1. Exposure to buyers – around 80% of all buyers are currently working, or under contract with a Realtor. Buyers that are not working with a Realtor tend to be unqualified or “just looking”. A buyer working with a realtor has plenty of houses listed with a realtor they can tour. A Realtor will typically not show a For Sale by Owner unless the owner is willing to pay the commission.
2. Professional Advice – Realtors are trained professionals who are required to maintain their education on an annual bases. They are working in the real estate business day in and day out and have valuable knowledge that will help you receive the highest dollar amount in the shortest amount of time for your home.
3. Negotiation – When it comes to negotiating in a Real Estate Transaction, there are a myriad of factors, including price, financing, terms, closing costs, contingencies, possession date, earnest money, and often repairs or personal property. A real estate agent negotiates with these terms on a day to day basis and is a skilled negotiator. Your Realtor can advise you on the appropriate negotiations whatever the situation may be.
4. Paper work – Your Realtor will supply and handle all the necessary disclosures and paper work for you to have a successful real estate transaction, and be protected while doing so.
5. Showings – Your Realtor will take phone calls, conduct showings, hold open houses, approve and filter out buyers. This can be A LOT of work and the time saved will allow you to do your job, while your Realtor does theirs.
6. Marketing – When you list with a realtor, your home is automatically placed onto the MLS or Multiple Listing Service. From there it is advertised to all Realtors in the area, and is also automatically placed on popular home search websites such as Realtor.com. Most home buyers start their search on the internet, so you want to be sure they find your house, and not your neighbors. Oxford Realty will also place your home for sale on their website and put your home in their newsprint in the Grand Forks Herald. The Real Estate Guide is published ever Friday and is used by many buyers searching for a home. Your Realtor, along with the Brokerage Company have already spent advertising dollars to attract buyers to their brokerage. Remember, you are not paying for the marketing that your realtor is going to do, you are paying for the marketing they have already done.
7. Guarantee – The best part for you is that you do not pay your Realtor a dime unless they do their job and your house is sold.

The choice is yours, but in the Real Estate business, it is wise to hire a professional, this is one of the most important financial decisions you may make.