Selling a home with a realtor is one of the most traditional — and widely used — approaches to navigating the real estate process in the U.S. For many homeowners, especially those selling for the first time, working with a licensed real estate agent offers a sense of guidance and support through what can be a complex and high-stakes transaction. At its core, this process involves hiring a professional to represent your property, market it, manage showings, and negotiate with buyers on your behalf.
The decision to sell a home with a realtor often revolves around trade-offs — namely, the balance between the expertise and convenience a realtor brings, and the cost and control you give up in return. Most agents work on commission, typically around 5% to 6% of the final sale price, which can translate into tens of thousands of dollars depending on the market. Understanding exactly what you’ll get for that investment — and whether it truly aligns with your needs — is where this topic becomes both timely and worth a closer look.
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selling a home, many homeowners find themselves weighing whether traditional representation is the right fit for their goals. Questions about pricing strategy, marketing exposure, legal documents, buyer negotiations, and closing logistics all surface quickly — and can drive the urge to seek professional help. But knowing how a realtor-driven sale actually works, when it makes the most sense, and what to expect at each stage is key to making an informed decision.
Real estate markets continue to evolve, and with them, the expectations of today’s sellers. Whether you’re in a hot market or trying to move a unique property in a colder one, selling with a realtor may offer the familiarity of a guided path, but it’s important to understand what’s involved before committing. The more you know about the mechanics and motivations behind this method, the better equipped you’ll be to choose the best path for your home sale.
Is Selling a Home with a Realtor the Right Move?
Selling your home with a realtor means you’re entering into a working relationship with a licensed professional who will handle all or most aspects of the selling process. This person becomes your designated representative, charged with marketing your home, managing buyer interest, guiding negotiations, and ensuring the paperwork and compliance items are properly covered. For many homeowners, the appeal lies in offloading the complexities of a real estate sale onto someone who does it for a living.
This option tends to suit sellers who prioritize convenience, are unfamiliar with the sales process, or lack the time or inclination to oversee showings and negotiations themselves. It can also make sense in markets where expert pricing and presentation are critical for success, or in situations requiring tight compliance with state and local regulations. A realtor may add value through property staging, scheduling showings, screening buyers, and advocating for your interests during offers and contingencies.
However, it’s important to understand there is a cost for this help — typically in the form of commission fees that are deducted from the proceeds when your home sells. These costs can significantly impact your bottom line, especially when both the buyer’s and seller’s agents receive a portion of the sale. Still, for sellers who feel overwhelmed by the process or want assurance they’re covering all bases, the experience and resources a realtor offers can be reassuring.
What It Looks Like in Real Life
Let’s say you decide to partner with a real estate agent to sell your home. You start by signing a listing agreement — a contract that gives the agent exclusive rights to represent your home for a certain period. From there, the agent typically advises on pricing, arranges for photographs and marketing materials, lists your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and begins coordinating showings and open houses.
As offers come in, your agent becomes your primary negotiator, advising on pricing strategies and helping you evaluate terms beyond just the purchase price — including financing, contingencies, and closing timelines. Finally, when you accept an offer, your realtor helps shepherd the closing process, working with attorneys, inspectors, title agents, and buyers’ representatives to keep things aligned until the deal closes. Throughout this process, the realtor acts as your quarterback — centralizing communication and simplifying logistics — which is the core of their value proposition.
What Homeowners Should Know Before Listing with a Realtor
Before signing a listing agreement, it’s helpful to understand how choosing to work with a real estate agent will shape your home-selling experience. For starters, the role of the realtor has evolved — they’re no longer just sign-posters and open house hosts. Today’s agents often provide robust digital marketing, pricing data, and a network of professionals to smooth out the transaction. But their effectiveness can vary widely based on location, experience, and how proactive they are in the local market.
The timing of your sale, the current level of demand in your area, and your own expectations around pricing can also impact how effective a realtor’s services will be. In a fast-paced seller’s market, homes may move quickly regardless of who lists them, while in a slower or cooling market, strategic experience and proper pricing guidance can make or break a sale. Understanding timing in your specific neighborhood and being realistic about what buyers are seeking puts you in a better position when choosing representation.
It’s also important to consider your personal comfort with handing over control. When you work with a realtor, much of the interaction with potential buyers flows through them — meaning you may be several steps removed from direct conversation or day-to-day decision-making. While that’s a relief for some, others may feel less engaged in the selling process or unsure if their preferences are being fully represented.
