Dear Heather

I want to sell my house — why do I have to use an agent?

— Homeowner, Warwick

Dear Homeowner

You don’t have to use an agent if you don’t want to. However, there are several reasons why it would benefit you:

1 Real estate agents discuss finances and the pre-approval process with their buyers before they show them properties, therefore saving you endless time and energy having to do the same. Buyers may assume owners selling their house are unskilled in the negotiation process and because they are not using an agent, immediately try and get a ‘deal’. Often times a real estate agent can get you a better net price — even taking the five percent commission into consideration.

2 You aren’t just selling a house, you are selling your ‘home’. Your own blood, sweat and tears and happy memories The gardens you’ve planted, the lawns you’ve mown, the roof your son painted, the kitchen your husband put in. You are selling all your hopes, dreams and accomplishments. In many cases owners put value on the emotional attachments and price their ‘home’ higher than the true value of the ‘house’. A good real estate agent will help you price your house correctly for the current market, and help you get the best possible price in the least possible time.

3 It’s very difficult to be objective when someone comes to look at your home. What happens if you take an immediate dislike to someone? What happens if they are derogatory about the colour of the paint, the tile in the bathroom, the door the dog chewed, your teenage son’s messy bedroom, your husband’s unfinished but much loved ‘project’ in the yard? Sometimes people say negative things in order to negotiate the price down, and it hurts! Your real estate agent can remain neutral and professional — and sometimes turn a negative into a positive.

4 People are quite prepared to work within a 24 hour notice when a real estate agent is involved — not so when you live in the house. “Well,” they say: “You live there, so you won’t mind if we come round on Sunday afternoon?” They automatically assume you will always be available for viewings!

Heather Chilvers is among Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty’s leading sales representatives. She has been working in real estate for 25 years. If you have a question for Heather, please contact her at hchilvers@brcl.bm or 332 1793. All questions will be treated confidentially.