MAKING USE OF A Realtor's EXPERTISE

Let's assume that you are one of the thousands of Victoria area homeowners each year who
have decided to sell their home. The decision is never arrived at lightly and you have
given careful consideration to finances, what is needed in a new home and where you plan
to relocate. How then, do you put your selling plan into action?

For best results, the participation of a Realtor is an absolute must. The vast majority of
residential homes are sold with the help of a Realtor. Using a real estate professional
has numerous advantages over "going it alone."

Training and Expertise

First and foremost, Realtors are highly skilled individuals who have completed an
extensive training program to receive a license. In addition, a REALTOR's most valuable
asset is the ability to meet your demands and look out for your best interests. In short,
REALTORS know how to sell your property at the best possible price. To do this they use a
number of specialized skills and techniques.

A comprehensive knowledge of the housing market is perhaps the most powerful tool a
Realtor has. A Realtor will assess your property and use a sophisticated comparative
analysis to determine a fair and workable selling price range. This is only the first
step. Once an initial price range has been set, a Realtor will offer a number of valuable
tips on how to get the best possible price for your home in the shortest possible time.

Your Realtor will help develop an overall marketing plan for your property aimed at
exposing your home to the maximum number of buyers who would be interested in purchasing a
property such as yours. Listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), along
with advertising and open houses are among the options. Once potential buyers have been
located, a Realtor can make your life easier by pre-screening applicants before the time
and effort is spent showing your home.

Once a suitable buyer is found, Realtors can be of immense help during the sometimes
stressful negotiation period. They have been through this procedure many times and know
the finer points of offers and counter offers. A seller without a professional on his or
her side could be at a distinct disadvantage during this process. Having a REALTOR working
for you during negotiations keeps you at "arm's length," greatly reducing the anxiety
involved in selling and allowing clear, objective decisions to be made.

Once the price has been set and the buyer is ready to close the deal, your Realtor will
assist you in drawing up a legally enforceable contract.

The bottom line is that a Realtor will be with you every step of the way from making your
home as attractive as possible and exposing it to the right buyers, to negotiating on your
behalf and closing the sale.

3035 Nanaimo St., Victoria, BC V8T 4W2 Tel: (250) 385-7766; Fax: (250) 385-8773; Email:
infovreb.org; Web: www.vreb.org