Selling your home is no small decision. For many homeowners, working with a real estate agent—or realtor—feels like the natural starting point. But what exactly does this relationship entail, and how does it shape the broader selling experience? Understanding how to sell a home with a realtor means not just handing over your keys, but making informed choices about representation, costs, market strategies, and how much of the process you’re comfortable navigating yourself.
The core idea is relatively simple: a homeowner partners with a licensed professional to guide and manage the sale of their property, typically in exchange for a commission. In theory, the realtor helps price the home, market it to buyers, host showings, negotiate offers, and ultimately get it sold. In practice, the arrangement can vary widely depending on the agent’s approach and the specific needs of the homeowner.
What’s more complex is deciding whether that partnership makes sense for your situation. The trade-offs are real: while a realtor can bring expertise and reduce your workload, their services often come at a significant financial cost. For many sellers—especially those looking to maximize gains or who feel confident managing certain aspects themselves—this raises an important question about control versus convenience. That’s what makes this topic worth unpacking thoroughly.
Should You Consider Selling a Home with a Realtor?
Working with a realtor can be a smart move—especially if you’re looking for professional insight on pricing, marketing, and navigating negotiations. For most traditional home sales, partnering with a licensed real estate agent means tapping into a network of resources and expertise that can simplify an otherwise overwhelming process. This is especially useful if you’re selling in a competitive or unfamiliar market.
That said, it’s not the only way to sell a home, and it’s not the right fit for everyone. The decision often comes down to how involved you want to be. If you prefer to delegate most of the work—photography, listing, showings, paperwork—a realtor will likely be able to manage that for you. But if you’re comfortable handling some or all of those tasks, you may want to explore other options or negotiate a different kind of service agreement.
Sellers should also consider the cost. A standard real estate commission hovers around 5-6% of the final sale price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. On a $400,000 home, for example, that’s potentially $24,000 in commission fees. It’s worth noting that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends a clear understanding of fees and agency agreements before signing anything. That level of expense is significant and can influence your decision to bring on a realtor—or not.
How Selling a Home with a Realtor Works in Practice
At a high level, the process starts with finding and hiring a licensed agent. After that, the realtor typically conducts a market analysis to help set a competitive price. They may then suggest improvements or staging to boost appeal, followed by photographing the home and listing it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other platforms.
From there, the realtor coordinates showings, receives offers, negotiates terms, and helps manage paperwork through closing. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 86% of sellers work with an agent, suggesting that despite alternatives, this remains the dominant model in U.S. real estate. Still, just because a process is common doesn’t mean it’s automatically the best fit for every situation.
What Homeowners Should Know About Selling with a Realtor
Today’s real estate market is more dynamic than ever. With higher borrowing costs, shifting housing demand, and increased access to online tools and data, homeowners have more flexibility in how they choose to sell. That makes understanding the role of a realtor all the more critical—you don’t want to default into a choice that doesn’t align with your goals or comfort level.
Realtors can bring deep local market knowledge, which is particularly helpful in regions with fluctuating property values or unique zoning considerations. They also provide an emotional buffer during negotiations, which can keep the process factual and focused. Still, with growing transparency around home values and listing platforms, it’s becoming easier for homeowners to educate themselves and even consider hybrid or DIY routes in certain scenarios.
There are also legal and financial factors to account for. Sellers are responsible for full disclosure of the property’s condition, and legal missteps can be costly. Working with a professional can help minimize that risk. The American Bar Association highlights the importance of understanding the legal obligations you assume when selling real property, stressing the value of having experienced guidance to navigate contracts and disclosures. That’s a prime reason some sellers still choose to work with licensed agents, despite the cost.
The Bigger Picture
As you weigh whether to work with a realtor, it helps to consider your broader financial and personal goals. If time is a major factor—for example, if you need to relocate quickly or manage a transaction from out of state—a realtor may speed up the process and reduce friction. On the other hand, if profit-maximization or greater control is the priority, alternative paths might offer more flexibility.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your level of comfort with handling pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal paperwork. Some homeowners want a full-service experience with minimal stress. Others are equipped to—or willing to learn how to—take on more themselves. Resources like Bankrate offer helpful insights into how these choices impact everything from net proceeds to timelines. What matters most is finding an approach that matches your expectations and circumstances.
