DON'T GO IT ALONE:
USE A PRO TO SELL YOUR HOME

When the time comes to sell your home, you must decide whether to seek assistance from a real estate professional or attempt to sell it yourself. Take a tip from the REALTORS Association of York & Adams Counties (RAYAC): You can save yourself a lot of time and trouble by listing your home with a professional.

People who try to sell their own homes are denying themselves the benefit of a real estate professional who is trained to sell real estate on the terms most advantageous to the party he or she represents. "An efficient real estate broker keeps the clients' interest in mind at all times, provides frequent status reports and has a clear understanding of the housing market and financing terms," says Bob Schindo, president of RAYAC.

According to a 2002 survey from the National Association of Realtors ® , only 13 percent of consumers today sell their homes without the service of a real estate professional. The majority of those who decide to "go it alone" report misgivings about doing so again. Among the major problems cited are understanding and performing the paperwork, getting the right price, helping the buyer obtain financing and attracting potential buyers.

"To maximize exposure and minimize problems, go one step beyond just hiring a real estate agent. Enlist the services of a Realtor® -that is, a member of the National Association of Realtors® . Your peace of mind and a great deal of money are at stake. With professional assistance, the home selling process can be made much easier," Schindo says.

By working with a Realtor® , you have the added protection of a professional who subscribes and adheres to a strict Code of Ethics.

The following guidelines, suggested by RAYAC, can help you find a real estate professional to meet your home selling needs.

•  Choose your agent with care, as you would a lawyer or doctor. Talk with friends, neighbors and co-workers who have recently bought or sold a home in the area. What kind of service did they receive? Would they select the same broker or company again?

•  Focus on real estate companies that specialize in residential sales. Look for posted "sold" signs. A company with a successful track record warrants consideration.

•  Read the real estate section of your newspaper and look online for listings of homes in the same price category as yours. This will allow you to identify companies that market homes similar to yours, and see how your home stacks up against the competition.

•  Target companies located in your area of the community. They are more likely to be familiar with the area schools, businesses and places of worship -- precisely the type of information that likely will be sought by prospective buyers.

Once you have narrowed your selection of potential listing companies or REALTORS, contact each for an interview. The following questions may be helpful in selecting a broker or agent:

•  Have long have you been licensed?

•  How long have you actively worked in the area?

•  How many home sales have you closed in the last three months?

•  Do you work full-time as a real estate professional?

•  Can you give me names of three references whose homes you've recently sold?

•  How will you work to actively seek buyers for my home?

•  Will you participate in a cooperative listing service?

•  Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors ® ?

•  Have you earned any specialty professional real estate designations?

•  What professional courses or training sessions have you recently attended?