Selling a home is the largest business transaction most of us will ever make. It is time consuming and complex . . . and, as with any high-stakes game, its outcome is far from certain. A REALTOR®can help to ensure that you come out a winner . . . not a loser.

Arriving at an accurate estimate of value for your home is one of your REALTORS® first and most important jobs. That entails analyzing your home and comparing it to other similar houses for sale or recently sold in the neighbourhood. It may also involve a broader market survey using sales statistics available only to qualified REALTORS®. In the end, you will be sure the price you set reflects the true value of your home under current market conditions . . . that your home has been "priced to sell" at a price you can live with.

Depending on your circumstances . . . and the current market . . . your REALTOR®will develop a marketing plan that may include:

An Open House. There are two kinds of Open House. One is solely for REALTORS®, so they can assess your home against the needs of their clients; and the second is an advertised Open House for all potential buyers. In either case, your REALTOR®takes care of all the details and acts on your behalf at your home, while you spend the Open House time elsewhere.

Advertising. Effective newspaper advertising, tailored to your home and local market, can be placed for you by your REALTOR. Lawn signs and direct mail flyers featuring your home are other forms of advertising frequently used by REALTORS®.

Listing Choices. Your REALTOR®may recommend an exclusive listing -- which gives him or her sole authority to offer your property -- or a multiple listing via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) -- which provides access to a much broader base of potential buyers.

Tips and hints. Whether or not your home shows well to prospective buyers can determine how long it stays on the market and what it sells for. Your REALTOR®can give you tips -- fresh paint, flowers, rearranging furniture -- to improve the marketability and "curb appeal" of your home and create a good first impression.

In addition, professional REALTORS® know how to separate "lookers" from "buyers." While we all have either heard or said, "No, thanks. We're only looking," you shouldn't have to put up with the aggravation of accommodating idle curiosity seekers checking out the bedroom wallpaper while you're trying to sell your home.Your REALTOR®will "pre-qualify" potential buyers to save wear and tear on both your home and your lifestyle and to assure that only serious offers are tendered.