Many people believe they can save a considerable amount of money by selling their homes themselves. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but while you may be willing to take on the task, are you qualified? Following are some questions to help you realistically assess what's involved:

• Do you have the knowledge, patience, and sales skill needed to sell your home?
• If your Buyer is aggressive, can you negotiate a successful outcome for yourself?
• Do you know how to determine the current market value of your home?
• Are you aware of conditions in the marketplace today that affect value and length of time to sell?
• Do you know how to determine whether or not a Buyer can qualify for a loan?
• Are you concerned about having strangers walking through your home?
• Do you understand the steps of an escrow and what's required of you and the Buyer?
• Are you familiar enough with real estate regulations to prepare a binding sales contract? Counter-offers?
• Are you aware that every time you leave your home, you are taking it off the market until you return?
• Have you made arrangements with an escrow and title company, home warranty company, pest-control service and lender to assist you with the transaction?
• Do you need to hire a real estate attorney? If so, do you know what the cost will be and how much liability they will assume in the transaction?
• Do you know how to advertise effectively and what the costs will be?
• Are you aware that prospective Buyers and bargain hunters will expect you to lower your cost because there's no Realtor involved?
• Do you understand the various types of loans Buyers may choose and the advantages and disadvantages for the Seller?
• Are you prepared to give up your evenings and weekends to show your home to potential Buyers and "just-looking" time wasters?

BENEFITS FROM A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR

Before you make the decision to try to sell your home alone, consider the benefits a Realtor can provide that you may not be aware of:

• A Realtor understands market conditions and has access to information not available to the average homeowner.
• A Realtor can advertise effectively for the best results.
• A Realtor knows how to price your home realistically, to give you the highest price possible within your time frame.
• A Realtor is experienced in creating demand for homes and how to show them to advantage.
• A Realtor knows how to screen potential Buyers and eliminate those who can't qualify or are looking for bargain-basement prices.
• A Realtor knows how to go toe-to-toe in negotiations.
• A Realtor is always "on-call", answering the phone at all hours, and showing homes evenings and weekends.
• A Realtor can remain objective when presenting offers and counter-offers on your behalf.
• A Realtor maintains errors-and-ommissions insurance.
• A Realtor will listen to your needs, respect your opinions and allow you to make your own decisions.
• A Realtor can help protect your rights, particularly important with the increasingly complicated real estate laws and regulations.
• A Realtor is experienced with resolving problems to ensure a successful closing on your home.

Only you can determine whether you should attempt to sell your home - probably your largest investment - all alone. Talk with a Realtor before you decide. You may find working with a professional is a lot less expensive and much more beneficial than you ever imagined!

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