Is Hiring a Real Estate Agent Worth It When Selling Your House?

Real estate agents have a bad reputation – scammers, black sheep! But is that really true?

Key Facts

• The biggest advantage of an agent is their deep knowledge of the real estate market, which helps achieve the highest possible selling price.

• Upon a successful sale, the agent receives a commission.

• A written contract must be signed before the agent begins work.

What Does an Agent Do That I Can’t?

Whether selling, buying, or renting a property, many people ask: Do I need an agent?

What does an agent cost, and who pays them? What makes a good agent, and how do I recognize a bad one?

We answer these questions and provide tips on finding the right agent!

Should I Sell My Property With or Without an Agent?

Selling a house can take a lot of time and patience.

From creating listings, coordinating inquiries, arranging viewings, to dealing with legal questions and paperwork.

Critical questions arise: What is my property actually worth? Can the buyer really pay, or will the sale fall through at the last minute?

Support here is invaluable: An agent can guide you through the process.

What Does an Agent Bring That I Don’t?

Experience.

“For most people, selling their home is a big deal – often a one-time event.”

For an agent, selling houses is daily business. They know the real estate industry inside and out.

Which strategy achieves the highest price? How has the neighborhood developed? What is the demand like, and is now the right time to sell?

Advantages of a Real Estate Agent

Time Savings:
An agent handles much of the work and speeds up the process – saving you time and effort.

Expertise:
Agents manage contracts, negotiations, legal requirements, notary issues, and check the creditworthiness of buyers.

Better Price:
With market knowledge, professional experience, and negotiation skills, an agent often achieves a higher selling price.

Security:
You get advice on all aspects of the sale and have a contact person for unexpected issues.

Control:
Your agent keeps you updated on the current status at every stage.

Selling Without an Agent

If you feel confident and have enough time, you can sell your property without an agent.

But be aware: mistakes in selling property can be costly. Wrong timing, an undervalued price, or timid negotiations can lead to financial loss.

To avoid this, we can help you find the right agent in your area.

Decision Guide: Do I Need an Agent?

Agent support is highly recommended if:

• You are not a real estate expert

• You don’t want (or have) the time to manage the sale

• You want a fast sale

• Your property is hard to sell due to location or condition

• You inherited the property and know little about it

What Does an Agent Do?

Selling a property involves three main phases: Preparation, Sales Process, and Closing.

Many tasks are involved. Did you know that selling a house typically requires around 25 different documents?

Who coordinates inquiries and viewings? Who evaluates the property and negotiates prices? Who handles the contract and legal matters?

These tasks are handled by the agent.

Preparation Phase

1. Consultation
   Agents advise on contracts and financing, e.g., if you plan to finance a new property or face early repayment penalties.

2. Property Valuation
   A professional agent determines the optimal sale price. Overpricing can delay the sale and reduce profits.

3. Document Collection
   Agents gather all necessary documents from various authorities, sometimes at a cost.

4. Create Exposé
   Your agent prepares a detailed exposé with photos, videos, and a data sheet for marketing.

5. Marketing Strategy
   Define target audience, listing platforms, and additional advertising. Agents are sales professionals.

6. Sales Promotion Measures
   Agents know how to showcase your property – small renovations, garden preparation, or home staging.

Sales Process

1. Leveraging Contacts
   Agents have large networks, including investors and potential buyers.

2. Marketing
   Agents create listings and advertisements to attract buyers.

3. Preselection of Buyers
   Agents screen and preselect potential buyers for you.

4. Property Viewings
   Experienced agents know how to present your property in the best light.

Closing the Sale

1. Price Negotiations
   Agents negotiate to get the best possible price for you.

2. Credit Check
   Agents verify the buyer’s financial ability before contract negotiations.

3. Contract Preparation
   Together with a notary, the agent prepares the purchase agreement.

4. Organizing Handover
   Agents assist until key handover, including preparing a handover protocol.

How Much Does an Agent Cost?

Agents take a lot of work off your hands.

“Yes, they charge a significant commission!”

Indeed, agents offer a service and expect compensation.

Many don’t realize: the commission is a success fee.
This means the agent only earns if the property is successfully sold thanks to their work.

The commission is negotiable, but market norms vary by federal state: 4.76% to 7.14% of the sale price.

Don’t worry: the cost is shared between buyer and seller. Whoever hires the agent pays at least half.

Agent Commission by Federal State