Some projects, such as painting the bedroom, lend themselves to a “do it yourself” approach. Others, like open heart surgery, are less conducive to that. So where does dealing with homes for sale fit in?To some extent, it depends on who you are and who you ask. In recent years, the idea of selling your own home instead of consulting a realtor has gained some attention. But then, so has the avian flu. And like the flu, going it alone with a house sale is tricky and fraught with hazards.On the other hand, teaming with a real estate professional can be a shot in the arm for your financial and emotional health. While both approaches have their merits, there is a long list of “pros” to not leaving home sales in the hands of an amateur.The Price is RighterWe all know that realtors have specialized skills and experience, but we sometimes overlook another important card they bring to the table regarding homes for sale: Their knowledge. Unlike a private seller, they can tap into information on what comparable homes have sold for lately and help you arrive at a competitive price.Statistics show that when you price your house properly right off the bat, it tends to sell faster and for more money. It’s the difference between basing your decision on hard facts versus what your cousin’s brother got for his house last year. Which would you prefer?The Truth can be TrickyOftentimes, we see our home the way we see our kids: Perfect in every way. But if all children are above average, how did they come up with the average in the first place? That’s why a realtor is such an asset in the realm of homes for sale. They’re an objective third party who can examine your home, tell you what’s wrong with it and offer solutions to improve the appearance, thereby boosting the price in the process. After that, buyer critiques of your residence will be rarer than a below average child.They need their SpaceThere’s nothing worse than having some annoying person follow you everywhere as you inspect a home; unless, of course, you ARE that person. Like you, prospective buyers of homes for sale want to feel at ease and unpressured while they ponder their purchase.A realtor can give you that buffer, but when you sell on your own you must be present for every showing. And if buyers can’t spend the quality time they need to picture themselves living in your home, they probably never will.Money, Money, MoneyWhat location is to buying, price is to selling. Assuming you don’t have a Lear jet posted on eBay, your house is the most valuable thing you’ll ever part with. It’s the most frequently cited reason for handling the sale on your own and, ironically, one of the key reasons that you shouldn’t.According to studies, using an agent tends to secure a far higher price than working alone with homes for sale. Even when you factor in the savings on commissions, you’ll still make thousands more with the help of a professional realtor. And unless you’re the one who listed that jet, every thousand counts.There are many other benefits to having a realtor at your side. But in the end, maybe it’s fitting to compare the home selling process to open heart surgery. Apart from being poor choices for a “do it yourself” philosophy, they’re both major life events that, when left to an expert, will leave you healthier, happier and ready to start your new life without missing a beat.