Why Should Home Sellers Use a Realtor?

person hand working on property value concept

With access to dozens of websites and online tools that will tell you how much your home is worth, homeowners often ask us if they really need a real estate agent to sell their house. After all, we book vacations online, do our taxes without a tax advisor, and can even file for an e-divorce, so why should home sellers use a Realtor? If you’ve been wondering the same thing, here are a few good reasons to consider working with a real estate agent in Guilderland NY.

Why Sellers Need a Realtor to Price Their Home

While websites and home value tools can calculate the value of your home, these sites are using an Automated Valuation Model, or AVM, which means they are only taking into account third party local market data to determine your home’s worth. Property value, however, is determined by much more than market data. For instance, an AVM tool does not know if you’ve made upgrades to your home or if your roof is too old. Other factors include where your property is located and whether it’s desirable for potential buyers.  Is the neighborhood safe? Are there good schools around the area? Is there shopping within walking distance or is it a long drive away?

Realtors, on the other hand, specialize in determining a home’s fair market value. In fact, they are trained to perform a Competitive Market Analysis, or CMA, which involves visiting your home and evaluating the structure, land and neighborhood. Our real estate agents will then find recently sold homes that are very similar to yours and make adjustments to the price based on improvements and additions, condition, quality and age, as well as lot size, lot orientation, tax-assessed value, and features of the lot, including its terrain, access and privacy. Unlike AVM, competitive market analysis is an art, not a science.

Why Sellers Need a Realtor for Contracts, Negotiating & More

The process of buying and selling a home is emotional for both buyers and sellers, which is why it’s best to leave the negotiating to the professionals. Top producing real estate agents negotiate well because they know how to keep a level head and represent their client’s case in the best possible light. In addition, our experienced real estate agents can help you navigate the contract – often 50+ pages of complex documents – and we know how to use the contract to protect you.

Realtors also regularly network with others professionals involved in the process of selling a home. From movers to home stagers and interior designers, our Guilderland area real estate agents are well connected, and can often provide you with references.

Choosing the Right Realtor

Every home is unique and must be valued accordingly. Get it wrong and you risk deterring buyers, or worse, not getting the money you deserve on the sale. It’s important to find a Realtor with a great marketing plan and deep local knowledge. If you’re looking for a real estate agent with knowledge of the Albany area, contact the experts at CM Fox Real Estate. We have over 50 real estate agents in Guilderland, Latham, Colonie and throughout the Albany NY area. Call (518) 861-7030 to talk with us about selling your home.

See also: Why Use a Real Estate Agent – For Buyers