Do you need a real estate agent?
Plain-English guides on what an agent does, what it costs since the 2024 commission changes, and how to pick a good one — whether you are buying or selling.
Why work with a real estate agent?
A good local agent saves you time, money and worry.
Less stress, fewer surprises
Your agent prices the home, runs the showings and handles the paperwork and back-and-forth with buyers.
Get the best price
Local sold prices, prep tips and firm negotiating help you keep more money at closing.
Sell sooner
The MLS and the agent's own buyer contacts put your home in front of serious buyers from day one.
Guides
Selling with an agent vs. selling it yourself (FSBO)What you actually do yourself when you skip the agent, what it can save, and where sellers most often lose money.Who pays the real estate agent now?Since August 2024, buyers sign an agreement with their agent and commissions are agreed in writing. Here is what that means for you.First-time home buyer: the steps from savings to keysThe order things happen in, from checking your budget to closing day, and where an agent helps along the way.What a buyer's agent actually does for youFrom finding homes before they hit the big websites to negotiating repairs: the work behind a buyer's agent's fee.15 questions to ask before you hire an agentA short interview list for buyers and sellers, so you can compare agents on facts rather than first impressions.How to price your home to sellWhy recent nearby sales matter more than online estimates, and what over-pricing really costs.Getting your home ready to sellLow-cost fixes, cleaning and staging that make a difference in photos and showings, and what to skip.Buyer agreements: what you are signingMost agents now ask buyers to sign a written agreement before touring homes. The parts to read carefully.How to win a home in a competitive marketPractical ways to make your offer stand out without overpaying or taking on risks you don't understand.REALTOR® vs. real estate agent: what's the difference?Every REALTOR® is a licensed agent or broker, but not every agent is a REALTOR®. What the word means.
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