Key Signs It’s Time to Put Your Home on the Market

What to Expect When Selling With an Agent

There are many ways to sell your house, and working with an agent is a popular choice. If you’re planning to work with an agent, here are four key things you should anticipate when selling with an agent in Maryland:

1. Costs

A real estate agent is a professional who provides a service on your behalf. While this might seem obvious, many people are surprised to learn that agents charge a commission for their services. This commission can amount to thousands of dollars in some cases.

2. Time

Both you and your agent likely want to sell your house as quickly as possible. However, the agent is dependent on what buyers want. Agents work hard to find a buyer, but they cannot guarantee your house will sell within a specific timeframe. (If you need to sell within a certain period, the quickest way is to bypass an agent and sell directly to us. Call us at 202-656-9974 to learn more about this service.)

3. Showings

To find a buyer for your home, the agent will need to show it to prospective buyers. This means buyers will walk through your house and decide if it’s the right fit for them. If you work with an agent, expect them to arrange showings, which may require you to vacate the house during these times.

4. Uncertainties

Agents provide excellent service, but they can’t control every aspect of the selling process. Various uncertainties can impact your home sale, including the number of other sellers with similar houses, the number of buyers in the market, the availability of mortgage loans, and the state of the local and national economy. As a result, you might want to sell at a certain price now, but market conditions might force you to sell later or at a lower price.

Understanding these aspects can help you prepare and make informed decisions when selling your home with an agent.