This process generally begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. Your real estate agent can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

The next step is a marketing plan. Often, your agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of the property. Marketing includes the exposure of your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your agent acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real Realtors Association-India's Code of Ethics requires members to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

Advertising is part of marketing. The choice of media and frequency of advertising depend a lot on the property and specific market. For example, in some areas, newspaper advertising generates phone calls to the real estate office.

Over exposure of a property in any media may give a buyer the impression the property is distressed or the seller is desperate. Your real estate agent will know when, where and how to advertise your property.

Independent studies shows that most real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family and personal contacts.

When the property is marketed with the agent help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Agents will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

The negotiation process deals with much the same issues for both buyers and sellers, as noted above under the buying process. Your agent can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing - a lot of possible pitfalls. Your agent with the help of an advocate can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

The process of buying a home or investment generally starts with determining your buying power, that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a real estate agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, they can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and housing finance companies.

Your job is to make the final selection of the right property for you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real estate agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are BRAI members have access to a variety of informational resources. BRAI members can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment ? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell ?

There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and interiors. The purchase agreement should also provide a period of time for you to complete the appropriate authorities formalities (371) inspection and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. i.e. for properties valued above Rs.25 lakhs.

Before negotiation, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, your agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professional advocates to provide you with written reports on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations' for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your advocate can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

As soon as you are reasonably sure the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. Your agent can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying financial institutes with best financial terms of payment.

Finalizing of sale deed, every area has its own unique customs. Again, your real estate agent can guide you through this process by taking you to an advocate and making sure the entire legal process and everything else flows together smoothly. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your agent is the beat person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing of sale deed.

Real estate agents or brokers are generally paid through the sales commission paid by the seller / buyer when a transaction closes. Agents have expenses and financial obligations just like you, so it will be to your mutual benefit if you choose a real estate agent and stick with that person. The agent will respect your loyalty and respond with a sincere commitment to you.