Your house is beautiful just list it and it will sell...

.... My house sold in a day - probably could have sold it without an agent. 

People are always well meaning when they impart this advice on their newly listed or about to list friends. After all, it is a great market in the GTA (still!). They are certainly right about one thing, if list price is within 1-3% of where it should be it will (should) sell.

However what is shortsighted and therefore overlooked by this statement is that the role of a Realtor is to:

• Pinpoint the 'where it should be' price range.
• Maximize exposure while being acutely aware of changing market conditions
• Create a listing that other Realtors have confidence in (or a lawyer if a buyer is coming in without an agent)
• Coordinate a cost effective and cohesive marketing and merchandising campaign (repairs, staging, in house advertising and external advertising)
• Facilitate the quick handling of inquiries and availability of the property for viewings, and negotiate any offer in favour of their principle (the seller), or in the odd case both the seller and the buyer (dual representation).
• Oversee the listing until closing (revisits, disbursement of commissions, coordinating with solicitors)

This 'bare minimum' list could potentially earn the home-seller tens of thousands more than simply throwing it on MLS or putting up a FSBO sign. 

If you are thinking of listing your home for sale in the next 3-6 months reading this blog over the next few weeks may give you valuable insight before hiring your next agent - even if they are the agent you have used in the past. If you don't drop in again here are some parting words...

A deal on commission is only a deal if you get the same or higher level of service for a better rate.