Lately it seems like news stories about For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes vs. homes sold by real estate agents have been popping up more and more often. In many of the stories the conclusion is that FSBO homes are a better deal, financially, for the homeowner. Now I’m not saying a homeowner can’t or shouldn’t sell their own home, but I think it’s unwise to minimize the value that a good real estate agent provides. So I went ahead and made a list of the top 100 reasons you should use a real estate agentfor everyone who is thinking of selling their home themselves. Enjoy!

1. The best research tool for home buying – “ According to the National Association of REALTORS, real estate agents are listed number one (85%) for Information Sources used in Home Searches.
2. Saves you time – An agent knows clients lead a busy life with work, family and kids. A real estate agent takes the time necessary to ensure a smooth transaction with the least amount of intrusion into your life as possible.
3. Less stress – Buying a home can be a stressful experience. Agents take the worry out of the home buying or selling experience. They do the work for clients so that means less stress in the long run.
4. Peace of mind for the future – Agents know that buying a home is a big investment that clients will make for their future. Agents work with clients with this in mind, but also want to give their clients peace of mind that they will be enjoying their home for many years to come!
5. Security for yourself and your family – By helping you find that perfect home for you and your family, agents care about clients and their well-being. An agent is going to take that extra step to ensure clients and their families are happy and secure with their new home purchase.
6. Professional advice – Agents will take the guess work out of the home buying/selling process. An agent will offer you step-by-step instructions on the entire process from beginning to end.
7. Top-notch negotiation skills – Agents have the necessary skills to negotiate the sales contracts with the other party and close the sale with the best price for clients.
8. Paper and more paperwork – Agents have the professional expertise to read contracts and understand legal terminology that the average person may find frustrating. An agent takes the hassle out of the paper trail.
9. Showing your home – Agents will show your home to potential buyers and prepare flyers and handouts with details and photographs of your home.
10. Networking opportunities – Because real estate agents are eager to help their clients, they will promote and talk about their houses or inquire about potential new homes for clients every opportunity they get.
11. Access to property listings – Agents have information about properties that aren’t publicly advertised and can research listings that are not listed on public multiple-listing services.
12. Analyzes clients’ buying or selling power – Agents will counsel clients and advise them accordingly on how to maximize their buying or selling power.
13. Access to mortgage brokers/lenders – Agents can refer clients to viable brokers and lenders they have worked with in the past, helping them finds the best financing options available.
14. Consistent communication – Agents are in constant communication with clients, apprising them of latest information on latest listings and leads.
15. Customer service -Agents offer that personal, customer service touch that a computerized listing or ad cannot offer.
16. Techno-friendly – Agents have the latest technology at their fingertips, whether it’s searching the Internet for listings, emailing clients from their laptops, or typing an instant message on their PDAs. Because they are techno-friendly, they are able to prospect faster and communicate with clients quickly.
17. Property Inspections – Most properties are inspected before sales are closed. Agents provide clients with referrals to professional inspection companies and works with inspectors to expedite necessary reports (termite, home inspections, etc).
18. Property Appraisal – For clients who are interested in home appraisals, agents can refer clients to reputable appraisers and companies.
19. Understands specialized loan programs – Agents have access to information about specialized loan programs (i.e. loans for physicians) and can refer clients to lenders who deal specifically with these loans.
20. Works well on deadline and under pressure – Time is of the essence when negotiations are on the table. Agents understand and adhere to time-sensitive deadlines and can work well under pressure to meet these deadlines.
21. Closing the sale – Agents guide clients through the closing process and are there to answer any specific questions clients may have about closing costs, paperwork, etc.
22. Advertising gurus – Agents will actively advertise property listings for clients. Agents don’t blindly advertise, they strategically know when, where and how to advertise listings and also use multiple-listing services.
23. Availability – Agents are readily accessible to clients and their needs. Agents not only work during the day but also work weekends and nights (only when they have to!). Agents will work around their clients’ busy schedule to meet with clients and show houses.
24. The seller doesn’t have to stay home! – Clients can trust agents to show their homes without the clients being there. Clients are busy people and agents acts as their personal sales representatives when showing homes to buyers.
25. Staging your home – Agents want their clients’ homes to show well. Agents will refer clients to professional home stagers or will work with clients to maximize the full showing potential of their home.
26. Creative listing techniques – Agents know how to emphasize unique selling points in their clients’ listings to catch prospective buyers attention (i.e. “A National Historical Society Queen Anne charmer built in the late 1800s”).
27. Connections with title companies – Agents work closely with title companies and can refer clients to professional contacts they have worked with in the past.
28. Understands real estate law – Agents understand real estate law and can explain them to clients and also refer them to professional legal counsel for further information.
29. Marketing experts – Agents are highly specialized when it comes to marketing techniques and will showcase and promote properties in the most appealing ways ranging from promotional flyers to listing websites.
