Being a do-it-yourself real estate seller (or buyer) doesnt make sense when all you want to do is sell your existing home not learn how and what to do to find homebuyers.
In todays market, as home prices rise and a lack of inventory continues, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their homes on their own. This is known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). Unfortunately, being a do-it-yourself real estate seller (or buyer) does not make as much sense when you review the list of things an experienced REALTOR brings to each transaction. Few sellers have the time, or desire, to learn-while-you-go when all anyone wants to do is sell their home and move.
Why FSBO Isnt a Good Idea for Most Sellers
Reason 1: Missed Exposure to Prospective Buyers
According to NARs 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 95% of buyers searched online for a home last year. That is in comparison to only 13% of buyers looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home, do you? Active Adults Realty works hard to bring buyers and sellers together. Additionally, weve created specific resources such as:
Our Sellers Guide
Our Buyers Guide
Our Relocation Guide, a popular favorite for those consider making Delaware their home
Reason 2: Lack of Results from the Internet
The days of selling your house by putting out a lawn sign or putting an ad in the paper are long gone. Where did buyers find the homes they actually purchased?
50% on the Internet
28% from a real estate agent
7% from a yard sign
1% from newspapers
Having a strong Internet strategy is crucial. We approach the process with a marketing plan combined with our years of experience and know-how.
Reason 3: Unprepared in Negotiation
Here is a short list naming some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale by Owner:
The buyer who wants the best deal possible
The buyers agent who solely represents the best interests of the buyer
The buyers attorney, applicable in some parts of the country
The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
The appraiser if there is a question of value
Reason 4: Facing the Difficulty and Overwhelm of Listing for Sale by Owner
The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 7% over the last 20+ years.
Choosing to include an experienced REALTOR from the start sets you up for success plus takes the pressure off remembering everything by yourself. Your real estate professional knows exactly who to contact and when because this is their field of expertise. Your REALTOR will place your best interest forefront, every time. You deserve this peace of mind and assurance knowing nothing has fallen through the cracks.
Reason 5: Getting a Lower Sale Price
Many homeowners believe that they can save on the real estate commission by selling on their own, but they dont realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe that they can save on the real estate agents commission. The seller and buyer cant both save the commission.
A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs dont actually save anything, and in some cases may be costing themselves more, by not listing with an agent. One of the main reasons for the price difference at the time of sale is that,
Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.
If more buyers see a home, the greater the chances are that there could be a bidding war for the property. The study showed that the difference in price between comparable homes of size and location is currently at an average of 6% this year.
Why would you choose to list on your own and manage the entire transaction when you can hire an agent and not have to pay anything more?
Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, lets get together to discuss your needs. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Were here to help.