When someone decides, it’s an appropriate time, to sell their home, they face many relevant decisions. One of the principal ones, is, whether to try to sell it, themselves, in a process, referred to, as For Sale, By Owner, or FSBO, or to hire a licensed, professional, real estate agent, to represent them. Obviously, having been a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, for over a decade, I have a somewhat, biased, perspective, but, this article, will attempt to briefly examine, and consider, both the advantages and disadvantages, of proceeding, in either direction. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, and discuss, the pros and cons of both possibilities.
1. For sale, by owner (FSBO): When one decides, to try to sell his home, by himself, he often, does so, because he believes, he will net more money, because he won’t have to pay a commission. However, it’s important to understand, realize, and recognize, when one, takes this option, he must do all the work, including the marketing, advertising, showing the house, keeping appointments, overseeing and coordination Open Houses, and coordinating all of the many necessities, and functions, of the real estate transaction, process. Because, most homeowners, are somewhat inexperienced, because selling and marketing real estate, is not their personal field of expertise, and they lack the network, etc, of potential buyers, etc, there are often fewer showings, and far fewer qualified, potential buyers. In addition, this do – it – yourself, way of marketing a home, means, a homeowner must be available to dedicate the time and energy, to accompany and show the home. Especially when one works, the opportunities become somewhat more limited, under these circumstances.
2. Hiring the right, real estate agent: When a homeowner hires the right, real estate professional, for his needs, etc, the agent takes care of many of the details, associated with selling and marketing the property! It’s important, however, to recognize, what one pays in commission, often matters, much less than, what he nets, from the sale of the home. Statistically, most studies indicate, homes sold through agents, net a higher selling price (even, after paying commission), than when one sells it, himself. A qualified agent should make certain objective observations and suggestions, in order to create better curb appeal, and show the house, to its best advantage. In addition, when a house, is easier, to show, the numbers, alone, often, create a situation, where it sells, more quickly, and at a better price. However, one of the other, relevant reasons, people hire agents, is the right one, will make the process, less stressful, and considerably more, hassle – free! They will be familiar with the legal, and transaction – related aspects of getting the house, sold!
When one selects the right real estate agent, the individual is there for his client, from the onset, all the way, through, to the end of the transaction process. He will introduce ways, to make this often – stressful period, far less so!