30. Knowledgeable about the financial transaction – Agents have experience closing the deal, especially when it comes to the financial aspects of a transaction, such as closing costs, etc.
31. Relocation services – Many agents specialize in relocation services for those buyers/sellers who are moving out of or into the area (especially cross-country moves/sales).
32. Financial counseling – If clients have financial/credit issues, agents can make recommendations for credit or financial counseling to help clients better financially prepare for buying a home.
33. Prospecting buyers – Agents will work closely with other agents to prospect buyers when selling clients’ properties.
34. Cultivating sellers – Agents will actively cultivate leads with other agents who are selling property that fit their clients’ needs.
35. Future growth – Agents know about the future growth in towns and cities and advise clients of homes listed in redevelopment areas.
36. Real estate market trends – Agents are constantly researching and finding out the latest information on real estate/housing market trends.
37. Census data – Agents have access to local and national census records and can research census data for specific areas/cities/counties.
38. Zoning - Agents know about zoning laws and regulations in particular cities and neighborhoods and refer clients to more knowledgeable sources if necessary.
39. Low income clients – Agents can work with low-income clients and refer them to local government redevelopment agencies for lower income housing opportunities and financing that might be more affordable.
40. Federal programs - Agents will also refer clients to government-based funding agencies (like HUD) if clients are struggling with financing options.
41. Cleaning services – For relocation clients, agents can recommend cleaning services to make sure properties are spotless before their clients arrive in their new home.
42. Moving companies – For clients moving out of state or long distances, agents can suggest reputable moving companies for clients.
43. City/town information – For clients moving into a new city or neighborhood, agents will provide local relocation/welcome packages so they can better acquaint themselves with their new location.
44. Local media and television – For news-savvy clients, agents have updated lists of local television stations, radio stations, newspapers and magazines.
45. Storage Facilities – When clients relocate, they might need a temporary storage unit. Agents can help clients find nearby, affordable storage facilities.
46. Restaurants – For clients who enjoy fine dining, agents have updated information about local and popular restaurants in the area.
47. Night Life – For jet-setting clients, agents can provide clients lists of local bars, clubs, movie theatres, concerts, comedy clubs and entertainment venues.
48. Sports - For sports enthusiasts, agents can provide clients with information/ticket prices to professional sports teams, stadiums, sports arenas and game schedules.
49. Hotels/Hospitality – When relocation clients visit a city or town to look at property, agents can provide lists of affordable hotels and motels in the local area during their stay.
50. Outdoor Recreation – If clients are interested in outdoors activities, agents can provide contacts for local outdoors recreation in that particular area (i.e. hiking, skiing/snow boarding, kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing, etc).
51. Gyms/Health & Fitness – For health-minded clients, agents have lists of local gyms and health and fitness facilities in their clients’ neighborhoods.
52. Medical facilities – Agents have information to share with clients about local medical facilities, hospitals, dentists, doctors, and chiropractors in their local neighborhood.
53. Utilities - Agents have updated information about local utilities, cable TV, satellite dish companies, etc. to pass along to clients.
54. Professional Movers – Not only can agents provide lists of moving companies, but they can also refer clients to professional moving companies who can help make life easier by packing for them.
55. Repairs - If a home buyer or seller needs repairs made on their property, an agent can refer clients to licensed contractors and vendors.
56. Schools - For clients with children, agents can provide listings of schools, school districts, PTAs, etc.
57. Spas/Salons – Agents can provide clients with information about the closest hair salon or full-service spa in their neighborhood.
58. Banks - For clients who are in need of banking services, agents can pass along information about local bank branches and financial institutions in the nearby vicinity.
59. Local Services – For clients moving to an unfamiliar town or city, agents have information about local amenities such as copy services (i.e. Kinko’s), dry cleaners, gas stations, car washes, etc.
60. Daycare/Child care – For those clients seeking child care, agents can provide lists of daycare and child care facilities in the local area.
61. Auto dealerships – For those clients relocating to the area and are in search of buying a car, agents have listings of nearby auto dealerships.
62. Home Security – Agents have contacts with bonded, reputable home security companies if clients are interested in installing a home security system.
63. Local special events/cultural activities – Agents stay on top of the local special events and cultural activities native to the area and can provide clients with a calendar of events.
64. Auto Transport – For clients moving into or out of the area, agents have contacts with professional auto transport companies that ship cars across the country (if clients don’t want to drive cross-country).
65. Historical sites/points of interest – For clients relocating or moving to historical cities or towns, agents can provide maps of nearby landmarks and points of interest near their property.
66. Commuter/traffic information – “ For clients who will be commuting to a larger city outside of their area, agents have information about van pools, commuter car pools and maps of local highways and toll roads.
67. Emergency Services – Agents know where the closest fire departments, police departments, and EMT services are located in relationship to a particular neighborhood.
68. Public transportation – For clients moving into cities and larger towns, agents have current information about the public transportation system (i.e. subway schedules, bus line information, etc.).