Factors That Can Affect the Agent’s Impact
Not all agents bring the same level of expertise or dedication. Their approach, communication style, negotiation skills, and marketing budget can significantly influence your experience and results. Choosing someone simply because they’re a friend or a relative doesn’t guarantee effective representation — interviewing agents, asking about their recent experience, and reviewing how they market homes similar to yours can inform a better match.
Homeowners should also know that even when working with professional Realtors, they’re still responsible for making key decisions — such as setting the listing price, reviewing offers, and approving final terms. The agent is your advisor, not the decision-maker. The stronger your understanding of market forces and the sales process, the better positioned you’ll be to collaborate and ultimately protect your financial interests.
How to Sell a Home with a Realtor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selling your home with the help of a realtor can streamline the process and give you a strategic advantage—but only if you know how to approach it. This guide walks you through each major step so you can plan with confidence and move at your own pace.
Working with a realtor means you’ll have professional support, but make no mistake: selling a home still involves several moving pieces and decisions on your end. From interview to closing, expect a process that takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the market, your property, and how ready you are to go live on the MLS.
Step 1: Find and vet qualified realtors
Start by identifying a few local real estate agents with solid experience selling homes similar to yours. You want someone who not only knows your market but also brings a strong sales record and communication style that works for you.
Ask for recommendations from friends or neighbors, and don’t hesitate to search online reviews. When interviewing agents, ask about their recent sales, marketing approach, local market insights, and how they prefer to communicate. Look for someone who feels genuinely consultative—not pushy.
Don’t rush this decision. A great listing agent can maximize your sale price, reduce your stress, and keep your timeline realistic. Schedule at least two or three interviews before deciding on the right fit.
Step 2: Sign a listing agreement
Once you’ve selected a realtor, you’ll formalize your partnership by signing a listing agreement. This is a contract that gives the agent the exclusive right to market and sell your home.
The listing agreement outlines key details: the commission rate (typically 5–6%), how long the contract is valid (commonly 3–6 months), your asking price, and terms like what services the agent is responsible for. Make sure everything lines up with your earlier conversations.
Read the agreement carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or minor edits. Make a note of the expiration date and any cancellation clauses in case the relationship doesn’t work out as planned.
Step 3: Prepare your home for listing
Before your realtor can market your home, you’ll need to get it photo-ready. That means decluttering, deep cleaning, addressing visible repairs, and possibly completing minor upgrades to boost appeal.
Your agent will likely do a walk-through and offer guidance on what changes will make the biggest impact. This could include things like repainting bold walls in neutral tones, replacing outdated fixtures, or rearranging furniture to improve the flow of each room.
Staging—whether full or partial—can help prospective buyers envision how your home might look with their lifestyle. Your agent may offer staging services as part of their package or recommend local professionals. The better your home shows, the more traction you’ll get once it’s listed.
Step 4: Determine your asking price
You’ll work with your realtor to land on a strategic listing price that reflects both your home’s value and local market conditions. Overpricing can cause your home to sit; underpricing could leave money on the table.
Your agent will use a comparative market analysis (CMA) to review how similar homes nearby have performed recently. Key factors include square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, condition, upgrades, and how long each property stayed on the market.
Be willing to review multiple pricing scenarios and leave room in your asking price for negotiation. Your agent may also suggest pricing slightly below certain thresholds (like $499,000 instead of $505,000) to get better visibility in buyer searches.
Step 5: Professional photography and MLS listing
Once your house is ready and pricing is set, your realtor will help schedule professional photos and create the actual listing. This is your home’s “first impression” on the market, so high-quality visuals and compelling copy matter.
Photos should showcase natural lighting, room flow, key features, and any standout amenities like a pool or custom kitchen. Most agents will also use virtual tours, aerial drone shots, or video walkthroughs if they’re standard in your market.
The listing will be published on the MLS and syndicated to sites where buyers and agents are actively browsing. Your agent will double-check all the details—square footage, lot size, taxes, HOA fees—to ensure accuracy.
Step 6: Launch your marketing plan
Now that your listing is live, your realtor will implement a marketing strategy to drive attention and showings. This usually includes a mix of digital outreach, signage, agent networking, and possibly open houses.
