Wenatchee Valley Business World
Authors: Michelle Green and Clay Gatens

We are often asked by clients that are looking to buy or sell property whether they really need to use a real estate agent. Almost without exception the answer is yes.

Really? Even when I can go on the Internet and list my property or see what properties are for sale?

Yes. In fact, because the Internet provides huge volumes of basic, general property information it is more important now than ever to use an experienced real estate agent. If you are selling a property, the agent will maximize the value of your property by helping distinguish it from the glut of general property information.

If you are buying a property, a good agent will help you sort through available properties to focus on those properties that fit your needs and provide maximum value.

When buying or selling a property there are two primary goals that stand out in almost every transaction. First, buyers and sellers want to achieve the maximum value from their purchase or sale. Second, once committed to the purchase or sale, the parties want to make sure the transaction moves along as efficiently and predictably as possible. An experienced real estate agent will facilitate both of these goals in a way that the Internet simply cannot.

Value starts with pricing. Often, people are emotionally attached to their property and do not have the objectivity required to price their property so that it is competitive in today’s real estate market.

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