0 Seller's Guide: Getting Started

Don't make the mistake of thinking that listing your house is the first step. Knowledge is power, so before you get ahead of yourself, get ahead of the game by doing your homework.

Even though many believe that selling a home is easy, it is in fact a full time job that requires more then just putting a sign in your yard. It requires knowledge of the laws, the entire purchase process and the ability to market the strong points of your home to attract potential buyers. As a result, you will need someone in your corner who will help you get the best price for your house. This is where selecting a good Realtor comes into play.

In selecting the Realtor that is right for you, there will be a number of questions you will want to consider, including:


What services do you offer? It is important to get an idea of what actions they will take to effectively market and sell your home.

Is real estate your full time career? You will want to work with a Realtor that is readily available to market your home, address your concerns, and do their best to get your home sold quickly and for the highest possible price.

How would you price my home? Ask about recent home sales and comparable properties currently on the market. Be sure to ask how their price opinions were determined and why they think your home would sell for a given value.

How will you market my home? The Realtor should be able to provide an explanation of how they market homes, what marketing strategies have worked in the past and which marketing efforts may be effective for your home.

What is your fee? Brokerage fees are established in the marketplace and not set by law or regulation. Typically, brokers who list homes are compensated on a performance basis--that is, the broker is not paid unless the home sells under the terms and conditions that are acceptable to you.


Once you find a Realtor that you are comfortable with and confident in their ability to sell your home, you are one giant step closer to listing your home and getting the ball rolling.

-Eric