You're selling your home and you make an appointment with a real estate agent. You are impressed with the listing presentation and the agent asks if you want to contract with her -- i.e., her assistance in exchange for a commission. At this point you may be asking yourself: "Exactly what do I get for my money?" Following are just some of the wide array of services you may receive when you enlist the help of a real estate professional:

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It’s true--Not all real estate agents, Realtors, and Brokers are alike. It’s wise to shop around and find the agent that’s right for you. Here are some of the things you should be looking for.

Listens to My Needs. Your Realtor should listen more than talk. Your agent should always know what is important to you, and keeps your priorities above his or hers.

Hard Working and Eager. Your Realtor should be ready, willing and able. They should be eager to do what it takes to get your home sold in a timely manner and for the right price.

Accessible. There is nothing more frustrating then when you need to speak with your Realtor then getting their voice mail or have to leave a message. You need an agent who is available when you need him or her. You need someone you can reach immediately.

Positive Attitude. Whether you are buying or selling, your agent’s positive attitude can make all the difference. An agent that is wishy-washy or depressed can dampen the buying and selling process to your determent.

Confident and Assertive. Confidence indicates they know what they are doing. Being assertive shows they will take a stand if necessary during critical negotiations.

Strong Negotiating skills. Your Realtor should have good listening skills and be a good communicator. They should be open-minded to new options. Your agent should realize that negotiations do not have to be hard or distasteful. Masterful negotiators know how to lead the conversation toward the interests their seller cares about, when to take a break to refocus, or how to shift the discussion from focusing on past disputes to future goals.

Ethical. Your Realtor must have an outstanding reputation and perform their duties with moral clarity. It’s very important that you can trust your Realtor to do what they say, when they say it.

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We all know the better the merchandise looks, the higher the price you can ask. To help you prepare your house for sale and receive the maximum return on your investment, the article below offers tips on spending to improve the showing of your property.

When it comes to selling, homeowners generally fall into one of two categories: those who want to fix and rehab everything before they sell, and those who don’t want to do anything. As is usually true, neither extreme is the right choice.

First decide whether you’re going to sell your home in “mint condition” or in “as is" condition, or somewhere in between. Homes in mint condition sell for more money than homes which require fixing up. The reason is simple: Most buyers don’t want to do the work, or they don’t have the time, or they don’t have the extra cash needed. Though it’s not impossible or necessary for you to completely renovate your home before selling it to reap the most money possible, most sellers have some things they can do to their home to improve it before selling.

Think about getting your home ready and doing things to your home that will cost relatively little but will dramatically increase the value and salability of your home.

It’s not necessary to essentially rebuild your home. In fact, many renovations like a brand-new kitchen or bath are expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, you may not receive a 100 percent return of your investment if you try to sell your home within a year or two of completing a major project.

When considering what is needed to sell quickly, you should include things like repainting your siding, replacing the roof, fixing gutters, repairing broken steps, and replacing broken windows and screens.

The exterior of the home is very important. Many prospective buyers prefer to “drive-by” your home taking in the neighborhood, condition of surrounding homes, and the “curb appeal” of your home. Your home’s curb appeal must impress prospective buyers. If buyers like what they see from the street or their car window they will be more likely to want to see the interior.

Your home should have a neat and trim appearance that is open and inviting. The exterior should be freshly painted or cleaned. Take a look at your roof. It should be in good condition, without peeling, staining, or torn shingles. Gutters and downspouts should be in good repair, and cleaned out. Repair any wood rot as well.

Lawns should be cut regularly and manicured. Bushes should be trimmed and flowers should be planted. Although cultivating a charming exterior won't necessarily sell your home, it will get prospective buyers across the threshold.

When it comes to the interior of your home the best money you can spend is to replace colorful or worn-out carpeting and patterned wallpaper with new carpeting or paint in white or neutral shades. The general rule is: the lighter the better. Dark walls and floors tend to make rooms look smaller and darker—today’s buyers are looking for that bright, light and open look. Additionally, home buyers can more easily imagine their own furnishings fitting into your home if the palette is white or neutral.

Ensure sure everything works in your home. Some small repairs can help a lot. Each lock should turn easily, doorknobs should be tight. Stairs shouldn’t creak, hinges shouldn’t squeak, and doors should open and close easily. These types of small problems cause buyers to worry that other things in the house might not be in the best working order. Check faucets to make sure they don’t drip. Test every electrical socket to be sure it’s working.

Everyone wants to buy a home with a new kitchen and bathrooms—not realistic but true. In the kitchen, give your cabinets a fresh look by changing out hardware or lining the shelves. If the kitchen floor has seen better days, consider putting down inexpensive no-wax floors, or replacing broken tiles.

In the bathrooms, regrout and reseal the tub. To lighten grout and get rid of mildew, try mixing a little bleach with water and dab it onto tile grout with a sponge. You might even want to change the shower curtain. Never underestimate the importance of cosmetic, decorative improvements.

How much should you spend on renovations? Well, the quick answer is as little as possible. If you have to paint, consider doing it yourself for the cost of materials. If you have to get a painter, it will cost considerably more. Just keep in mind if you spend $1,500 on painting and carpet you will be able to increase the price of your home by that much or more.

If you unclutter your home, make the color scheme neutral as possible, and fix the small things around your home, you’ll have taken a large step toward making your home salable. It’s the little things that count!

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It doesn't cost to market your home through Baywalk Real Estate, Inc.. - IT PAYS! You save advertising costs, showing hassles, negotiation headaches, and unanticipated problems. Because of better marketing you should receive a higher price and/or quicker sale. And OUR SERVICES ARE GUARANTEED - you don't pay until we are successful!

Marketing means getting the word out to buyers that your home is for sale and making sure as many buyers as possible are aware of your property. We have innovative ways to interest people in your home. We know what is effective, from a “For Sale” sign and professional brochures in your front yard to showcasing you home online. We continually utilize new technology and advanced techniques to entice today’s buyers.

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