Property owners, who choose to sell their homes and investment property without the assistance of a licensed real estate professional, may end-up selling themselves short.  Instead of reaping a larger profit by saving the commission charged by a Realtor®, an unrepresented seller may in the long-run spend both more time and more money.

Setting the price -- valuing real estate has become increasingly difficult over the past few years.  If you guess too high you may lose prospective buyers, who think they cannot afford your property.  Once you begin lowering the price, many buyers may wonder why your property wasn't worth the original asking price.  However if you set your price too low, you will lose money that is rightfully yours.  Plus prospective buyers may also be leery of a "Bargain Price."

Realtors® have up-to-the-minute information about property values in your neighborhood.  They can evaluate your property, pointing out features that add value and areas that could reduce value.

With the services of a professional Realtor®, you will be able to determine to best asking price for your property.

Locating Buyers -- Finding buyers requires more marketing techniques than simply putting a "For Sale" sign in your yard. Marketing services offered by your Realtor®, include:

• 24 hour notification to all area Realtors® that your home is on the market and national/international notification within 48 hours
• International marketing of your home via the internet, featuring widely accessed sites such as:  Realtor.com; PlanetRealtor.com; local real estate board websites and  personal websites
• Online virtual tours of your home
• Direct mail to your neighborhood, investors, and Realtors® in other states
• Advertisements in the local newspaper and real estate magazines
• Worry-free open houses
• Cooperation with other area Realtors® bringing buyers to your home

Many Realtors® also have a list of buyers, who are looking for properties like yours. 

Pre-Qualification of Buyers -- A professional Realtor® will screen prospective buyers prior to showing them your property, alleviating the inconvenience of working with individuals who do not have the interest nor the ability to buy your home.

Bargaining -- A buyer usually offers less than your asking price.  A professional Realtor® knows how to easily and effectively negotiate with the buyer by making counteroffers covering price, cash deposits, closing dates, and other details ensuring that your sale goes smoothly, quickly and at the best price.

Should you choose not to be represented by a real estate professional in the sale of your property, please consider the following:

• Remember you are opening your door to strangers.  If you are home alone, request they come back when someone else with be in the house with you.
• Make sure all valuables are out of sight and preferably locked away.  This rule also applies to prescription medicines.
• Keep everyone together.  Don't allow anyone unsupervised access to areas of your home.
• Make sure you know your state's disclosure laws.  In Florida, property owners must complete a Seller's Real Property Disclosure Statement and also include a Mold Disclosure Addendum.  Other disclosures may be required depending on the age of your property, the existence of a homeowner's association, etc.
• Ask questions -- do you want to waste your time showing your property to individuals who will not be able to secure financing or must sell their home before they can buy yours?
• Be prepared to answer questions about financing, warranties, title insurance, surveys, closing, etc.
• Setting a time-frame for selling your home on your own and securing the services of a professional Realtor®, if your home does not sell in the allotted time.