The Risks of Selling Without A Real Estate Professional

When real estate markets are on the upswing and demand is high, sellers may wonder if they should sell their home by themselves in order to avoid paying a realtor commission.

Following are some of the many considerations that you should take into account before you decide to sell your own home:

 

1.      Pricing your home Pricing a home is an important component of the selling process. A connected local agent has information that is not yet available to the public and has the expertise to avoid pricing mistakes.
According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2012 homes sold using an agent sold      for 20% more than those sold by the owner.

   2. Marketing your home Having a marketing plan and properly executing that plan is more crucial than ever to get the best price when selling a home.

An agent will advise you on what needs to be done to make your home appeal to the broadest group of potential buyers and maximize the sale price.

Statistics show that 90 percent of homebuyers used the Internet during their home search in 2012. Without a savvy listing agent, your property will not appear on the top sites where buyers search, thereby greatly limiting your pool of potential buyers.

3. Handling the transaction A good agent knows how to navigate the legal requirements and other issues related to selling a home and help protect you from being sued after the deal closes.  

The agent can also help you evaluate the offers that you receive, negotiate the terms of the contract and make sure that the transaction stays on track until escrow closes.

4. Time commitment Sellers with busy schedules may be hard pressed to find the time needed to respond to buyers inquire effectively.  A dedicated professional agent has the ability to timely respond to potential buyers.

Selling a home is a big undertaking. Homeowners should fully investigate and understand what it is involved before deciding to sell their home on their own.