Has The Internet Replaced Your Realtor - Part 2

The internet allows us the ability to reach a staggering audience and is an appeal to owners who want to sell their home. “If I can advertize my home on the internet and if nearly 90% of buyers start their search there why do I need a Realtor?” Well, because selling real estate involves much more than advertizing! Selling a home is not easy. The process can be expensive and real estate transactions can be complex, often requiring disclosures, inspections, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert is necessary to help prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. A Realtor provides many value added services that the internet cannot which result in a greater selling price and less time on the market.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, “for sale by owner” real estate is on the market because the seller (51% according to the National Association of Realtors) wants to avoid paying the brokerage fee. Also, according to NAR, however, using a Realtor to sell is likely to yield a third more in sale price.

A Realtor has the skills required to properly price real estate for a sale. Sure, the seller has knowledge about the community and may even have information about comparable sales but a Realtor is best suited to assess the current market conditions and price the property accordingly.

When a property is marketed with the help of a Realtor, the seller can be assured that prospects are pre-qualified for affordability and to ensure that the home will meet their needs. Prospects are usually shown the property by the Realtor or a colleague and the seller can be reasonably sure that unscrupulous people are not going through their home.

Once an interested buyer is identified, there are many negotiating factors that a Realtor is skilled to navigate. These factors can include selling price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings or fixtures.

One’s home is a place where they live and a place to which they have an emotional attachment. Selling that home can be a very emotional process. A Realtor can help by being an objective voice to keep the seller focused and on task. Let’s face it, you might sell a couple of homes in your lifetime. A Realtor will be involved in hundreds and maybe thousands of transactions during their career. Having this kind of expertise on your side is essential and something the internet cannot provide.