To help you understand your choices, this information answers many basic questions. For in-depth answers to your specific situation, talk with a REALTOR® and ask about individual and local practices to aid you in hiring a real estate professional.

• With so many resources available, a REALTOR® can often obtain a greater purchase price for the property than you could by selling it yourself.
  
• With an interest in bringing both buyer and seller together, a REALTOR® can negotiate a satisfactory agreement between the parties.
  
• A REALTOR® does a lot of homework in order to sell your home or property. The property is listed, ads are placed, inquiries are handled and appointments for showing are arranged with your convenience and best interest in mind.
  
• A REALTOR® can offer you many suggestions to prepare your property so it looks its best when being shown to a buyer.
  
• With the aid of a Multiple Listing Service, a REALTOR® can list a home or property and work with other REALTORS® to assure a wider range of prospective buyers.
  
• Before the first showing and beyond the final sale, you'll get the expertise and service you need to sell your home or property.  

Your REALTOR® is knowledgeable of the market and gives you the quickest exposure to the maximum number of buyers. Your home is shown only to serious, qualified buyers.  Your REALTOR® "qualifies" prospects as to their affordable price range and housing needs.

Your REALTOR® knows current real estate values and can help you set a realistic, competitive price. This skilled professional knows how to merchandise your home effectively.

Your REALTOR® is familiar with the local home loan market and can help you determine whether seller-assisted financing may expedite your sale.  Your REALTOR® can figure the net proceeds from your sale, taking into account your outstanding loan balance, closing costs and possible owner financing.

Your REALTOR® can tap an even larger market through referrals and marketing techniques.

Your REALTOR® frees you from the problems associated with showing your home. The REALTOR® handles phone inquiries, appointments, showings and negotiations of the contract.

Your REALTOR® maintains objectivity in presenting offers and counter-offers.

Your REALTOR® can familiarize you with the closing procedures by explaining them all in advance. 
Homeowners attempting to sell their home without the assistance of a REALTOR® generally do so for one reason - to avoid paying a commission fee.
Is it worth it? Before making a costly mistake, consider the benefits, from A-to-Z, you receive from working with a trained REALTOR®:

Advertising - The REALTOR® pays all advertising costs.
Bargain - Research shows 77% of sellers said their commission was well spent.
Contract Writing - A REALTOR® can supply standard forms to speed the transaction.
Details -A REALTOR® frees you from handling the many details of selling a home.
Experience & Expertise - In marketing, financing, negotiations and more.
Financial Know-How -A REALTOR® is aware of the many options for financing the sale.
Glossary -A REALTOR® understands and can explain real estate terminology and their meanings.
Homework -A REALTOR® will do homework on how to best market your home.
Information - If you have a real estate question, a REALTOR® will know (or can get) the answer.
Juggle Showings -A REALTOR® will schedule and handle all showings that meet your needs.
Keeps your best interests in mind - It's a REALTOR's® job!
Laws - A REALTOR® is up to date on real estate laws that affect you.
Multiple Listing Service - The most effective means of bringing buyers and sellers together.
Negotiation - A REALTOR® will assist and guide in all contract negotiations.
Open Houses - A popular marketing technique.
Prospects - A REALTOR® has a network of contacts that can produce potential buyers.
Qualifies Buyers -Avoid opening your home to "curiosity seekers."
REALTOR- Unlike other licensees, an agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to a strict code of ethics.
Suggested Price -A REALTOR® will do a market analysis to establish a fair price range.
Time - Something a REALTOR® saves you.
Unbiased Opinion - Most owners are too emotional about their home to be objective.
Wisdom - A knowledgeable REALTOR® can offer the wisdom that comes with experience.
X Marks the Spot -A REALTOR® is right there with you through the final signing of papers.
Yard Signs -A REALTOR® provides a professional sign, encouraging serious buyers.
Zero-hour Support - Selling a home can be an emotional experience. A REALTOR® can help.