Selling your home has become a more difficult job since last fall, when inventories of homes for sale began to climb dramatically. You want to sell your home as quickly as possible and at its full value. That value has been eroded by the large  number of  homes that are also for sale- "your competition". You must price your home intelligently, prepare your home for showings by cleaning and reducing clutter. If possible, rent a storage unit and thin out your furnishings. Just sticking a sign on the lawn and not preparing in every way possible will most likely result in sitting unsold in a declining market, wondering why you are not getting any showings much less, offers. 

Please be aware of state & federal laws and how they affect your sale. Be sure to add in the State of New Jersey "Realty Transfer Fee" when you are figuring your bottom line. If your primary residence is out of state and you sell a New Jersey property, you will be subject to an additional 8% state sales tax as well. If you intend to move out of state, do not establish your permenant residence in another state until after your New Jersey home sale.

Selling your home in this competitive market involves a lot of time, effort, and patience, as well as specialized skills and knowledge. That is why most people turn to a Real Estate Agent for help. The average "for sale by owner" nets 17% less for his sale than a seller who works with a REALTOR.

When you sell your home, the Real Estate Agent will work with you as a client. You sign a contract with the agent, called a listing contract. The agent then works for you and receives an agreed commission when the house is sold.

In a seller/client relationship, the agent guides you throughout the real estate transaction. You should get information about "staging" your home to show it's best. Your agent will be  providing information on such issues as pricing your home, which purchase offers are fair, and how to structure a purchase contract to your advantage. It is the business of the Real Estate Agent to help you sell your home with minimum delay and to help you realize every dollar it is worth.

Although the Real Estate Agent works for you and owes you additional services, the Real Estate Agent must also treat the buyers fairly. There is no contract between the buyer and the Real Estate Agent, but the agent is still required to act ethically and not to indulge in any deceptive activities. Known defects must be disclosed, not to do so may be considered fraud, and may invite legal action by the purchaser. Any additions or alterations must have been done with a permit and conform to local building code standards.

Many home buyers use a buyer's agent – a specialized Real Estate Agent who is the home buyer's client and works for the interests of the buyer. This makes it even more important for you to have an expert on your side looking out for your best interests.