ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

Meeting the Players

Selecting a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

Why should I list my home with a real estate agent?

Experienced, reputable agents can provide invaluable assistance to sellers. They can suggest the listing price, estimate how long it may take to sell the property, offer suggestions about how to best show the home, and determine whether buyers who inquire about the property are qualified--that is, whether a potential buyer is in a position financially and otherwise to buy the property.

One of the most important reasons to use an agent is to have the property information listed on a MLS. This computer service allows information about the home to be made available to hundreds of other agents and buyers. Multiple listing services often have sophisticated websites that also enhance their value to the seller. You need to make sure that you select a listing agent who is a member of the MLS on which you want the property to appear.