Why should you pay a 6% commission to an agent when you can sell your house yourself?” This is a valid question that many people pose. Exploring the reasons why hiring a real estate agent can be beneficial when selling a house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County. Let’s explore why you need an agent to sell your Savannah, GA and Chatham County house.
Ethical Code
First and foremost, most agents are bound by the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR’s) code of ethics, which mandates that agents prioritize their clients’ interests above their own at all times. Additionally, the NAR holds real estate agents accountable for disclosures and truth in advertising. Therefore, not only do you benefit from your agent’s knowledge, experience, and expertise, but you also gain peace of mind knowing that she must adhere to a professional ethical code. This ensures that your agent truly acts as a business partner, dedicated to safeguarding your best interests. Real estate agents bound by the NAR’s code of ethics prioritize clients’ interests and adhere to professional standards of conduct, providing peace of mind and a trusted partnership for clients in Savannah, GA and Chatham County.
Pricing Expertise and Wider Marketing Reach
One of the primary reasons you need an agent to sell your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County is the critical importance of pricing it right. Agents possess a deep understanding of the market and its trends, allowing them to pinpoint the optimal pricing sweet spot. Pricing too high can deter buyers from even considering your house, leading to extended time on the market. Conversely, pricing too low may raise suspicions among potential buyers. It’s crucial to remember that the bulk of a house’s traffic occurs during the first week on the market, emphasizing the importance of correct pricing during this crucial period. Real estate agents are essential for pricing a house correctly in Savannah, GA and Chatham County, ensuring optimal market exposure and buyer interest during the critical initial weeks on the market.
Real estate agents also have a much wider marketing reach than you’d have on your own – a solid reason why you need an agent to sell your Savannah, GA and Chatham County house. Consider that most of them have access to the nation-wide Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which allows them to take the pulse of the market, get listing details, and list your house. In addition, most agents today are conversant with all the online marketing venues, and they have a host beneficial industry connections and contacts.
Legal Knowledge
If you intend to sell your home on your own through an FSBO deal, you’ll need to become familiar with your state’s laws concerning real estate transfers. Otherwise, you may inadvertently land in some legal hot water. It takes a lot of effort and involves some fairly opaque legal complexities.
Such laws, for example, govern the kinds of documents and contracts you’ll need and who has to sign them. Also, you need to know what to do if it turns out there are any encumbrances on your home. Further, you need to be up to speed on your state’s mandatory disclosure laws. A qualified agent, however, is knowledgeable about all these legal intricacies and can assume that burden and risk for you.
Better Sale Price
Statistics from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) unequivocally support the contention that you need an agent to sell your Savannah, GA and Chatham County house. According to these NAR statistics, the typical “for sale by owner” home sold for around $185,000 in 2016. But in that same year, the typical home sold by a real estate agent fetched about $245,000. That means the house sold by an agent sold (on average) for $60,000 more than the FSBO home!
It’s evident that you require an agent to sell your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County if you aim to price it correctly, reach a wide market, avoid legal complications, and maximize your earnings. Moreover, you can enjoy these benefits with the assurance that your agent is bound by a code of ethics. It’s simply a sensible choice! Hiring a real estate agent ensures correct pricing, wide market reach, legal compliance, and increased profits when selling a house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County, all while providing ethical representation.
