Keep in mind if you choose to sell your home on your own you have to handle all of the functions from advertising your home & showing it to closing on it, though some states allow you to hire an agent to handle some of those functions for you. More on selling on your own.
Contract Cautions
Contracts longer than 90 days can backfire if the market goes sour. Visit our tips & article section
to understand about how contracts work and about other transactions.
Make sure to talk with your prospective listing agent about the type maketing and advertising they would do for your home. So you will understand what their marketing plan will include. Remember that the agent works for you so make sure you give input about marketing your home, for example using your free web site that will showcase your home. Visit RealEstateMoving.com's
Make sure to clarify with the agent as to what their status will be, so you will know what the status of your agent is and whom the agent is representing and what their function will be. Before you tell any important information! Most states require an agency disclosure before you start to work with an agent. So if your not showen an agency disclosure ask if there is one!
Signing a listing contract is a legally binding agreement that typically gives the agent the exclusive right to sell your property within a certain period of time (usually 60 to 90 days).
Market Researches
The listing agent will research the market in order to help you determine your home's market value and reach a sales price in consultation with you.
Marketing Plan
The listing agent prepares a written marketing plan that includes a schedule for listing, showing, and advertising your property.
Pre-Sale Tasks
The listing agent will advise you on how best to prepare your home for sale and help arrange for pre-sale tasks such as a home inspection and other items. Visit the tips & article section on getting your home ready to show & sell.
Negotiations
The lisying agent will transmit any offers to you, and negotiates the purchase based on your recommendations, and moves all the paperwork through the transaction
Commission & Fee's
You pay for the listing agent's services, either as a percentage commission (usually 4 to 6 percent) or a flat fee, as specified in your listing contract. The buyer's agent is paid out of that fee.
