Why use a Realtor

[Michael G.]

Seller called me today about a property she owns and wants to sell. No distress physical or financial. When asked if she would use a realtor she said no...she wanted to save on the commission.

What do you tell sellers or how do you convince sellers that using a realtor is a smarter and more productive approach/option for selling a house despite the comissions paid?

[Tom Kitas]

It is a common belief amongst people who try to sell their own home that they can sell it and "save the commission". In reality those type of sellers become victims of their own beliefs. When a Realtor is involved in the transaction it is to the best interest of their client and themselves to get the most money for a property. Since they have experience, they will protect the seller from any unscrupulous buyers. Also from the sellers having to waste their time with unqualified buyers. Another point you can make is a Realtor will keep all legal liabilities off the seller. Because a Realtor has to be licensed and insured they keep up to date and compliant with all laws. When they become a listing agent for a seller they make sure all laws are complied with. For example here in Florida there is a boat load of paperwork that has to be submitted with each sale of a property. Seller disclosures, lead paint disclosures if the property was built before 1978, Chinese drywall disclosure, etc. If you fail to have all these disclosure signed and properly executed, you as the seller would be financially liable. It could cost the seller more money than the property is worth.
Another point that can be made is that over 90% of all properties are sold through Realtors and they get more money than one a seller tries on there own. You can also mention the fact then when a seller tries to sell their own property the buyer automatically discounts that commission so the money they think they are saving is not going into their pockets. Then there is always the far better exposure a property gets with a Realtor. Either a Realtor spends all the money for marketing and advertising and the time and effort it takes for the property to be sold and gets paid the commission or the seller does it and actually loses money and time.