Should I Sell My Home Myself?

FSBOSome property owners decide to sell their homes themselves to save money on commission. In the real estate world we call this a For Sale By Owner, or FSBO for short.  Do you really end up with more money in your pocket when you sell your home yourself?  According to NAR, National Association of Realtors, the median price of a home sold by a real estate agent last year was $280,000. The median sale price for a “for sale by owner” was $200,000.  So these homeowners could have sold their home for more money. They certainly would have less hassle if they used an agent.

So what are the benefits, other than more money, to working with an agent.

  1. An agent knows the market and can help a seller to set a price for their home that will attract the most buyers.  More buyers means a shorter time period to an offer.
  2. Agent know who to reach out to today’s buyers using up to date marketing and old fashioned marketing that works.
  3. Agents can help with staging advice and refer you to the right service providers so that you home is prepared to excite buyers once they see your home.
  4. An agent can make recommendations to a seller one what improvements might be needed that will pay off in a higher sale price for the home.

Bottom line, Realtors® are professionals that regularly sell homes. Should I Sell My Home Myself? Most homeowners do not have the knowledge to best represent themselves and look out for their best interest in the sale of their home. It is a complicated process and you don’t want to find yourself selling for less than you could. Contact us for help in your next real estate transaction.