How to Sell a Home with a Realtor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Working with a realtor can take a lot of the heavy lifting off your plate during the home selling process—but there’s still plenty for you to do. This step-by-step guide walks you through how to effectively partner with a real estate agent to sell your home from beginning to close.
You’re about to navigate pricing, prepping, marketing, negotiating, and more. While the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months—depending on your home and local market—knowing what to expect (and when to act) makes a big difference. Let’s break it down in order.
Step 1: Research and interview realtors
Start by researching potential real estate agents in your area and set up interviews to find the right fit. Who you choose matters—a lot.
Look for agents with local expertise, proven track records, and communication styles that match your preferences. Don’t rely solely on referrals. Check recent listings, read reviews, and ask each agent about their marketing strategy, pricing approach, availability, and commission structure. Keep in mind, you’re hiring a professional to do a job—make sure they’re up for it.
Step 2: Sign a listing agreement
Once you’ve chosen your realtor, you’ll sign a listing agreement that gives them the right to represent and market your home. This contract lays out key terms like listing price, commission, and duration.
The most common type is an exclusive right-to-sell agreement, meaning they’re the only agent who can market and sell your home during the agreed time frame. Read this carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask your realtor to walk you through any language that feels vague or confusing.
Step 3: Determine a strategic listing price
Work with your realtor to settle on a competitive asking price for your home. Pricing is both an art and a science.
Your agent will run a comparative market analysis (CMA) that considers recent sales of similar homes in your area. You’ll weigh factors like current market trends, property condition, and timing. The goal is to attract strong offers without undervaluing your home. Remember: starting too high may backfire, leading to longer days on the market and eventual price drops.
Step 4: Prep your home for sale
Before hitting the market, your realtor will help you identify what needs to be addressed to showcase your home in the best possible light. This might mean cleaning, decluttering, staging, or making repairs.
Start with curb appeal—simple things like landscaping, fresh paint, or a power wash can make a huge difference. Inside the home, fix anything broken, depersonalize the space, and make rooms look as open and inviting as possible. Your agent may recommend a professional stager or provide tips themselves.
Step 5: Handle disclosures and pre-listing paperwork
You’ll need to complete necessary disclosures and gather documents required to legally sell your home. Your realtor will guide you through what’s needed in your state.
This can include things such as lead paint disclosure, property condition reports, and any known issues with the home or neighborhood. Being transparent protects you from potential legal troubles down the line. It also builds buyer trust during negotiations.
Step 6: Launch your home on the market
With preparation done and paperwork out of the way, your realtor will officially list your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and begin full-scale marketing.
This includes professional photography, signage, virtual tours, online syndication, social media, and more depending on your agent’s plan. Your job now? Keep the home clean and buyer-ready at all times. Be flexible about showing availability. The more exposure your home gets, the better your chances of landing the right offer quickly.
Step 7: Review and negotiate offers
Once you start receiving offers, your realtor will help you evaluate them—not just based on price, but also contingencies, financing, and closing timeline.
This is where a skilled agent really earns their keep. A higher offer isn’t always the best offer if it comes with uncertain funding or strict contingencies. Your realtor will negotiate on your behalf to secure terms that protect your interests while keeping the deal on track.
Step 8: Accept an offer and enter escrow
Once you’ve selected an offer, you’ll formally accept it and start the escrow process. This is the period where inspections, appraisals, and due diligence take place.
Your realtor will coordinate with the buyer’s agent, title company, and possibly an escrow officer to manage all the moving parts. Stay responsive during this time—there may be additional documents to sign or quick decisions to make, especially if an inspection leads to repair requests or pricing renegotiations.
Step 9: Coordinate the appraisal and inspection
Buyers typically schedule a home inspection and lender-required appraisal within the first week or two of escrow. Your realtor will help facilitate both.
For the inspection, make sure your home is clean, utilities are on, and everything is accessible. If issues are uncovered, your realtor will negotiate repair terms or credits on your behalf. For the appraisal, your agent can share comps with the appraiser and aim to support your agreed-upon sale price—especially if you received multiple offers.
Step 10: Prepare for closing
With inspections and appraisal behind you, you’ll move into the final stages of the transaction. Your realtor will help you get everything squared away before the closing date.
This includes addressing any final buyer requests, finishing agreed-upon repairs, transferring utilities, and completing a final home cleaning. You’ll also receive a seller’s closing disclosure outlining fees, credits, and final net proceeds. Review all documents carefully before signing. Your realtor will be there to clarify anything and ensure a smooth finish.
