EXPERTISE Many people thinking about selling their house are unfamiliar with how the whole process works.   If you choose a good agent with experience he or she will be able to guide you through the whole process.

MLS The MLS or multiple listing service is a website that only realtors have access to.  This webiste has all of the homes that have been listed with real estate agents.  Agents are able to email these listings to their clients.  This website also has access to comps of homes that have sold in the area or homes that are under contract.   When you list your home with an agent your home goes on the MLS.  In 2006 89% of homes sold in the U.S. where homes listed by real estate agents.  If you list your home for sale by owner you may miss out on 89% of the buyers that are using real estate agents.  Agents will most likely not show a home that is for sale by owner.  Also from experience most people looking for homes without an agent are not very serious and most of the time not familiar with how the whole process goes.

POWER TO NEGOTIATE When you list your home your agent is able to negotiate the price with potential buyers.  This is nice to have a middleman.   If you go for sale by owner you will have to negotiate face to face and this can by an awkward situation.    Also your agent has access to comps of homes that have sold in the area.

LOYALTY When you list your home with an agent you sign a listing agreement.  In that agreement the agent agrees to be loyal and to always look out for the best interest of the seller.  Knowing that you have a trustworthy agent doing the work can save you a lot of stress.

CONTACTS Real Estate agents have great contacts to important people needed during a real estate transaction.  These include: home inspectors, appraisers, other agents, loan officers, insurance agents, title companies, and home warranty companies.

MARKETING One of the main reasons you hire a real estate agent is because they are able to market your home.  Having your home listed on the MLS is one of the greatest marketing tools, but there are also many other ways to get people interested in your home.  A realtor can do open houses, put your home on other websites, email other agents at their office as well as agents at other companies, do flyers, put your home in magazines or newspaper ads, feature your home on their blog, and create a virtual tour.

If you are considering listing your home in Utah I hope you consider listing with a real estate agent.  Commissions are not cheap, but if you list your home most likely your home will be sold quicker and for a higher price.   Also the stress relief of having an experienced agent is invaluable.

There is a common misconception that if you buy a home in Murray or buy a home in West Jordan without using a real estate agent that you can get the home cheaper.  What really happens when you buy a home that is listed without using an agent is the agent who lists the home will get both commissions.   Because of this fact it is a great idea to use a  real estate agent when buying a home.  Obviously one benefit is that you don’t have to pay any commissions and you have access to an agent that has great knowledge on the market and has been there before.  Another benefit is that they can drive you around and can set up all your appointments.   If you have ever tried to see 10 different homes in an afternoon and you didn’t have an agent, you realize how difficult it is to get into all of the properties.  Agents have access into almost all the homes that are listed so you are able to go into each home even if the seller is gone.  Agents also can help you find a good lender, help set up home inspections and appraisals, help you pick a good title company, help you order a good 1 year home warrranty, and most of all help you write an offer.