Buying or selling a home is among the biggest decisions you make in life. With so much on the line, it makes sense to work with professionals who have a wealth of information about the process from beginning to end. Not only do realtors have vast knowledge about the market trends driving prices and sales in your area, but they also have access to an immense network of other professionals and potential buyers. When it comes to marketing your home and working through the details of an offer, realtors can be trusted to present your home in the best possible light and negotiate a deal that’s right for you and your family.

Market Knowledge. There’s a lot that goes into pricing a house correctly. Since realtors are in the market every day, they know the trends and features buyers are looking for—and what they’re paying for those amenities. Do you have a gourmet kitchen and a spa-like master bath? Is the school system ranked among the highest in your state? Realtors use that market intelligence along with data gleaned from comparable home sales in your neighborhood to formulate a listing price that most accurately reflects the value of your home.

Strong Professional Network. Realtors work with a vast network of other professionals, each of whom also has access to hundreds of clients who can be potential buyers for your home. In addition, realtors utilize multiple listing services (MLS) that allow the listing broker to work with scores of other real estate brokers in getting exposure for your home. These efforts are essential to driving traffic to your listing, which can result in multiple offers and a higher sale price.

Marketing Muscle. One of the most crucial steps in putting your house on the market is ensuring that it’s in the best possible condition for potential buyers. A realtor can offer valuable guidance in ways to declutter and stage a home or spruce up the exterior. In addition, many realtors will bring in professional photographers to shoot photos that are used in print and online marketing materials. Realtors are also connected with local interior designers, contractors, and other related professionals. They can leverage these sources to further market and spread the word about your home.

Negotiating Know-How. Realtors are responsible for responding to offers and counter-offers in a professional and timely manner on your behalf. They will also work with a potential buyer’s real estate agent to ensure that only qualified individuals with adequate financial resources are making appointments to view your home. This reduces the chance of getting exceptionally low offers from potential buyers who are not truly serious about your listing. Once a purchase price is decided, realtors will aid in the closing process by handling queries from lawyers, bankers, and inspectors on your behalf.