When choosing to sell or buy real estate in the dynamic and beautiful San Ramon Valley area of California, the first and smartest move is to call on the services of a REALTOR®. Why? Because not all agents or real estate associates are in the same category. You should buy or sell that prime property with the help of only those licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR).

Sellers have found that REALTORS® are most helpful regarding  key factors in marketing their property at the best price, with quick results and with a minimum of aggravation and wasted time:

• Your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in San Ramon's marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of comparable properties.
• Your REALTOR® markets your property on a network to other real estate agents and to the public. More than 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator.
• Your REALTOR® can give you tips that will significantly enhance your chances of a speedy, profitable sale. These may come in the form of cosmetic suggestions or advice on styling the house for prospective buyers, disbursing information about your property to real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks. They show your home by holding caravans, or open houses, for agents. Furthermore, The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires them to use cooperative relationships when such relationships benefit their clients.
• Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property in cost-saving ways. For example, they know there is a misconception that “advertising sells real estate.” However, the NAR studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.
• Your REALTOR® will prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property, so you won’t feel as though strangers are invading your home.
• Your REALTOR® can help evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process. The REALTOR® will help you to avoid pitfalls during the process of appraisals, inspections and financing.
• Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), surprises may arise. For example, unexpected repairs may be required to obtain financing or should a cloud in the title be discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you settle these issues and move the transaction to a closing.

A savvy seller will start the ball rolling by going into action with a REALTOR® as a reliable teammates.