DURHAM REGION – Selling your home can be daunting, time consuming and overwhelming without the help of an expert, but what value do REALTORS® really offer to home sellers?

When you enlist the help of a REALTOR®, you're not just gaining support to sell your house – you're gaining an ally who'll help you make the most out of your home. REALTORS® can guide you through every step of the process, explain the current market, help navigate complex paperwork and offer invaluable advice.

REALTORS® help you get the most for your home and they remove stress and confusion from the process. Some of the advantages include:

Your REALTOR® becomes your home's champion
When you sign a "Listing Agreement" with your REALTOR®, this is their promise that he or she will use all their skills and resources to get the most for your home.

REALTORS® know how to attract the most potential buyers
Your REALTOR® is an expert home promoter, connected to a network of salespeople and their buyers. He or she knows how to write compelling ads for your home, and only REALTORS® can place your home on an Associations MLS® System.

REALTORS® will help you increase your homes "sale-ability"
You probably have an emotional attachment to your home, and therefore can't view it objectively. Your REALTOR® will help you present your home in the best light, so buyers will fall in love with it more easily.

Market Knowledge - to help you get the most for your home
REALTORS® are masters at reading the market and pricing your home for maximum return. A REALTOR®'s experience literally pays!

Negotiation Skills - to keep the deal on track
REALTORS® are indispensable when it comes to negotiating with buyers. Tempers can flare and heels can dig in. Your REALTOR® is an expert at smoothing things out.

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a REALTOR®:

1.    How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often will you advertise?
2.    Will you explain the details of any documents I'm asked to sign?
Your REALTOR® should be able to answer any questions you may have about documents you may be asked to sign.
3.    Will you provide references?
Ask if any of the references are related to the REALTOR®. Ask if you can call their references with additional questions.
4.    How will you keep me informed?
As with most relationships, communication is key. Your REALTOR® should provide you with ongoing updates about any feedback received from showings or open houses as well as news about potential buyers.
5.    Can I have a Comparative Market Analysis for the area?
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a listing of homes currently for sale and recently sold in the area. Your REALTOR® will use a CMA to provide helpful information to show you how your house compares to others with similar features.

Durham REALTORS®, We Work Where You Live. To contact a local Durham Association REALTOR® or to search for a weekend open house or listings in your neighbourhood, please visit www.DurhamRealEstate.org.