THINKING OF SELLING?
USING A REALTOR® JUST MAKES SENSE
When the time comes to sell your home, you may be tempted to sell it yourself
with the hope of
saving the real estate commission. In most cases, however, selling your
home without the services
of a professional real estate practitioner will not save you money and
could lead to unexpected
problems.
An Ounce of Prevention - Worth a Pound of Cure
Before attempting to sell your home, ask yourself the following questions:
-
Do you have sufficient knowledge of current (and ever-changing) market
conditions to price your
home properly and to put it on the market at a price that will be attractive
to both yourself and to
potential buyers?
-
Do you have the skills and financial resources
to advertise and market your property effectively?
Are you prepared to be available on a 24-hour basis to handle calls?
Bear in mind that only a
REALTOR® can list your home on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)
to ensure it receives the
widest possible exposure.
-
Do you have a network of contacts who can produce potential buyers
for your home and who
are able to screen out unqualified prospects?
-
Are you a good negotiator?
Are you comfortable haggling face-to-face over the price? Will you
be ready to reveal known defects of your home and do you know what
you are required by law
to reveal? Are you conversant with the many laws and regulations
that affect property
ownership?
-
Do you know what types of financing are available? Are you well
versed on the various methods of financing and are you able to
help a prospect arrange the necessary financing?
-
Do you have the time to show your home to prospects and are
you available seven days a
week? Buyers will expect you to be available at their convenience,
not yours.
-
Even if you have the time, can you deal objectively with
negative comments prospects may make about your home? Not
everyone will share your taste in decor or appreciate your
improvements.
-
Can you draw up a legally enforceable contract? Do you
have offer forms readily available? Do
you have a lawyer to advise you on the essential terms
that must be in the contract?
-
Can you close a sale?
Are you familiar with the many steps required after an offer has been
accepted.
After considering these points, most homeowners recognize
that it just makes sense to work with a
REALTOR® who is trained to handle the complex details
of a home sale.
This information is provided by the Victoria Real Estate Board for the information and benefit of consumers.
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