If you sell the home yourself, you will get limited exposure by putting up a sign, running some ads, and telling your friends. If you work with a REALTOR®, you will get instant and mass exposure to a large number of prospective home buyers.

A REALTOR® has access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System. This computerized system operated by the local real estate board, compiles information about listed properties in the area and makes it accessible to member companies. As a result, when a REALTORS® lists your home, REALTORS® from other companies learn about your home and try to match it with buyers with whom they are working.

A REALTOR® can speed the selling process in other ways:

• By specializing in real estate, a REALTOR® knows market values and can therefore help you set a competitive price for your home.
• A REALTOR® can free you from the hassles associated with showing your home and screen out people who are merely curious.
• A REALTOR® is objective when negotiating with buyers and experienced in reading the fine print of contracts.
• By staying on top of the mortgage market, a REALTOR® may know how to wade through financing tangles and clinch a sale.

Selling a home is not something that anyone can do in their off-hours. It’s a specialized service, best handled by a professional REALTOR®.

A: Exclusive listings are often referred to as listings which are not entered on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). There are various types of exclusive listings so be sure to ask your REALTOR® to explain the specific terms and limitations of each type.

Q: Can I cancel my listing at any time?

A: No, a listing contract between you and the brokerage (company) creates a legal and binding obligation on both parts. If you have concerns or problems, discuss them with your REALTOR® or their broker.

Q: When my listing expires, how long do I have to wait until I can sell my home?

A: You can sell at any time after the listing expires, but bear in mind that you may still have to pay remuneration. Check with your REALTOR® to clarify any holdover clauses in your contract.

Q: What is the remuneration rate?

A: Remuneration rates are negotiated at the time your listing contract is signed and determined individually by each brokerage.

Q: If I receive an offer I don’t like, do I have to counter it?

A: No. You have the choice of accepting, rejecting, or making a counter-offer. Your REALTOR® will guide you on the best available options.

Q: Do I have to use a lawyer?

A: Although not required, using a lawyer is highly recommended.

Q: Why should I use a REALTOR®?

A: A REALTOR® can help you to not only get a better price for your home, but also make the whole process easier and reduce your risk in the transaction.