How can a real estate agent help me sell my home?

There are countless decisions to be made when selling a home, and many of them will significantly affect whether or not you make a profit and how much time it takes to sell your home. A real estate agent can offer specialized knowledge in research, marketing and negotiations to help you meet or exceed your goals. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 82 percent of home sales are the result of agent connections.

A real estate agent will:

• Serve as your advocate and representative when dealing with buyers, buyers’ agents and service providers.
• Help you establish a fair asking price that also meets your goals.
• Advise you on how to present your home aesthetically to maximize its appeal to buyers.
• Design a customized marketing plan that will promote your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tactics can include the MLS, direct mail campaigns, fliers, yard signs, advertising, Internet listings and open houses. 
• Schedule and host open houses and home tours.
• Screen all written offers and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
• Assist you in making counteroffers.
• Prepare your closing documents.
• Represent you at closing and mediate any last-minute obstacles to ensure a smooth, successful transaction.
• Provide referrals to proven service providers, including title companies, inspectors, appraisers, pest control, moving companies and more.