Sellers FAQs

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1. Why should I use a real estate agent when selling a home?

There are many reasons why it is a smart idea to use a real estate agent when selling a home, but here are just a few:
- Real estate agents are trained, licensed professionals. They know the market and can help determine selling price, the best way to market your home, and so on.
- Real estates have access to a large network of local agents working with potential buyers.
- Real estate agents will actively market your home including; creating custom brochures, installing for sale signs, posting your home on their websites, listing your home in MLS, holding open houses and advertising in local publications.
- Your real estate agent will handle most of the process for you. They take care of the paperwork, manage offers and counter-offers, schedule the closing and ensure everything is in order.

2. Do I have to pay a real estate agent when selling a home?

The seller is usually responsible for paying the commission to sell their home. This commission is set in an agreement between the seller and their listing agent. Once the home is sold, the commission is usually split between the listing agent (the seller's agent) and the agent representing the buyer.

3. What is MLS?

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. Basically, a Multiple Listing Service is a database used by real estate agents to list properties they have for sale. It is also used by agents who are working with buyers to search for homes for sale. MLS databases contain a wealth of information on homes including public records, listing history, photos and some listings even have virtual tours. Through some MLS providers, your real estate agent can even provide you, the buyer, with your own "site," allowing you access to listings and the ability to sort through homes you may not be interested in verses home you may like to see.

4. How will buyers find my house?

Potential buyers will often search for homes that fits their basic criteria (price, number of bedrooms, location, and so on). Once they have homes they are interested in, their real estate agent will contact either the listing (seller's) agent or their office to schedule a showing of the homes they would like to see.
What happens if they want to see your home?
Click the link below for more information:
Tips For a Successful Showing

5. How do I price my home?

Pricing your home properly is more complicated than it may seem. What is fair market value? How does your home compare to similar properties in the area? How many listings are currently on the market? There are many questions which is one of the reasons we do recommend you use a real estate professional. They will help you determine a reasonable price for the market. If you would like to get a feel for recently sold homes in your area, visit our Sold Search page.

6. How do I choose a real estate agent?

Many of our past clients refer us to their friends and family. Ask around to the people you know! This is often a good way to get an honest opinion on whether or not one agent may be a good fit for you over another.
Meet with a few agents. Yes, this is ok! You are conducting an interview for a job. It is alright to meet with a few different agents to find one that you are comfortable working with.
However you find your agent, the most important thing is that you are provided good service, are given professional and honest advice and that you are comfortable working with them.

7. Is now a good time to sell?

8. What is "Staging?"

Many sellers will prepare their house for showings to potential buyers by first "staging" their home. Staging goes beyond cleaning and decluttering. It refers to arranging rooms, furniture and other belongings in a way that helps a buyer visualize the home as their own.