Step 11: Sign documents and hand over the keys
On closing day, you’ll meet with your realtor and a title or escrow officer to sign final paperwork. Once everything is in order and the transaction funds, your home officially sells—and it’s time to hand over the keys.
Your agent will guide you through this last step, confirming all documents are completed accurately and legally. They’ll also facilitate the key exchange to the buyer, often through the buyer’s agent. Just like that, you’re done—and on to your next chapter.
Now that you’re familiar with the process of selling your home through a realtor, it’s time to explore the broader landscape of what that actually means—for your finances, your timeline, and your experience. Selling with an agent can offer real advantages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the trade-offs, your other options, and how platforms like beycome are changing the game will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the Role of a Realtor in the Selling Process
When you choose to sell your home with a realtor, you’re essentially hiring a licensed professional to act as your representative throughout the entire transaction. From pricing strategy and marketing to offers, negotiations, and closing paperwork, the realtor is your guide—and also your gatekeeper to the MLS and local buyer networks.
A good realtor can bring market expertise, staging advice, and access to a database of potential buyers. They can help prepare your home so that it shines in photos and open houses, and their knowledge of local pricing trends often leads to more competitive listings. For sellers who are short on time, or unsure of how to handle negotiations, this handholding can offer peace of mind.
However, not all realtors bring the same level of experience or effort to the table. Commission rates—typically around 6% combined for both the seller’s and buyer’s agents—can eat significantly into your profits regardless of results. That’s why it’s so important to understand what your agent actually offers versus what you may be able to handle yourself or through modern alternatives.
What You’re Really Paying for When You Hire an Agent
At first glance, it might seem like realtors simply take a commission in exchange for putting your home on the MLS and managing showings. But in many cases, sellers are also paying for professional connections, legal expertise, and time saved. This includes coordination with appraisers, inspectors, title companies, and even other agents whose clients may be potential buyers.
There are also intangible benefits. For example, a seasoned agent may already understand how to highlight emotional selling points—like walkability or school zones—to get better offers. They often know when to nudge buyer interest into competitive bidding or how to frame counteroffers that close deals faster.
Still, it’s worth asking: how much of this effort translates into extra value for you? And how much of it could be achieved just as well—or even better—by using the right platform or service without the traditional commission structure?
Market Timing and Location: How They Impact the Need for a Realtor
Where and when you’re selling can dramatically shape how helpful a realtor will actually be. In hot markets with high demand and low inventory, homes often sell quickly—even with minimal marketing effort. In those scenarios, the value added by a traditional realtor starts to diminish.
On the other hand, in slower or highly competitive markets, an experienced agent might be better equipped to position your property effectively. They may have specific contacts or familiarity with neighborhood nuances that a broader approach can miss.
This makes it crucial for sellers to consider their local dynamics. In an area with high activity and fast-moving listings, you may be able to save money by taking a more direct or hybrid approach. But in niche neighborhoods or during seasonal lulls, the right agent could bring effort and insight that makes the difference.
Pros and Cons of how to sell a home with a realtor
Pros
Hiring a realtor offers convenience and professional oversight throughout the selling process. If you’re unfamiliar with real estate contracts, negotiation tactics, or disclosure rules, working with an experienced agent can help protect you and guide you through complexities.
Realtors often have better access to serious buyers, thanks to the MLS and their networking with other agents. This can lead to quicker turnarounds and potentially higher offers, especially in well-connected markets.
If your schedule is already packed, selling with a realtor can save you hours in showings, open houses, and documentation. They handle coordination and communication with buyers, agents, inspectors, and attorneys.
Cons
The biggest drawback of working with a realtor is the cost. Commissions typically run 5–6% of your sale price, which could mean tens of thousands in fees—even if the agent only provides limited support. This directly cuts into your equity.
Listing with a traditional agent can also result in less control for you. Some sellers find the process slower or more rigid, especially when it comes to marketing decisions or responding to buyer requests.
Not all agents provide the same level of service or marketing savvy. A passive or inexperienced agent might list your home without strong strategy, leaving you paying a premium for minimal effort or poor results.
