Article
Colorado REALTORS® help buyers save precious commodity: time

In these days of increased information and the do-it-yourself mentality, it may seem tempting to try to sell or buy a home without using a REALTOR®.However, you also know that today's society is one in which you have precious little time to do the things you want to do. An agent is a professional who knows everything that needs to be done and is trained to do it. A REALTOR® has the experience and the resources that save you the time and effort of researching yourself, so you can get the things done you need to get done — without any extra worries.Take a quick inventory of your extra time right now. Do you have time now to write ads, look over contracts, meet with prospective buyers, draw up a marketing plan, visit title companies, check disclosure documents and the many other duties of a REALTOR®?
By using an agent, you have the advantage of information and knowledge through what can be, at best, a complicated process and, at worst, a confusing one.With so many resources available, an agent may be able to help you come out with the same amount of dollars or more than you could command by selling it yourself.When you are selling your home, an agent who knows the local market can help you set a fair market price. You want to get the most for your home, but overpricing can prolong the time it sits on the market, making it even more difficult to sell.An agent can help you show your home to potential buyers to its best advantage. They will advise prospects of all aspects and conditions of your home.An agent also can help you with the home buying process. Buying a home can be financially intimidating, but an agent can help determine how much home you can afford and show you some financing methods.An agent is familiar with all the local and current real estate values, taxes, costs and services that could affect your purchase. Your agent can show you the homes best suited to your needs, and can also suggest simple changes that could make a home a good choice. It helps to known someone objective and knowledgeable when looking at a home to buy.

- Colorado Association of REALTORS®