Listing Overview

Listing your home with an agent: Overview

Obviously, selling by-owner isn’t for every situation or for every homeowner. The usual alternative is to list with a real estate agent.

Even when a home is being marketed through an agent, the owner is involved in all phases of the sale. We encourage those who decide to list with an agent, to become familiar with all six selling steps above.

In addition to selling faster and for more profits, key benefits are that a knowledgeable seller will have confidence and experience heightened control throughout the selling process.

The topics covered in the List section quite naturally start with the criteria for selecting an agency and agent. We'll cover all types of selection aspects and even guide you through the "guaranteed sale"  promotion, marketing mistakes agents make, suggested modifications you can make to the listing agreement and (if necessary) how to handle switching agencies. 

Today's real estate market is following the cost-savings route that discount stock brokers and travel agencies have taken. There are numerous ways to cut the commission, different listing options and tips that can save any home seller thousands, even when listed with traditional agencies.     

The continued focus here is on maximizing the profit from your sale.

          "But I just want to get my home on the MLS" 

Over the years, homeowners accepted the 6 and 7 percent commission fees as the going rate. As housing prices appreciated, the “traditional” real estate agencies began to be challenged by discount competitors that offered the same selling services at a lower commission.

In the last few years, this discounting led to an even larger commission savings opportunity. Sellers can now get listed on the agent's MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and cut the commission almost in half through a Flat Fee selling plan.

(Finally, the high cost of home selling is getting some relief.)

CONTINUE your tour of Overviews here >  PREPARE your home to sell