• It's a new day in real estate
• Why it pays to use a professional
• When you make the sale
• Trying to sell by yourself?

It's always a good market in real estate - when you know what you're doing. Structuring transactions, arranging financing, and finding the right buyers are some of the keys to success. And no one knows more about the trends in today's market than your local real estate broker or agent.

Real estate has become a very complicated business. Selling (or buying) a home can be one of the most important financial transactions of your life. That's why it pays to work with a professional who specializes in this field - a licensed real estate agent.

Becoming a licensed broker or agent requires thorough training and examination. Several states in the U.S. require continuing education in real estate for license renewal.

When you use a real estate agent, you get the benefit of professional expertise from the moment you consider selling your home. Your agent will help you establish a fair market value based on his or her daily dealings in your neighborhood, and arrange financing terms that make it easier to obtain a quick sale in today's market - helping you receive the equity in your home.

If you wish to participate in financing the purchase of your property, your real estate agent can structure a workable plan that helps reduce risk from unusual terms - and give you an estimate of the anticipated yield from carrying a property-secured financing plan.

Real estate agents are professionals at marketing properties - that's their job. They can choose the media - and the message - that brings interested prospects to your home. They'll interview and qualify buyers for you. And they'll use their sales skills and negotiating techniques to help you receive the best possible return on your sale.

Every brokerage office has a steady stream of prospects that no individual can match. National referral networks and multiple listing services also help to reach buyers from out of town - or out of state. And many corporate relocation clients may be working with a broker before a move is made.

When you work with real estate agents, they'll follow up with other agents who have shown your property - and offer constructive comments on repairs, financing arrangements, or re-evaluating your list price.

An agreement between buyer and seller is just the beginning of a final transaction. From that point on, your real estate agent can handle the details and paperwork necessary to make it complete; from building and termite reports to fire insurance and closing arrangements, where required, with the escrow company, title company or closing attorney.

As an expert in real estate, your agent will give you advance estimates of your closing costs and net proceeds from the sale, and will also keep you informed of the details to assure a smooth and timely closing.

A vital part of any sale is title insurance. Lenders usually require a loan policy to protect their interests, and buyers need an owner's policy to protect their equity. Be sure to ask your real estate agent for a Title policy from Alpha Title LLC.

If you are thinking about selling your home by yourself, you need to know the answers to the questions below. If you don't, you might find yourself losing money-and time-that a professional real estate agent could have saved for you.

• What is my home worth in today's market?
• How long will it take to sell?
• Where should I advertise? When? How much should I spend?
• How do I know if my prospects are financially qualified?
• What kind of financing can I arrange for the sale?
• What kind of terms will attract the right buyer?
• Do I really understand all of the paperwork and details necessary to successfully close the sale?
• Should I talk to a real estate agent first - and see how professional experience can help me?