A licensed agent can help you market and sell your home, but you should understand the agreement and the full financial picture before committing.
Is working with an agent right for you?
A licensed real estate agent may be a good fit when you want professional assistance with pricing, marketing, negotiations, showings, and transaction coordination. It may be less suitable when you cannot accommodate showings, need unusual speed, or prefer to manage the sale yourself.
- Want exposure to buyers through professional marketing channels
- Prefer support comparing offers and managing deadlines
- Can prepare the property and allow reasonable access for showings
- Are willing to review and negotiate a listing agreement
How the process works
- Research value and local demand
Review recent comparable sales, competing listings, property condition, and market activity. A comparative market analysis is not an appraisal.
- Interview two or three agents
Ask for recent nearby results, pricing rationale, marketing details, communication frequency, and references.
- Review the listing agreement
Understand duration, brokerage compensation, services, cancellation provisions, and any obligations continuing after termination. Compensation is negotiable.
- Prepare the property
Discuss cleaning, minor repairs, photography, landscaping, and whether improvements are likely to pay off.
- Market and show the home
Agree on MLS and other marketing, showing arrangements, property security, and feedback.
- Compare and negotiate offers
Consider price together with financing, earnest money, concessions, contingencies, closing timing, and the likelihood of closing.
- Complete inspections and closing preparation
Address contract deadlines, inspection requests, appraisal where applicable, title matters, and payoff information.
- Review settlement and close
Confirm the final statement, taxes, mortgage payoff, fees, concessions, and possession arrangements.
Costs, timing, and estimated proceeds
Costs may include negotiated brokerage compensation, preparation, repairs, seller concessions, title and settlement charges, property-tax adjustments, mortgage payoff, and holding expenses. There is no legally required standard real estate commission percentage.
The time to sell depends on location, price, condition, market demand, and contract performance. No particular timeline is guaranteed.
| Illustrative $350,000 sale | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sale price | $350,000 |
| Assumed negotiated brokerage costs | −$17,500 |
| Other assumed selling expenses | −$5,000 |
| Mortgage payoff | −$210,000 |
| Illustrative proceeds before further adjustments | $117,500 |
The assumed brokerage amount is only for arithmetic illustration, not a standard or recommended rate.
Benefits and limitations
Potential advantages
- Professional marketing and transaction support
- Assistance with pricing and negotiations
- Help managing contract milestones
Important trade-offs
- Fees and ongoing carrying expenses
- Showings, repairs, and inspections
- No guarantee of price, timing, or a completed sale
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing an agent only because they promise the highest asking price
- Signing without understanding compensation and cancellation terms
- Ignoring net proceeds and focusing only on headline sale price
- Overpricing without support from comparable sales
- Failing to understand Texas disclosure obligations
Frequently asked questions
Can I negotiate brokerage compensation?
Yes. Compensation is negotiable. Review the exact agreement and services offered.
Do I need to renovate first?
Not necessarily. Ask how specific improvements would affect marketability and estimated net proceeds.
What if an inspection reveals problems?
Your rights and options depend on the contract. You may be able to negotiate repairs, concessions, or other terms.
Can PSA connect me with an agent?
PSA may introduce you, with your permission, to a professional in its selected network of independent licensed real estate agents. You choose whether to engage the agent. Any referral compensation or affiliation should be disclosed when applicable.
Can I compare a direct offer too?
Yes. Compare estimated net proceeds, contingencies, timing, and risks; first check any existing listing agreement.
Free seller resources
Our educational guides and worksheets are free to download, with no email required. Optional: if you would like future seller education updates, you can request to join the mailing list.
Request optional email updates · Download the Homeowner Guide (PDF) · Download the Net Proceeds Worksheet (PDF)
Would you like a realtor introduction?
PSA works with a selected network of independent licensed real estate professionals. An introduction is made only with your permission. You remain free to interview other agents and choose none.
Request an introductionNo obligation to choose this option. You may compare alternatives and seek independent professional advice.
Compare Your Estimated Net Proceeds
Use our free online calculator to compare selling with an agent, selling by owner, renovating before selling, and a direct cash sale. No email required.
Open Seller Net Proceeds CalculatorDownload Printable Worksheet