That's right I said it! Realtors do not sell real estate! Owners of real estate sell real estate. By law one can not sell what one does not own. Sounds easy enough but many people have a unclear understanding of what Realtors do which leads to frustration.
So why in the world do you need a Realtor if they do not sell homes?
A Realtor's primary responsibility is to partner with a home owner/buyer and consult them on how to sell/buy real estate. This is why a commission is usually paid instead of a flat fee. Both parties have a stake in the outcome of the home sale. Here are a few roles that Realtor's play in the home selling process:
Trusted Adviser - like very few other professions you absolutely have to trust the person you choose as a consultant. For most people buying and selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions they will make in their lives. A Realtor should be able to tell home owners what the condition of the home needs to be to get it sold as well as the market value of the house.
Marketing Expert - a good Realtor should have a general marketing plan that can be 
tailored to meet any given property that he/she may list for sale. Sticking an ad in the paper and a sign in the yard will simply not cut it in today's market. A good Realtor knows that he/she must have a on-line market presence to succeed in today's market.
Process Facilitator - the real estate process can be very confusing, tedious, and time consuming. It is the Realtor's job to maintain all paperwork involved in the transaction as well ensure that the timetable is set and followed for all aspects of the home selling process. If done correctly, the process should be as worry free as possible for the home owner and/or home buyer.
Negotiator - no I'm not talking about William Shatner. Only one in every twenty-one contracts goes though as originally written. Most often there is something that is changed and negotiated between the buyer and the seller. Knowing how to approach a negotiation and knowing how to protect the interest of the buyer and/or seller (depending on who is being represented) takes skill. This skill usually only comes with time and education.
These are just a few of the primary reasons why you need to use a Realtor to help you get your home sold or to buy a home. A Realtor is a consultant not a salesman. A salesman usually looks out for their own interest. A Realtor is required to look out for your interest once they've been hired to do so.
Michael J. Johnson
843-817-5299
michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com
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If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation.
I also work with buyers. If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.
Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR
843-817-5299
michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com
"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"
Well stated Michael, this was good reading. Thanks for sharing!
Mike
Well done! This was a good read. IThat is why it is so important for buyers and sellers to seek out sage, and experience to guide them through these times.
Mike - thanks for stopping by.
Jim - I like the sage reference.
Excellent post. So many people think we are nothing but salesmen, and have no idea of the reality of what we actually do.