Sellers who decide to sell their homes without the help of a licensed professional often do so to avoid paying the agents commission fee. However, that could end up costing them more in the long run. Selling a home for sale by owner is a lot harder than most people think. There is a reason why agents are required to complete a licensing program-they have experience. Working with a real estate agent will save you time, work, and more importantly, money.

Once your home is placed on the market, there are many different factors that determine the length of time it takes to sell. A few factors that will determine how much time your home is on the market are, how much you are willing to sell your home for and how the market is performing during that time. In a high-demand market, a well-priced home will sell much faster than an overpriced home.

In order for you to calculate the selling price of your home, we take data from recent sales in your area, as well as homes that are currently on the market or in contract. Armed with this information, we draw comparisons between your home and other similar properties. There are a number of factors that come into the equation in determining the value of a property – such as the size, location, views, age, condition, presentation, quality of fixtures and fittings, and how unique and desirable the property might be to the current buyers in the market.

When a property is overpriced, windows of opportunity are missed. Broker and buyer interest is at its highest when a property is initially placed on the market. But if the property is priced above realistic market value, the number of potential buyers is significantly reduced. Later, it may be necessary to adjust the price appropriately to compete with new, competitively priced listings.

A home's “must-do repairs” are those that will negatively impact your home's resale value if they are not done. Things like leaky faucets and cracked tiles will stick out to a buyer because it is right in front of them when they are inspecting your home. For example, kitchens and bathrooms leave a lasting impression on buyers. Ensuring that they look fresh and inviting is valuable. Other must-do home repairs prior to selling include and are not limited to; replacing damaged vinyl flooring, cleaning, repainting or renewing baseboards, and resealing toilets.

The price has to be right, but your property also has to be staged properly. Prospective buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in the apartment, so storing personal items (photos, knickknacks) can be an effective way to give the prospective purchase a “clean slate” on which to project their own future in the apartment. Clearing out closets and sometimes removing furniture will make your apartment seem larger and more inviting; items can be easily stored in a rented storage facility. Refresh your property if needed; a good paint job can make all the difference. And of course, your agent will be happy to advise you.

Staging your home is a method of decorating it. Staging is designed to showcase your homes best assets, impress buyers, and help sell it quickly for the highest possible price.

Preparing a home for showings can be a job in itself. A home that is well prepared for showings will likely sell faster than its competition. Making sure a home is clean, de-cluttered, bright, generally in good condition, and that no foul odors are present are just a few things that sellers can do to prepare their home for showings.

It generally takes seven to 10 days from accepted offer to contract signing. From there, the average amount of time necessary to get to closing is 60 days.

Generally, the real estate agent with whom you have entered into an agreement will show your home. That agent will never leave keys for another broker or allow other agents to show your apartment without being present unless you have given prior consent.

Yes, your agent will always get back to you after a showing. Your agent will give you a report of all the new buyers interested in your property. You will be informed about the degrees of interest and all the comments (both positive and negative).

Find a target date for moving. If looking to finance, expect to take about 3 months from purchase to close. Buyers, begin your search 4-6 months prior to an estimated moving date. Once the buyer has been approved by the board, a closing date will be scheduled. The seller needs to be completely moved out before the closing.

After finding a property that you want, your real estate agent will run a comparative market analysis to help you determine an appropriate offer. Your agent will submit an offer on your behalf, both verbally and in writing. There are a lot of different reasons, other than money, that influence a seller in choosing the right buyer. If the verbal offer is accepted, have your broker get confirmation of the offer and acceptance via email. Once the written offer is accepted, your agent prepares a deal sheet (or transaction summary sheet), to be sent to the seller’s and buyer’s attorneys for review. Using the signed offer and acceptance, the seller's attorney then prepares a contract of sale. After the buyer’s attorney reviews the contract, negotiates terms, and evaluates the property’s financial statements, the buyer then signs the contract and presents the down-payment check. Generally, contract deposits are 10% of the contract sale. This money is held in the selling attorney's escrow account to be sent to the seller's attorney. The seller then executes the contract.