Why Do I Need a Listing Agent?
May 5, 2024
Article Written By
Michaela SherrittYou may be an expert in something, but it probably isn’t real estate; even if you have been through the process as a buyer. Here at Bozeman Brokers, we want you to have the best home selling experience possible! We believe that having individual real estate representation in the selling process helps you to get the most out of the experience. This list is here to clarify some of the ambiguities about using a Realtor as your listing agent.
Why Use a Listing Agent?
There are many benefits to using a listing agent, from better marketing to insider information and contacts.
Negotiation experience
The average years of experience for the Brokers in our office is over 25 years. Our agents are creative problem solvers and their negotiation experience can help guide you to a successful sale of your home.
Network of trusted vendors, inspectors, lenders, and appraisers
Experienced Realtors have connections with quality vendors, contractors, and inspectors that will help the process move along as smoothly as possible. Agents know the vendor types necessary for a home to be put into tip-top shape before listing the property.
Full disclosure
One of the largest percentages of lawsuits in real estate occur because of disclosure issues – when a buyer unknowingly adopts undisclosed negative aspects of a home. Experienced Realtors help you navigate disclosure issues prior to the sale of your property and therefore limit your liability.
Interest advocacy
The top priority of a listing agent is to protect the best interests of the seller. Realtors are their client’s confidants.
Broker Partner Dan Porter says “A seller or buyer needs to know they can trust their Realtor to represent their interest with honesty and fairness at all times and maintain their confidence throughout the process.”
Market trend information
Montana is a non-disclosure state. This means Realtor and appraisers are the only professionals with access to real time market data. Third party realty sites like Zillow and Realtor.com do not have access to sales data in the state of Montana. Realtors give sellers a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of their home utilizing up-to-date sales data on the Multiple Listings Service (MLS).
Access to professional marketing materials and personnel
Bozeman Brokers Real Estate has a graphic design and marketing specialist in house. This allows for a timely, customized and professional marketing approach based on the individual needs of each client.
Peace of mind
Real estate documents are contractual. Experienced Realtors can fully explain your rights and liabilities pertaining to each document in layman’s terms. Listing agent representation gives you access to a database of accurate knowledge enabling a greater understanding of the transaction.
Don't Think you Need a Listing Agent?
We find that many people who need a listing agent are convinced they don't. If you fall into this camp, we've answered the most common questions we hear below to show you the benefit our experience offers.
“What is the value of a listing agent”
The average consumer does not buy or sell real estate daily. Realtors work on multiple real estate transactions each month. That experience may be the difference between a successful transaction and a legal liability. The experience of a Realtor is showcased in the guiding suggestions and advice prior to listing, while on the market, during prospective negotiations, while the property is under contract, and all the way through closing.
“Middlemen are unnecessary”
This notion may be a common belief amongst many. In the case of real estate having an expert on your side can make all the difference in the world.
Broker Partner, Patrick Resop, says “We have outside sources that either buyers and sellers may not be aware of, from lenders to inspectors, to appraisers and so on. We are a terrific source of information to assist them in ending up with the end result that helps them achieve their goals.”
“I’m not their only client, they won’t have time for me”
Good Brokers and Realtors are exceptionally talented at juggling multiple clients. In fact, the busiest agents are generally some of the best agents to work with. Our agents are full-time active Brokers in the local real estate market. So yes, we are in the know and we do have time for you.
Hopefully this has helped you come to the conclusion best for you, if you are still unsure contact us at the Bozeman Brokers office – 406-587-5900 – or shoot us an email – info@bozemanbrokers.com – and we can walk you through the next steps of the home selling process.
