If you are buying or selling a home, one of the first choices you’ll make is whether you’ll work with a real estate agent or do it yourself with a private sale. You’ll make many decisions when buying and selling a house. Knowing the legalities, the market, the neighbourhood, and all the ins and outs of the process is vital to making informed choices.

A home is probably your most significant investment. You want to enter the sale and buy process armed with as much knowledge as possible to set yourself up for success. Before you make any choices, be sure to research our options thoroughly.

Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent

1. Less stress, time & energy for you.

When it comes to selling a home, there is a lot of prep work involved. You need to clean, prepare, stage your home, take photos for the listing, determine your listing price, and decide how to market your house (And that’s just the beginning!) When you have a realtor on your side, they will not only guide you through the process but will take on most of this work for you.

There are also many decisions to make when buying a house. For example, you need to decide the area you are looking in, your budget, and your list of wants and needs. A realtor can save you from researching home types, neighbourhoods, and market values. They know the communities, available housing, and approximate costs. They can provide invaluable advice to help you get what you need at the best possible price.

2. A professional on your side protects your interests.

Buying or selling a home both involve legally binding contracts. This will probably be your biggest investment. Realtors are on your side, helping you get the best deal while ensuring your needs are met. They are versed in the language and know what to look for to save money now and help avoid potential hassles in the future. Real Estate Agents can help you avoid common mistakes when selling your home.

3. Access to a network of connections.

While you can search many online databases, homes can be sold before they are posted. Professional realtors have access to listings often before they go live. With a professional network of connections, a realtor can help you seek out those hidden gems!

4. Professional advice & services (cleaning & staging).

Many agents offer help with staging and cleaning your home before you list it for sale. Many agents will offer these services, bringing in professionals to help get your home in tip-top shape. If you are prepping the house yourself, they can advise on what is working in the market regarding staging trends. Knowing what people are looking for helps you prioritize the in-demand features of your house.

5. Done for you marketing.

Realtors know how to position your house and get it in front of the right buyers. Most agents will bring in professional photographers and videographers and create a plan to market your home effectively. This helps your home sell faster and for top dollar. It’s also one less thing you have to worry about!

6. Knowledge of the market & neighbourhood.

When searching for a home, the house is only one piece of the puzzle. Knowing the best neighbourhoods, nearby amenities, and area schools also plays a significant role in deciding where you want to live. It’s time-consuming to do this research all on your own. Realtors will have this info ready and help you pinpoint the areas that would be the best fit for you.

7. Pricing advice & negotiation skills.

An agent is always looking out for your best interests. They know the market, current conditions, and what similar homes are going for. They will help you price your home if you’re selling to get the highest possible amount in the least amount of time. When you’re ready to buy, they will help you create an offer and negotiate the best possible deal. No one wants to overpay when they purchase a home or undervalue their property when they sell.

8. Help with showings.

Your agent will handle the calls and book showings for you. You won’t have to worry about fielding calls and answering potential buyers’ questions.

Benefits of a Private Sale

1. Save the commission.

The seller pays a realtor’s fee. When you are selling your home, a percentage of the total is paid to your agent. If you sell and choose to do a ‘for sale by owner,’ you can save that commission cost.

2. You are in control.

If you are knowledgeable in staging, marketing, and selling a home, you may want to be in the driver’s seat. When going with a private sale, you can control the entire process, from how you will market, price the home, and accept offers.

Whether you work with a professional real estate agent or decide to do a sale by owner is up to you. There is no one size fits all for everyone. If you choose to go it alone, research the entire process. You want to know what you are getting into! You’ll balance many moving parts when buying or selling a home. There is a lot of time, energy, and resources that go into ensuring you come out ahead and make a wise investment!

If you have more questions on buying or selling, check out our FAQs!

Seller FAQs

Buyer FAQs