Last week your "For Sale By Owner" ad appeared for the first time. A family just called you back saying they want the house. Hoorah! They've asked you to hold the house until next Friday and will be "in touch" soon. What do you do now?

As a rule, agreements for the sale of real estate must be in writing to be enforceable. The agreement states the purchase price, details of financing, closing date, possession date, and other information. Buyers should also offer a substantial earnest money deposit as evidence of their serious intent.

As long as both buyers and seller are in perfect agreement, a verbal agreement could be consummated. If either buyers or sellers disagree on any point, however, the transaction would not be enforceable.

Consider this. Sincere buyers, who truly intend to keep their end of the bargain, have no qualms about signing a written agreement or offering earnest money. If they hesitate, you might ask whether they are really serious buyers.

A real estate agent can represent your interests by qualifying buyers and preparing an agreement of sale. Marketing your home at the best possible price and terms is important too. Your agent understands the local real estate market and is able to provide buyers qualified to purchase your home. Take no shortcuts. To sell your home, be represented by an agent.