69. Local airports/train stations – For those clients who are on the go and travel a lot, an agent can provide information about local airports and train schedules.
70. Homeowner associations (HOAs) – Agents can advise clients of any homeowner association dues if they plan to move into a planned urban development.
71. Retail/Shopping – Agents can also provide listings of local retail and shopping establishments including grocery stores, malls, outlet stores, etc.
72. Recreational districts/parks – For families, agents have listings of local recreational districts, children’s sports league, and public parks information.
73. Government - For politically-minded clients, agents can inform clients of local city government representatives and town hall information.
74. Weather - Clients who are relocating out of state or out of the area and aren’t familiar with the local weather, agents can apprise clients of average rainfall and local temperatures and climate conditions.
75. Employment - For clients who are relocating and need to find employment, agents are able to refer clients to staffing agencies and can provide information about top corporations and businesses hiring in the area.
76. Tourist attractions – For clients moving into tourism-based areas, agents can provide listings of well-known tourist attractions (amusement parks, water slides, etc).
77. Safe Neighborhoods – Agents will provide crime statistic resources to help clients choose safe neighborhoods/locations.
78. Working with lending companies – Agents can provide interface with lending institutions to help clients determine their budget/price range.
79. Competitive pricing – According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the home price for sellers who use a real estate agent is 16% higher than those who do not use an agent.
80. Open houses – Agents know how important open houses are for their clients and are an effective marketing tool when it comes to the selling process.
81. Real estate boards - Many agents have affiliations with professional real estate boards and pay members dues.
82. Education and experience – Agents must pass a specialized real estate board exam in order to obtain their real estate licenses before they can practice real estate. Professional experience coupled with real estate knowledge is why agents are hired.
83. Continuing education – Agents are always learning and attending innovative classes about sales techniques and best business practices and are usually required by state law to take a minimum number of hours of renewal classes per year to retain their license.
84. Credentials - Agents attend educational seminars allowing them to earn credentials to make them more knowledgeable and specialized in the field of real estate (i.e. GRI, Relocation Specialist, etc).
85. Internet research – Agents surf the Web to find other agents’ sites, multiple-listing services, ads, neighborhood data and statistics, etc. Agents are skilled at using the Internet in order to house hunt for clients.
86. Personalized website – In this technological era, agents have their own personal web sites which makes finding information easy for clients and a great marketing tool for agents to advertise their company and services.
87. Code of Ethics – Agents abides by a strict code of real estate ethics. Agents act as sole representatives in the best interest of their clients.
88. Develops lasting relationships for future business – Agents develop a long-standing, professional business rapport with clients in order to generate outside leads and with clients themselves (they may want to buy or sell in the future).
89. Professional signage – Agents take pride in their professional signs that are displayed in front of properties. Agents use these signs as effective marketing tools to generate prospects and leads for clients.
90. Answering questions after closing – Agents will spend time with clients to ensure they are happy and all questions are answered after the property’s sale has closed.
91. Knowledge about properties – Agents study and research the details and features of clients properties so they are able to answer questions prospective buyers may have.
92. First time home buyers – Agents know that buying that first home is a big step and a huge investment. They will work with clients to make sure the first time home buying experience runs as smoothly as possible.
93. Classes for first time home buyers – Agents can refer first time home buyers to first time homebuyer classes or provide a class on site at their real estate company (if offered).
94. Location, location! – Agents will work with clients closely to meet their location needs, whether clients want that remote cabin in the wilderness or a posh new home in a sprawling urban development in the suburbs. Agents have the necessary tools to research that dream location for clients.
95. Interior designers/home improvement – Agents have contacts with professional interior designers for clients who are looking to renovate and update their property.
96. Homeowner’s insurance – Agents can refer clients to reputable homeowner’s insurance companies who offer reasonable, competitive rates.
97. Flood insurance – In certain states and cities, clients who buy homes in flood zones are required to buy flood insurance. Agents can provide clients with necessary information and refer clients to insurance companies who handle flood insurance.
98. Strong team support – Agents, whether working for a big or small real estate company, work with a supportive staff. When agents are not readily available, their full-service team can help assist clients and find out the information they need.
99. Tax information – Agents are well-versed about property taxes and will communicate the necessary tax information to clients.
100. Value - Agents value your time, your hard-earned money and your future investment as a home/property owner.

Why Use A Real Estate Agent?

Agents will save you time, energy and the stress. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive that call from a friendly voice saying, “Guess what? You have a new home!” or “I just sold your house!”

But most importantly, a real estate agent takes the hassle and guesswork out of buying/selling a new home or property. When you choose to work with a real estate agent, you are choosing professional sales representation.

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