Sellers: You Don't Need to Babysit Your Home
One of the best reasons to hire a real estate professional is that the seller does not need to babysit their home. What do I mean by babysit?
As a for sale by owner, the seller would need to be present for all showings with potential buyers and their agents. The seller would also need to be there to allow access to the inspectors, appraiser, and contractors for repairs if any were required as a result of the inspections. This can cause a lot of schedule juggling for a homeowner, especially in the summer if children and pets are in the home. Imagine inspections during naptime or potential buyers that schedule a showing and then don't show up!
When you hire an agent to represent you and your home, you are handing the keys over to someone else-Literally. Their job is to make sure that you are not tied to your home. The home inspectors have access through the lockbox so that you (the seller) can be gone during the inspections and not need to worry about how long the inspection will take if you need to get back to work or pick up the kids from daycare. Appraisers are also able to access the lockbox saving the homeowner time as well. Everyone that is a part of the transaction has the ability to access the key through a secure lockbox that records their entry to the home.
Also, one of the best parts of having an agent to represent your home: the buyers that come to look at your home are with an agent too! That means that your home is secure and that the buyers are already pre-approved to purchase a home at your price point.
Hiring a professional to safely guard your most valuable asset is a smart decision that makes sense. No need to worry about paperwork, or hosting open houses, or receiving phone calls at all hours of the day. Your agent will be the one on the front lines!
If you are thinking about selling, remember: not all agents are equal. There are many different types of real estate companies including flat fee to only MLS service to discount brokerage to full service brokerage. The difference is the cost to you, not just in money but your time. It is wise to interview agents from several different companies and ask your friends, family, or co-workers who they would recommend. Some of my best clients have come from other people that had already worked with me in the past!
Keep smiling!
Karen
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