For many, going through the experience of selling a home is exciting: it often marks the beginning of a new life chapter. But for most people, the thought of selling their home fills them with anxiety. In fact, according to a 2023 survey from OpenDoor, 65% of respondents said that selling a home tied with starting a new job in terms of the stress involved. Regardless of which side you fall on, selling your home is a major life event — fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. But that might leave you asking yourself exactly how to sell your house with a Realtor®.
Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know, from the benefits of working with a realtor and first steps to navigating offers and closing the sale.
Do you have a big move coming up? — Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate is here to help. Get in touch today.
Why You Should Consider Working with a Realtor®
First, it’s important to note that not every real estate agent is a Realtor®. A Realtor® is a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors® and who adheres to its strict Code of Ethics. However, both Realtors® and real estate agents are licensed professionals equipped to guide you through the complexities of buying or selling a property. Ultimately, the decision between a Realtor® and a real estate agent comes down to your needs and preferences.
With that cleared up, here are a few reasons why you should consider working with a licensed real estate professional:
- Local Expertise — From understanding what buyers are looking for in popular neighborhoods like Port Clinton or Marblehead to keeping up with market trends, the knowledge of locally-based real estate agents and Realtors® is invaluable. They can help you price your home competitively, ensuring it attracts interest while maximizing its value.
- Marketing Power — Today’s homebuyers often start their search online, and a Realtor® knows how to make your property stand out. With professional photography, home staging tips, and expertly crafted listings, they’ll showcase your home’s best features. Plus, they’re able to leverage their network and marketing tools to reach the right audience quickly and effectively.
- Negotiation Skills — Real estate agents and Realtors® are skilled negotiators who can navigate offers, counteroffers, and contingencies to ensure your interests are protected.
- Streamlining the Process — It’s no secret that selling a home involves a lot of moving parts. A real estate agent or Realtor® takes care of the details so you don’t have to. Whether it’s scheduling showings, handling inspections, or managing closing documents, their expertise allows you to focus on what matters most to you.
How to Sell Your House with a Realtor®: First Steps
When asking yourself how to sell your house with a Realtor® (or licensed real estate agent), it’s helpful to have some first steps laid out. The very first thing you should do is to have your home’s value assessed. This forms the foundation for a successful sale. Your real estate agent will be able to help you with a comparative market analysis (CMA), tailored specifically to North Central Ohio.
Next, you should begin preparing your home for showings by decluttering and staging. When marketing to North Central Ohio buyers, you’ll want to highlight desirable features like spacious living areas or outdoor spaces. And don’t forget curb appeal — a little fresh paint and some flowers can make a world of difference. And finally, make sure to make any necessary repairs to your home. Focus on updates with a strong ROI like fixing leaky faucets, repainting interior walls with neutral colors, and updating old fixtures.
Marketing Your Home: What a Realtor® Brings to the Table
Next in our guide on how to sell your house with a Realtor® is the marketing phase. Marketing is absolutely essential to selling your home quickly and for the best possible price. A Realtor® has access to all the professional expertise and tools needed to showcase your home and reach the right North Central Ohio buyers. For instance:
- A standout property listing is more than just a few photos and a description — it’s your home’s first impression. Realtors® use high-quality photography, virtual tours, and compelling descriptions to highlight your property’s unique features.
- Realtors® leverage a variety of advertising strategies to maximize your home’s exposure, including digital platforms, open houses, and local connections. With this multi-channel strategy, they can ensure that your home is seen by as many qualified buyers as possible.
- And finally, a local real estate agent or Realtor® will be able to tailor your home’s appeal and marketing messaging to North Central Ohio buyers by highlighting things like outdoor spaces, proximity to local amenities, and easy access to recreational activities.
How to Sell Your House with a Realtor®: Navigating Offers and Closing the Sale
Once offers start coming in, the real work begins. If you’ve been wondering how to sell your house with a Realtor®, or if you even should work with one, this is when you’ll be glad to have a real estate professional on your side. It’s important to remember that the highest offer isn’t always the best one; your Realtor® or real estate agent will know how to evaluate offers based on financing contingencies, timeline compatibility, and additional contingencies. Your Realtor® is also there to help you navigate all aspects of negotiating, including counteroffers, contingencies, and price adjustments. And finally, once you accept an offer, a Realtor® will guide you through the final stages like inspections (though this generally falls on the buyer to complete), appraisals, and all the final paperwork.
Working with CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate
Selling your home is a big decision, and having the right partner can make all the difference. CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate has been the trusted choice for sellers and buyers in North Central Ohio since 1936. With decades of experience serving local communities, we understand the nuances of the market. From pricing trends to buyer preferences, our insights ensure your home is positioned to attract serious offers.
And our commitment doesn’t stop at listing your home. We provide end-to-end support, including:
- Customized marketing strategies.
- Guidance through every step of negotiations and closing.
- Constant communication, so you’re always informed.
With CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate, you’re never navigating the process alone.
Ready to sell your home in North Central Ohio? Connect with us today to get started.
