The Realtor provides objective and accurate information about current market value allowing sellers to select the appropriate listing price. In many cases they can offer expert advice on staging the property for maximum appeal to potential buyers.

When listing the property, a Realtor is trained to represent the seller by making sure the property information is accurately and attractively presented to the marketplace. This includes careful compliance with provincial and federal regulations like the Personal Information Protection Act, the Real Estate Services Act (in B.C.) and the FINTRAC money laundering requirements. The Realtor ensures that required disclosures are made at the appropriate times

Another generally invisible service is managing the transaction after acceptance of the offer and during the buyer due diligence period. This consists of arranging inspections, scheduling appraisals and obtaining strata documents (if applicable). Sometimes this also involves handling real estate turbulence, which includes things like appraisals lower than the sale price, problems discovered in a property inspection and other unexpected challenges. The experience and guidance of the Realtor and their broker can usually overcome these challenges.

The final job of the Realtor is to do everything they can to ensure a smooth completion of the transaction. This includes monitoring the conveyance process, confirming payment of the sale proceeds to the seller and a timely transfer of keys to the buyer. Selling a property is a significant transaction for most people and the complexities are sometimes not well understood until problems arise. A good Realtor has the training, expertise and experience to assist their client to achieve their desired results.

Realtor begins the obvious marketing process, which includes putting the property on the Multiple Listing System, installing a sign, writing appealing print ads, creating feature sheets to leave at the property and holding open houses. In addition many Realtors feature the property on one or more internet websites, display mall kiosks and at open houses for other agents. Giving the property maximum exposure can be expensive but it is part of the commitment of the Realtor.

Much of the work of the Realtor is done quietly behind the scenes. Realtors invest time and energy in activities like qualifying potential buyers, arranging and tracking showings by cooperating agents and obtaining and sharing feedback from other Realtors. Many sellers take comfort in knowing that their Realtor will handle all inquiries seriously and do their best to ensure that only serious qualified buyers will view the seller’s property. This provides a measure of safety and security.

Realtors are also trained to provide accurate advice and valuable assistance when dealing with the significant complexities of tenant occupied properties, estate sales and foreclosure transactions.

Buyers usually have a pretty firm idea in mind of what they want in a property, from number of bedrooms to an attached garage to any number of other must-have and must-not-have factors. You’ll probably feel pretty comfortable looking at homes with that list tucked firmly in the back of your mind.

But your agent will be alert for issues that might not cross your mind, such as furnace issues, leaks, roofing problems, and mold and insect issues. An agent will recognize the telltale signs of these problems and know how best to approach them. Again, this experience and knowledge can end up saving you thousands down the road. 

You know exactly how much you want for your home if you’re the seller, but is the price you’ve arrived at reasonable? You might only know for sure if you’re able to identify comparable sales that confirm that you’re in the right range—or not. Agents can do comparative market analyses in their sleep. 

You might not be a negotiation shark if you don’t happen to be an attorney, mediator, union rep…or a real estate agent. Remember that fiduciary responsibility your agent has to you. It’s your agent’s job to get you the best possible price for your home, or to see to it that you get the best possible deal on the property you want to buy.

Agents are trained to negotiate well, if only from experience. They know what normally works and what does not. Most have tried-and-true techniques all their own. And, most importantly, they have no emotional stake in the outcome that can cloud their thinking.

You, on the other hand, might be willing to come up with $10,000 more to purchase that to-die-for home, never realizing that it’s really not necessary because you possess certain bargaining chips. It’s just more money saved if you have an agent who prevents you from taking an unnecessary financial plunge.