You don't have to become an expert in property values, mortgages, tax and real estate law, title insurance, escrow, pest-control work, and construction techniques in order to buy or sell a home. Instead, you can hire people who've already mastered these skills. Home buying is a team sport. Your job is to lead and coach the team, not play every position. After you assemble a winning team, your players should give you solid advice so you can make well-informed decisions.

You need to determine which experts are necessary and which tasks you can handle yourself. You are the one who must determine how competent or challenged you feel with the various aspects of the house-selling process.

The players
Here's an overview of the possible players on your team:

• You: You are the most important player on your team.

• Real estate agent: Because the house that you're getting ready to sell is probably one of your largest investments, you want to protect your interests by having someone on your team who knows property values. Your agent's primary mission is to accurately tell you what your house is worth and then negotiate on your behalf to sell it for top dollar.

• Real estate brokerage: All states issue two different real estate licenses: one for salespeople (agents) and one for brokers. Real estate brokers must satisfy more stringent educational and experience standards than agents do. If your real estate agent is not an independent broker or the broker for a real estate office, the agent must be supervised by a broker who's responsible for everything that your agent does within the course and scope of the duties of a real estate sales professional. Your agent's broker will provide back-up support to ensure a successful transaction.

• Property inspectors: Your house's physical condition greatly affects its value. Buyers may insist on having your house thoroughly inspected from roof to foundation as a condition of the purchase. We recommend that you get your house thoroughly inspected before putting it on the market so you know what to expect during any subsequent corrective-work negotiations with the buyer.

• Financial and tax advisors: Before selling your house, make sure that you understand how the sale (and the purchase of another home, if applicable) fits into your overall financial situation.

Each player brings a different skill into the game. Assemble a great team, and they will guide you through any situation that may arise during your transaction. Good players act as advisors and the decision making is your job.