It takes a lot more than a "For Sale" sign in the front yard, a Multiple Listing entry, and an occasional ad in the classifieds to get a listing sold. When real estate agents sell a house, we sometimes have to "sell" it again and again before the contract is actually signed by the buyers and sellers.

Many events must occur before the closing. The house must be "sold" to the buyers' relatives, the home inspector, the appraiser, and other experts. The buyers must secure a mortgage. At some point during the process, the buyers may go through a serious case of "buyers' remorse" and consider backing out of the transaction. Since the transaction could potentially fall through at any step in the process, you will find the services of a professional real estate agent invaluable. Agents continue to present the house in the best light possible and use their professional skills to solve any problems that may arise.