Why use a Realtor?
1.0 “Can’t I Just Sell it Myself and Save the Commission?”
This is the most common and valid question every homeowner asks. In an effort to save money, it can be tempting to consider selling your home on your own (FSBO – For Sale By Owner). However, the goal of a successful sale isn’t just to avoid paying a commission; it’s to sell your property for the highest possible price, in a reasonable timeframe, with the least amount of risk. The data consistently shows that homes sold with a professional Realtor® sell for a significantly higher price—an amount that typically more than covers the cost of commission.
2.0 You’re Not Just Hiring an Agent; You’re Hiring a Team of Experts
When you partner with a Realtor®, you’re not just hiring someone to put a sign on your lawn. You are hiring a professional with multiple roles:
- A Market Analyst who can scientifically price your home.
- A Marketing Director who can create a multi-channel campaign to attract buyers.
- A Skilled Negotiator who can be your objective advocate in high-stakes conversations.
- A Project Manager who can coordinate the dozens of administrative and legal details.
3.0 The Key Advantages of Professional Representation
Here are the tangible benefits that lead to a more successful sale.
- Expert Pricing Strategy: We have access to real-time, Realtor®-exclusive market data. This allows us to perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that accurately positions your home to sell for top dollar without languishing on the market.
- Comprehensive Marketing Exposure: Our professional marketing plan exposes your home to a massive pool of qualified buyers through the MLS® system, targeted digital advertising, and our professional network—far beyond what is possible for a FSBO seller.
- Professional Negotiation: This is one of the most valuable skills we bring. We are experienced, objective negotiators who can handle counter-offers and complex terms to secure you the best possible price while protecting your interests.
4.0 The Bottom Line: More Money in Your Pocket
Ultimately, our job is to get you the best financial outcome. By leveraging an expert pricing strategy, wide-reaching marketing, and skilled negotiation, we create a competitive environment for your home. This process consistently leads to a higher final sale price, resulting in a higher net payout for you, all with significantly less work and risk on your part.
For a complete overview of the selling journey, return to the Ultimate Guide to Selling a Home in Edmonton.
What Our Clients Are Saying
u0022Matt is an expert negotiator and didn’t stop working until my property sold for what I wanted. My property was sold during the pandemic as well. I think that alone speaks volumes for his dedication.u0022
u0022We had the pleasure of working with Matt u0026amp; Melanie… They are a very ambitious duo, who were always willing to work hard on our behalf… I highly recommend to anyone looking for a realtor!!!u0022
u0022The Matt Ferguson real estate team got me the house of my dreams within my budget! Will be forever grateful for this amazing team and all their hard work!u0022
u0022Matt Ferguson and his team have been wonderful and have helped me find my dream home. I would recommend them in a heartbeat… very professional and responsive.u0022
u0022Matt and his team made the selling process so easy and stress-free. From the initial consultation to the final closing, everything was handled with professionalism.u0022
u0022As a first-time home buyer, I was incredibly nervous. Matt walked me through every step of the process with patience and expertise. I couldn’t have done it without him.u0022
u0022Highly recommended. The team’s knowledge of the Edmonton market is second to none. They helped us find a great investment property that cash-flowed from day one.u0022
u0022True professionals from start to finish. They gave us honest advice about pricing and preparation, and it paid off. Our house sold in a week for over asking price.u0022
u0022The communication was fantastic. We were never left wondering what was happening. Matt was always available to answer our questions, no matter how small.u0022
u0022We were relocating to Edmonton and knew nothing about the city. Matt’s team was an incredible resource. They helped us find the perfect family-friendly neighbourhood and a home we love.u0022
Common Seller FAQs
If you’re ready to sell or have more questions, you can contact us here.
What are the benefits of hiring a REALTOR® when selling my home?
Hiring a REALTOR® when selling your home offers benefits like expert market knowledge for proper pricing, access to marketing channels like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), professional negotiation skills, and management of complex paperwork. They save you time by handling tasks from marketing and staging to coordinating inspections and managing the closing process, while their network of professionals can ensure a smoother transaction.
What does a real estate agent / realtor actually do for me?
A real estate agent acts as a guide and representative for buyers and sellers, helping with everything from finding or marketing properties to handling negotiations and managing paperwork. They use their market knowledge to set prices, arrange viewings, coordinate inspections, and guide clients through the entire transaction process, from initial offer to closing.
What are the benefits of hiring a REALTOR® when buying a home?
Hiring a REALTOR® when buying a home provides benefits like expert market knowledge, access to a wider range of listings, and professional negotiation skills to get you a better price. They also save you time by handling showings and paperwork, manage the complex transaction process, and provide peace of mind through their professional network and experience.
How much does it cost to use a realtor and is it worth it?
Using a realtor typically costs a commission (often negotiable) paid by the seller, but recent rule changes mean buyers may have to pay their own agent directly. The cost is often considered worthwhile because realtors provide market expertise, handle paperwork, and can help you get a better price, which can outweigh the commission fee.
How do I choose the right REALTOR® for me?
To choose the right REALTOR®, start by asking for recommendations from friends and family, and by interviewing at least three agents to compare their experience and marketing plans. Check their credentials and a track record of sales, and ensure their communication style aligns with yours. It’s important to feel a sense of trust and to ensure the agent is a good fit for your specific needs, whether buying or selling.
How does a realtor help with negotiating the price?
A realtor helps negotiate a price by using their market knowledge to determine a fair offer, acting as a buffer between you and the seller, and strategically framing the offer to appeal to the seller. They can advise on a competitive offer, negotiate terms beyond just price, and handle the back-and-forth communication to maintain a professional and objective process.
