consider two kinds of open houses. One is solely for Realtors so they can assess your home against the needs of their clients. The other is an advertised open house for all potential buyers. Your Realtor takes care of all the details and acts on your behalf while you spend your time elsewhere.

A good impression

A home that is clean, in good repair, uncluttered, nicely landscaped and welcoming creates a good first impression to potential buyers. How well your home shows to prospective buyers may determine how long it stays on the market and what it sells for. Your Realtor will provide you with tips to add "curb appeal" make your home "show" better. Things like fresh paint, flowers, a few new area carpets can improve your homes marketability even more.

Expert advice

Your Realtor will also suggest you seek the advice of other experts such as a lawyer, home inspector and mortgage broker during your real estate transaction. With a Realtor on your side and the help of these professionals, selling your home can be an exciting and profitable experience.

The above article was submitted by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board for the information and benefit of consumers.

March 2002