Blog

Real estate buying and selling might appear to be something anyone can do, but in reality, it is rarely a simple process. Sellers who decide to go at it without the guidance of a professional Realtor will face a gauntlet of challenges on the road to closing. The allure of an “FSBO” transaction (For Sale by Owner) is the temptation to eliminate the real estate commission from the list of a seller’s costs. Ironically, many sellers end up struggling to close the deal on their own and failing to save much money in the end.

Enlisting the guidance of a trained professional when buying and selling real estate affords novice and seasoned investors alike several key advantages.

1. Realtors are Trained Professionals

Realtors are licensed professionals, required to complete in-depth educational programs and pass rigorous exams. Moreover, they are required to complete hours of continuing education on a regular basis. A large focus of the formal education has to do with professional ethics and laws of the agency. Much of the work involved in pushing a transaction to closing involves interaction with the other agents and professionals (lawyers, surveyors, bankers, escrow agents, etc.) involved. Successful real estate agents rely heavily on their network of industry relationships and connections built over the years. Hiring a Realtor to represent your interest as a buyer or seller gives you access to that same network.

2. Realtors have Access to the MLS System

Sellers and buyers who represent themselves do not have access to all information in the local Multiple Listing System (MLS). The data contained in the local MLS is invaluable to finding the right property and pinpointing current value based on market trends and comparable sales. The MLS is a seller’s best friend and you need to work with a Realtor to access its best features.

3. Realtors Have Invaluable Industry Knowledge

There are many laws, rules and regulations governing the transfer of real estate property. There are often complex title concerns and environmental issues that arise in the course of a sale. Knowledge on these things is needed to sort through the concerns and come up with solutions. Experienced Realtors have seen the same or similar problems before. Why not avail yourself of the knowledge that comes with the experience?

4. Other Buyers and Sellers in the Market Will Be Working With a Realtor

Think it through. As a seller, do you really want to field offers and negotiate contracts on your own when the vast majority of potential buyers will have professional representation? You will be at a distinct disadvantage in negotiations. Remember that the best way to obtain full asking price for your property is to have a quick sale. The longer a property sits on the market, the less likely it becomes that you will get your full price. When you list a property with a Realtor, all members of the local MLS will know about it in an instant. You will never be able to achieve that kind of impact through home marketing efforts. In addition, once a buyer sees an FSBO seller, the first thing they try to do is knock down the price to reflect the fact that the FSBO seller is not paying a commission. So how much is really saved, if anything?

Attorneys are always advised to never represent themselves in a dispute, as they will inevitably do a bad job. It is nearly impossible to be effective when you have an emotional stake. The same holds true for real estate transactions. Home buying and selling is an emotional process. Resist the urge to represent yourself. Instead, communicate your goals and concerns to an experienced professional Realtor and leave it to them to get the job done.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at  403-287-3880 or at  www.GreetingsCalgary.com . 

About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.