Digital marketing may involve listing your home on third-party websites, running social media ads, or targeting specific buyer segments via email campaigns. Offline tactics might include postcards, door knocking, or broker tours.
Your agent will also field inquiries, qualify potential buyers, and schedule showings. Be prepared to keep your home clean and flexible for appointments, especially in the early days. The goal is to build momentum and create buzz that leads to offers.
Step 7: Review and negotiate offers
Once the offers start coming in, your realtor will help you sort through them—whether it’s one solid bid or multiple competing ones. Each offer will include price, down payment, contingencies, and a proposed timeline.
Don’t just jump at the highest number. Your agent will help you evaluate each offer’s overall strength, including buyer financing, inspection terms, and requested concessions. In a strong sellers’ market, this step may move quickly and competitively.
Your realtor will communicate directly with buyers’ agents for counteroffers or clarifications. You’ll work together to shape a deal that aligns with your financial goals, timing, and comfort level.
Step 8: Sign the purchase agreement
Once you’ve accepted an offer, both parties sign a purchase agreement—a legally binding contract with key terms like final price, earnest money, contingencies, and closing date.
Your realtor will walk you through each section and explain your obligations. You’ll also provide seller disclosures, which inform the buyer about known defects or issues with the home.
Keep in mind that contingencies like inspection, appraisal, and financing approval still need to be cleared before the sale is final. The contract protects you, but also commits you to moving forward if all parties meet their terms.
Step 9: Navigate inspections and appraisals
After signing the purchase agreement, the buyer typically schedules a home inspection and, if they’re financing, the lender arranges an appraisal. These are standard steps, but they can trigger renegotiations depending on the results.
Your agent will help coordinate access and communicate with the buyer’s side. If the inspector uncovers problems—like a faulty roof or electrical issues—the buyer may ask for repairs or a credit. You’ll need to decide how to respond based on their request and your bottom line.
If the appraisal comes in low, negotiations may also reopen. An experienced realtor will guide you through solutions, whether that’s challenging the appraisal, adjusting the price, or finding ways to meet in the middle.
Step 10: Prepare for closing
Once contingencies are cleared, you’re officially in escrow and heading toward closing. Your realtor will coordinate with the escrow company or attorney to make sure all paperwork is in order.
In this phase, expect to sign disclosures, finalize move-out prep, and confirm utility transfers. Your agent will triple-check timing for the final walkthrough and closing date, ensuring a smooth transition for both parties.
Be ready to vacate the home before closing unless otherwise agreed. Pack up, clean thoroughly, and leave anything that’s written into the contract—like appliances or fixtures.
Step 11: Close the sale and hand over the keys
On closing day, you’ll sign the final deed and settlement paperwork, and the buyer’s funds are transferred. Once everything is recorded with the county, the home officially changes ownership.
Your realtor will usually be present to ensure all the last-minute details are handled. If documents are signed electronically or remotely, your agent will still guide you through the process and confirm receipt by all parties.
After closing, your proceeds will be wired or provided via check based on your preference. Leave the keys, garage remotes, and any welcome packet materials agreed upon during the sale. Congrats—you’ve officially sold with a pro!
Now that we’ve walked through the individual actions involved in working with a realtor to sell your home, it’s time to zoom out and think more critically about the bigger picture. Understanding the variables—financial, strategic, and emotional—that come into play when partnering with a real estate agent can help you make more informed decisions. Whether you’re weighing traditional methods, exploring newer options, or deciding how much involvement you want, this next section will break down what it really means to sell a home with a realtor.
What Really Happens Behind the Scenes When You Sell With a Realtor
Selling your home with a licensed real estate agent might seem like a simple transaction on the surface. But behind the scenes, there’s a well-orchestrated process that includes pricing strategy, market positioning, negotiations, compliance, and time management. A realtor helps coordinate all of these moving parts. From marketing and conducting open houses to liaising with inspectors and appraisers, they act as your project manager throughout the process.
One of the most critical elements of working with a realtor is their pricing expertise. A great agent will use Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) data to help determine an optimal asking price—one that attracts serious buyers but doesn’t leave money on the table. Experienced realtors also advise on staging your home to appeal to buyers emotionally, which can drive up perceived value and actual sale price.
Additionally, realtors navigate legal and regulatory barriers for you. Disclosure rules, local ordinances, buyer financing contingencies—these details vary by location and can easily trip up sellers unfamiliar with them. Selling a home comes with required documents and timing constraints, and your agent helps you hit each checkpoint smoothly while keeping negotiations on track.