Alternatives to how to sell a home with a realtor
Selling Your Home Without a Realtor (FSBO)
For Sale By Owner, or FSBO, is a common alternative that lets you manage the sale independently. You’ll handle everything from pricing and listing to negotiations and paperwork. This route gives you full control—along with full responsibility.
FSBO can save you up to the full commission cost, but it also requires strong organization, a working knowledge of contracts, and effort to market the property effectively. It may be ideal for experienced sellers or those in hot markets where demand outweighs marketing needs.
Flat-Fee MLS Listing Services
Flat-fee MLS platforms allow you to get your property listed on the Multiple Listing Service without hiring a full-service agent. These services often include professional photos, signage, and legal forms while leaving you to navigate showings and offers.
This option strikes a balance between exposure and savings. It allows you to market your property widely while avoiding the full 5–6% commission charge. However, it does require more seller involvement.
iBuyers and Instant Offer Companies
iBuyers make cash offers based on property data, often allowing you to close in a matter of days. Companies in this space typically deduct fees from the offer price, streamlining the process but potentially offering less than market value.
This method works best for sellers who prioritize speed and convenience over maximizing profit. However, it’s wise to compare offers and read the fine print, as fees and pricing structures can vary widely.
Why beycome Is the Smartest Option for how to sell a home with a realtor
If you’re looking for the flexibility of doing more yourself—but with the support and tools traditionally only available through a realtor—beycome offers the perfect middle ground. Our platform empowers homeowners to list, market, and close confidently, while saving the average seller $13,185 in commissions.
With over 18,000 homes sold and more than $213 million in commission fees saved, beycome takes the best parts of selling with a realtor and makes them available to every homeowner—at a fraction of the price. A home is sold every 30 minutes through beycome, proving our approach is fast, effective, and widely trusted.
Our tools give you the same exposure as agents on the MLS, with added features like professional photography, showing management, document templates, and digital offer handling. With thousands of 5-star reviews from sellers across the country, you’re not just saving money—you’re gaining control. Explore how our flat fee MLS listing works or start by checking your home’s value with our home value calculator.
If you’re debating between hiring an agent or listing smarter, don’t compare assumptions—compare beycome vs competitors and see how the numbers really add up. We’re not just a service—we’re your modern selling partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to sell a home with a realtor
Do I really need a realtor to sell my house?
No, hiring a realtor is not legally required. Many homeowners choose to sell their homes without one by using tools like flat-fee MLS listings or FSBO platforms. However, having a realtor can offer full-service support for those who prefer a hands-off approach.
How much do realtors usually charge to sell a home?
Traditional realtors typically charge a commission of 5–6% of the final sale price, which is divided between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. On a $400,000 home, that could mean paying $20,000 to $24,000 in commission fees alone.
Can I negotiate a realtor’s commission?
Yes, commissions are not fixed and can often be negotiated. Some agents offer lower fees or flexible packages depending on market conditions, the home’s price, and your willingness to take on part of the process.
What should I look for when choosing a realtor?
Look for agents with recent experience selling homes in your area, positive client reviews, and a robust marketing plan. Good communication skills, transparency about fees, and local market knowledge are also key qualities.
How long does it take to sell a house with a realtor?
The timeline varies by market and property condition. A typical home may take 30–90 days to sell, including time on the market, negotiations, and closing. Your realtor should provide an estimate based on current local trends.
Will a realtor help me price my home correctly?
Yes, most realtors will perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help determine a competitive list price based on similar recent sales in your area. Accurate pricing is critical to attracting serious buyers quickly.
Is working with a realtor safer than selling on my own?
Working with a realtor can provide legal and procedural safeguards, especially for those unfamiliar with contracts, disclosures, or negotiations. That said, platforms like beycome offer tools and templates to help FSBO sellers stay compliant too.
Can I fire my realtor if I’m not satisfied?
Yes, but you’ll need to review your listing agreement first. Some contracts have cancellation fees or notice requirements. It’s wise to communicate concerns directly before making any formal changes.
Do realtors handle everything from start to finish?
In most cases, realtors manage the listing, marketing, showings, offer process, negotiation, and closing details. However, the quality of service can vary, so it’s important to clarify what’s included upfront.
What is the difference between a listing agent and a buyer’s agent?
The listing agent represents the seller and works to market and sell the property. The buyer’s agent represents the buyer and helps them find and negotiate a home purchase. Each typically earns half of the total commission fee at closing.
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