Do You Really Need a Realtor?

Many people want to go it alone and try and sell their house without a Realtor. If they can sell quickly, they'll save a 3% commission. Let's say that they can sell their house in four months, with a mortgage payment of $1200/month for $150,000. The seller saves $4500 in commission to their Realtor, but while they saved $4500, they also spent $4800 in mortgage payments. Not using a Realtor cost them $300!

I'm not saying that it is impossible to sell without a Realtor. I am saying that having a full-time professional on your team who has a vested interest in helping you sell quickly can be a life saver. They can help you focus your energies. When you're staging, if you're wondering if it's worth it to buy new valances to put over the windows in the guest bedroom or to put down self-stick vinyl tiles in the kitchen, your Realtor can let you know if it's worth your time, money and attention to do those things. They know because, if you've chosen a good Realtor with years of experience and an intimate knowledge of the market in which you're selling, they've seen what works and what doesn't.

A good Realtor will not only list your house on the MLS, but they will make professional flyers, make sure you have an info-tube and a professional sign, and they will work with you to market the house in as many creative and effective ways as possible. You and your Realtor are partners on Team Sell This House. You two will be the Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh of the real estate world.

In a sellers' market, go for it. You will probably be able to sell so quickly that you won't have to factor in the cost of your mortgage payments. In this down market though, it is a real concern. It is best to have a professional on your side, working for you and with you to help you sell that house.