Why Use a REALTOR®

Many consumers consider selling their home directly but eventually turn to REALTORS®. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise in pricing their home, making connections with REALTORS® working with buyers, arranging and staffing open houses, and coordinating with other professionals in the sales process.
Only about half of all real estate agents are REALTORS® -- the top half, in our not-so-humble opinion. REALTORS® work independently, for small agencies, or for large brokerages. They help people buy and sell residential or commercial properties, vacation homes, and land; they conduct appraisals; they operate in the United States and in other countries; some specialize in auctions; and others are buyer’s representatives

REALTORS® Are Experts

The home price for sellers who use an agent is 16 percent higher than for those who don’t, according to NAR's 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process.

Marketing Commitment

When it comes to selling your property, it is important you feel confident that the person representing you in the sale has full knowledge and understanding of this very unique market. At Pat O’Brien & Associates, we have that knowledge.

The biggest investment decision we make in our adult life is that of purchasing real estate - be it a home or vacant property. For this reason, we realize the importance of marketing and presenting your home or land in a professional manner that conveys sensitivity, concern and competence. Our office is staffed with a team of specialists who recognize the value in knowing the local real estate market and becoming thoroughly familiar with each of the properties we represent.

Over and over, we find that a policy of conducting a diligently prepared market analysis of your property and reviewing it in detail with you reduces the time spent on trial and error. It also leads to a faster sale, at a better price and with less inconvenience to you, the seller.

Our Marketing Commitment contains some very useful information which will assist you in making important decisions about your property. It also gives you valid reasons for choosing to partner with Pat O’Brien & Associates when you decide to sell your home.

Tips for Sellers

Get the House Ready
A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained.

From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

*how much should you spend
*exterior and curb appeal
*preparing the interior

How much should you spend
In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.