10 Reasons Why You Should Use a REALTOR^®

As a REALTOR®, I'm often asked "Why should I use a REALTOR®? Why not save the money on commissions and do it myself?" When you consider the power of the Internet and the ease with which you can sell items through such sites as Kijiji, it's natural for people to consider alternatives, but here is what I tell people when asked why they should use a REALTOR®.

1>>The number one reason is only REALTORS® use the MLS® Listing Service. This service exposes your listing to thousands of REALTORS® and countless other sites like REALTOR.ca.

2>>Protection. Perhaps the most overlooked reason to my mind is that REALTORS® have to adhere to a rigorous code of ethics. These rules and regulations offer protection for the buyer, the seller and the REALTOR® themselves.

3>>Your house is marketed 24/7. When a person sells their home privately, their home is only marketed and being shown when they are home. A REALTOR® employs assistants who handle inquiries, set up showings, organize marketing strategies and hundreds of other tasks so your home is marketed 24 hours a day – seven days a week.

4>>Market ease. REALTORS® have access to multiple reports, statistics and analysis with which they can offer comparative market analysis to help sellers determine the best price for their home and the best time to put it on market. REALTORS® know the first month that a home is on market is a crucial period and will market it accordingly.

5>>REALTORS® reach outof- market buyers. People who are relocating to Calgary seldom have the time or knowledge to research housing, areas of the city, price ranges, etc. and so rely on the expertise of REALTORS® to find their homes.

6>>Less headaches. Sellers do not have to worry about arranging appointments, showing their home, screening potential buyers – all of these complications are taken on by your REALTOR®.

7>>Safety. REALTORS® arrange for the showings and accompany all prospective buyers in the homes so there is less chance for theft of your home's contents.

8>>Showing and featuring – it's a skill. Everyone thinks their home is perfect just the way it is. REALTORS® are trained to look at homes, discern what needs to be changed, what needs to be highlighted and make your home the most attractive it can be.

9>> Negotiations. REALTORS® are trained in negotiating. Whether they're representing a buyer or a seller, they know what to ask and how to get the best possible outcome for their client.

10>>From contacts to contracts. When buying or selling a home, there is an overwhelming amount of paperwork and considerations to be made. From home inspections to conditional sales to mortgages and the best rates, a REALTOR® has the contacts to help you find what you need, and also the experience to help you wade through the contracts that need to be signed.

In today's day and age, when you have the answers at your fingertips and videos on 'how to' available with a keystroke, it's easy to think there are a number of things you can do yourself, but when you weigh in the time it would take to sell your home (anywhere from 75 – 120 hours on average) and the frustration, planning and money it takes to market your home – you may well decide it's worth it to let the experience, fortitude and commitment of a real estate expert do what he or she does best – and that is sell your home.

CREB® President Bob Jablonski

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