How Your Choice of Realtor Can Impact Your Home Sale
Not all agents are created equal, and the realtor you choose will directly affect your selling experience and outcome. Some work full-time and have a vast network of buyers and resources. Others may represent only a few clients at a time, which can mean more personalized attention. Evaluate your agent’s experience, track record, and communication style, because those factors will shape every part of your sale.
Commission structure is another major consideration. While the typical commission is 5%–6% of the sale price, how that’s split across the buyer’s and seller’s agents can affect your net proceeds. Discuss upfront how your agent’s fees are structured and compare them to the services offered. Some agents offer flat-fee or tiered packages, while others operate on traditional commission-based models.
Also pay attention to what kind of marketing power your agent brings to the table. Do they have access to professional photography, drone footage, 3D virtual tours, or SEO-optimized listings? A well-marketed home stands out in a crowded field of listings, so your agent’s approach to visibility and promotion matters.
Financial Considerations When Selling With a Realtor
Realtor commissions are often the biggest transaction cost when selling your home. For a $400,000 property, a 6% commission equates to $24,000—split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. While agents do provide valuable services, that cost can take a significant bite out of your equity, especially if your home appreciated modestly or you have other financial constraints.
Besides commissions, other costs may include staging, updates requested by your agent, pre-inspections, professional photography, and increased maintenance if your home stays on the market longer. Sellers are sometimes advised to make cosmetic upgrades to attract better offers, which may or may not yield a solid return on investment.
That said, a well-connected, experienced realtor may help you get offers that outweigh these costs. For example, an agent with deep knowledge of buyer psychology might price your home at a sweet spot that sparks a bidding war. But that’s not guaranteed, so you need to weigh the potential upside against the guaranteed expenditures.
How Involved You Should Be When Selling With a Realtor
One of the common misconceptions is that hiring a realtor means you can take a back seat for the duration of the process. While it’s true that an agent handles a lot, your involvement still plays an important role in the success of your sale. You’ll need to contribute to decision-making on price, offers, counteroffers, and negotiation strategy.
You’ll also need to ensure your home is showing-ready throughout the listing period. Even with an agent running point, tasks like decluttering, being available for open houses and showings, and approving marketing content will require your input. A successful sale is truly a collaboration, not a handoff.
It’s also wise to stay informed throughout the process. Review contracts, ask questions, and track key deadlines like inspection periods and closing timelines. While your agent’s job is to guide and protect your interests, being an active participant ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.
Pros and Cons of how to sell a home with a realtor
Pros
Working with an experienced realtor provides access to professional insights and industry connections that can dramatically ease the selling process. From pricing your home competitively to navigating complex paperwork, an agent’s expertise can lead to faster deals and potentially higher offers.
Realtors also save you time. They manage showings, vet buyers, handle communication with lenders and inspectors, and coordinate closing logistics. For folks juggling full-time jobs, families, or relocations, this hands-on support can be invaluable.
Many agents also bring robust marketing packages to the table. That could include MLS listings, social media promotion, paid ads, and professionally staged photography, all crafted to cast your home in the best possible light.
Cons
The most glaring downside is cost. Realtor commissions, typically between 5% and 6%, can amount to tens of thousands of dollars depending on your home’s value. This directly reduces your net profit—and not all agents deliver services that justify the fee.
You may also experience limited control. Some agents strongly influence pricing, staging, and offer strategies in ways that don’t align with your personal goals. There’s also potential for communication issues. If you and your realtor are not aligned in style, urgency, or expectations, the process can become frustrating fast.
Lastly, while agents aim to sell as quickly as possible, their other client obligations might cause delays. Agents often represent multiple buyers and sellers at once, which means your home may not always be their top priority every day.
Alternatives to how to sell a home with a realtor
For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
FSBO is the most direct alternative. It means listing, marketing, and negotiating your home sale without a licensed agent. You’ll handle everything from pricing and staging to paperwork and closing coordination. While it requires more effort and legal awareness, the potential savings in commission can be significant—especially if your home is in a hot market with high demand.
That said, FSBO is not without challenges. Without MLS access or market exposure tools, your listing may not reach as many potential buyers. You’ll also need to vet buyers, coordinate showings, and ensure legal compliance yourself. It typically suits sellers comfortable with marketing, negotiation, and real estate documentation.
