Tahoe home-selling tips: 7 reasons to partner with a Realtor

Whether you are planning to buy or sell a home, experts recommend it is in your best interest to partner with an experienced Realtor.

Not only can a Realtor help you get the best price, but they can take the lead in navigating you through a complicated process. So, while you may be tempted to try and sell your home on your own, here are seven good reasons why hiring a Realtor is in your best interest:

1. Help You to Properly Prepare Your House

Because a Realtor is surrounded by constant feedback regarding what buyers are looking for, he or she can help you best prepare your house prior to placing it on the market.

2. Knowledge of the Market

Realtors are well-informed about the local real estate market including pricing, cost per square foot, days on the market, and ratios of list-to-sold prices. Having someone on your side who knows all aspects of the market is imperative whether you are buying or selling.

3. Network of Professionals

When you hire a Realtor, you are actually hiring an entire team of professionals. REALTORS® regularly work with lenders, title companies, inspectors, and other real estate experts, so they can effectively select the best individuals to represent you.

4. Design an Effective Marketing Campaign

If you are selling your home, your goal should be to reach as many potential buyers as possible, as quickly as possible. An experienced Realtor can help you do this by coordinating a customized marketing campaign of online exposure, print advertising and/or direct mail.

Plus, a Realtor has a strong network of other professionals to whom they will market your house.

5. Make the Process Less Stressful

Granted you can try and sell your house on your own, but will you be available at all times to show your house when another Realtor calls to set an appointment, and do you have the skills to navigate through the maze of industry procedures? Hiring a Realtor helps make the entire process less stressful.

6. Processing the Paperwork

Hiring a professional to handle all of the complicated forms and documents is money well spent, and can save you money in the long run. One more small error in your paperwork could cost you thousands of dollars.

7. Skilled Negotiators

As experienced negotiators, Realtor maintain objectivity during what often can be an emotional time. They are trained to negotiate transactions with firmness, fairness and diplomacy, and to help you obtain the best price and terms. Additionally, your Realtor is required to adhere to an extensive and strict Code of Ethics mandated by the National Association of Realtors.

If you have any questions regarding the Realtor Code of Ethics, or if you need assistance finding a Realtor in our area, please contact the Sierra Nevada Association of Realtors at 775-885-7200 or snar.org.

Avis Cherry is President of the Sierra Nevada Association of Realtors and is a Realtor with Charles Kitchen Realty in Carson City. Visit snar.org to learn more.