Many people believe they can save a considerable amount of money by selling their homes themselves. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but while you may be willing to take on the task, are you qualified? Following are some questions to realistically assess what’s involved:

• Do you have the knowledge, patience and sales skill needed to sell your home?
• If your buyer is aggressive, can you negotiate a successful outcome for yourself?
• Do you know how to determine the current value of your home?
• Are you aware of the conditions in the marketplace today that affect value and length of time to sell?
• Do you know how to determine whether or not a buyer can qualify for a loan?
• Are you concerned about having strangers walking through your home?
• Do you understand the steps of an escrow and what’s required of you and the buyer?
• Are you familiar enough with real estate regulations to prepare a binding sales contract? How about counter-offers?
• Are you aware that every time you leave your home you are taking it off the market until you return?
• Have you made arrangements with an escrow company, home warranty company, pest control service and lender to assist you with the transaction?
• Do you know where and how to advertise effectively and what the costs will be?
• Are you aware that buyers and bargain hunters will expect you to lower your sales price because there’s no Realtor involved?
• Do you understand the various types of loans buyers may choose along with the advantages and disadvantages for you?
• Are you prepared to give up your evenings and weekends to show your home to potential buyers and "just-looking" time wasters?

Before you make the decision to try to sell your home alone, consider the benefits a Realtor can provide that you may not be aware of:

• On average the sale price of a home listed by a Realtor is 16.0 percent higher than a home sold directly by an owner.
• As a Realtor, I understand market conditions and have access to information not available to most homeowners.
• As a Realtor, I know how to advertise effectively to achieve the best results.
• As a Realtor, I know how to price your home realistically, to produce the highest return within your time frame.
• As a Realtor, I am experienced in creating demand for homes and how to show them to advantage.
• As a Realtor, I know how to screen potential buyers and eliminate those who can’t qualify or are only looking for a "steal".
• As a Realtor, I know how to go toe-to-toe in negotiations.
• As a Realtor, I am always "on-call" answering the phone at all hours, and showing homes evenings and weekends.
• A Realtor can remain objective when presenting offers and counter-offers on your behalf.
• As a Realtor, I maintain errors-and-omissions insurance.
• As a Realtor, I will listen to your needs, respect your opinions and allow you to make the final decision.
• As a Realtor, I can help protect your rights, which is particularly important with the increasing complicated real estate laws and regulations.
• As a Realtor, I’m experienced in resolving problems to ensure a successful closing on your home.

Only you can determine whether you should attempt to sell your home – often times your largest investment – all alone. Talk with Thomas before you decide. You will find working with a professional Realtor® like him is a lot less expensive and much more beneficial than you ever imagined.