In today's tight real estate market, many people are asking themselves one question. Should I use a real estate agent or try to sell my home as a "For Sale By Owner"? On the one hand, you think about the money you could save going at it alone, but on the other, are you qualified to sell a home and can you really get the best price on your own? These are pertinent questions to ask, today more than ever.

As with any profession, real estate has some wonderful agents as well as some that are not so wonderful, to say the least. The wonderful ones are well worth their money, while the others aren't worth even a penny. For that reason, it pays off to take your time when committing to one agent. Interview several and ask for references from past clients. Ask questions, such as:

*What is your average days on market for a listing?

*What is your average sales price in comparison to your list price?

*What is your commission rate and is there any flexibility?

*How will you market my property?

The benefit that you get with a good agent is that they will take the time to truly get your property into the public eye, as well as the eyes of other agents who may be working with potential buyers for a property just like yours. Many buyers work with real estate agents as they search for homes. Real estate agents look in one primary location for homes for these buyers and that is the Multiple Listing Service. Because only realtors can list a property for sale on the Multiple Listing Service, the only way that your property will get there and into the eyes of other agents is by having it listed with a licensed realtor.

An agent worth their money will also advertise your property in other places. They will place ads in local home periodicals and in the local newspapers. There are websites, such as www.homes.com or www.realtor.com that are excellent places for your home to be listed and a good agent will ensure that it is. Open houses are another way to get people into your home for a viewing, although they rarely are the reason for a sale. Open houses are actually a way for agents to meet potential buyers that they can show other homes to. There is a chance that yours will be the one, but it isn't typically.

Realtors are also experts, when they are true professionals, at negotiations. They will strive to get the best price for your home for dual purposes. First, they want to please you, the client and second, their commission is based on the selling price of your home, not the listing price. Essentially, the more your home sells for, the more they are paid. Experienced realtors, having sold many homes, also know certain things that can be done to come to a meeting of the minds between both sides of the transaction.

A poor agent is worthless in the sale of your home. All they do is take your money when a sale happens to come along, through no real effort of their own. A good real estate agent is definitely worth the money that they earn in the commission. The key is to get a good one and that starts with questions. Don't let a "slick" agent dance around the questions. What you need are answers, direct and easy to decipher, not a song and dance. Equipped with those answers, you will be able to make an informed decision to pick an agent that will earn every penny of that commission.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Tiegert.
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