For Sale By Owner: The Danger of Selling Without a Real Estate Agent

Selling a home without a real estate agent can be much harder than it looks. Real estate agents play a central role in the sale process, and when real estate agents are removed from the process, homeowners often discover the learning curve is steeper than they anticipated.

In addition, real estate agents have access to systems and data that many homeowners do not. Without this access, selling a home can be difficult and frustrating. If you're a homeowner who is thinking about selling your home without a real estate agent, here are some of the problems you might encounter.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Pricing

Pricing a property isn't easy. Many real estate professionals price homes by examining the sale of comparable properties in the area. They also consider factors like location, condition of the home, local economy and presence of nearby schools.

Many homeowners are inclined to price their home higher than buyers will pay. Sometimes homeowners do this because they're attached to their house, other times they simply hope to make more money than is realistic. Either way, pricing the house incorrectly can delay the sale and deter buyers. Working with a real estate professional can prevent this from becoming a problem.

Marketing

Real estate agents are trained to market homes. They also have access to various websites that many homeowners do not, and are able to list homes on websites that buyers frequently check. Homeowners who try to list their home for sale without help from a real estate agent may have a hard time attracting buyers because they simply can't market their home like a real estate agent. This can make selling the house take much longer than is necessary.

Negotiating

Negotiation is a big part of the home sale process. When an offer is made, a homeowner who is selling their home on their own must know how to communicate with the agent representing the buyer. This process can be intimidating for homeowners who have little or no negotiation experience.

Even homeowners who have experience negotiating sales in other circumstances may feel out of their depth when it comes to negotiating the home sale. This can be a disadvantage for a homeowner who is selling their home without help from a real estate agent. Some homeowners may give in too easily to the requests of the buyer. Other homeowners may not know when to compromise, which could drive away buyers. Having a real estate agent throughout the negotiation can help.

Paperwork

Paperwork is a big part of selling a Parkview home. Often, the paperwork is confusing. Real estate agents can help homeowners understand the paperwork, to ensure that it's filled out properly. Homeowners who sell their home without a real estate agent can make mistakes that could delay or disrupt the sale process. Having a real estate agent to check and explain paperwork can help ensure the process will go well.

Contact a Real Estate Professional

If you'd like to sell your home sometime in the coming months, contact a real estate agent for advice and information. You're under no obligation to hire the real estate agent you speak with, but the agent can still pass along information that will help you with the process. Call today to find out more.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.