Selling to an Investor or Cash Buyer
Another alternative is selling directly to an investor or cash home-buying company. These buyers often promise fast closings, no inspections, and zero fees or commissions. If your primary goal is speed over maximizing sale price—say for relocation, financial hardship, or inheritance issues—this option can be attractive.
But speed comes at a cost. Investors typically offer below-market prices to ensure they profit on resale. You may be leaving money on the table, but for some sellers, the convenience and certainty are worth the trade-off.
Using Flat-Fee MLS Services
Flat-fee MLS providers allow homeowners to list their property on the Multiple Listing Service without hiring a traditional agent. With Beycome, for example, your listing can appear alongside those represented by full-service agents—while saving you thousands in commission. You handle the showings and negotiations yourself, but reap the visibility benefits of the MLS.
This is a great middle-ground for confident sellers who want exposure and compliance without paying a traditional agent fee. It works best when combined with strong marketing DIY tactics and a good understanding of local market trends.
Why beycome Is the Smartest Option for Selling your Home
When you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re really trying to strike the right balance between expertise, convenience, and cost. That’s exactly where beycome shines. Our platform offers a modern, transparent way to list and sell your home—while keeping more equity in your pocket. Sellers who use beycome save an average of $13,185 on commission alone, thanks to our flat-fee model that replaces bloated traditional pricing with smart, straightforward tools.
With over 18,000 homes sold and more than $213 million in commission savings, beycome combines the reach and reliability of the MLS with the flexibility of owner involvement. A home is sold every 30 minutes through our platform, and thousands of homeowners have given us 5-star reviews for a reason—it works.
Whether you’re looking to simplify your listing with a flat fee MLS listing, estimate your pricing power with our property value calculator, or compare our model to a traditional agent through our competitor comparison, everything is designed to give you more control without sacrificing results.
Instead of choosing between doing it all yourself or giving up a huge chunk of your home’s value, beycome gives you the power to work smart. You still have professional-grade tools, compliance support, and massive visibility—all without the heavy commission fees. And yes, you can still have guidance when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to sell a home with a realtor
How much does it cost to sell a home with a realtor?
Typically, realtor commissions range from 5% to 6% of the final sale price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. For a $400,000 home, this means you could pay up to $24,000 in fees. Additional costs may include home repairs, staging, and photography.
Can I negotiate the realtor’s commission?
Yes, commissions are not fixed by law and can be negotiated. Some agents are willing to lower their rates, especially if you’re also buying a home through them or if your property is expected to sell quickly. Always ask for a breakdown of fees and services to evaluate value.
Do I still need to be involved when I hire a realtor?
Absolutely. While your agent manages much of the process, key decisions—like setting a listing price, reviewing offers, and approving repair requests—require your approval. Staying engaged helps prevent miscommunications and costly delays.
What’s the average time it takes to sell a home with a realtor?
On average, homes listed with realtors tend to sell within 30 to 60 days, depending on market conditions, location, and price. Proper pricing and preparation can significantly accelerate the timeline.
Are there situations where I shouldn’t use a realtor?
If you already have a buyer, are experienced in real estate transactions, or want to save on commissions, going without a traditional agent may be worth considering. Alternatives like FSBO or flat-fee MLS services may suit those needs better.
Will a realtor help me determine the right price for my home?
Yes. Realtors typically perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine an appropriate listing price based on recent sales of similar homes in your area. This helps avoid pricing too high (which can deter buyers) or too low (which can cost you equity).
Do I need to make repairs before listing my home with a realtor?
It depends on your goals and the local market. Many agents recommend minor repairs or staging to boost your home’s appeal, but major renovations may not always yield a strong return on investment. Discuss options with your realtor to create a smart plan.
What should I look for when choosing a realtor?
Experience, communication style, marketing approach, availability, and commission rates are all important factors. Ask for references, check recent sales history, and make sure your goals align with the agent’s strategy and services.
How do realtors get paid?
Realtors are typically paid through commission at the time of closing. The commission comes out of the home’s sale proceeds and is usually paid by the seller. This amount is then split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
Is using a flat-fee MLS service like beycome better than hiring a full-service agent?
For many homeowners, yes. If you’re comfortable taking on some responsibilities like showings and negotiations, a platform like beycome offers massive savings and professional-grade tools. It’s a balanced option for sellers who want control and value.