When you decide to sell your home you should consider your options. The traditional method of using a real estate agent is the safe route but can be expensive. The for-sale-by-owner or FSBO method can save you thousands of dollars but might be more work than you expect. Let’s look at the two methods in detail so that you can make an informed decision
Using a real estate agent is the easiest method because you have someone who is trained to sell your home for you. A real estate agent can guide you through each step of the selling process. Your involvement is at a minimal when a real estate agent is in charge. There are several big advantages to using a real estate agent when selling your home.
Real estate agents can market your home using the Multiple Listing Service or MLS. This service allows agents to market your home to other agents and on the internet. Only real estate brokers may list a home on the MLS service. This service is one of the best ways to market your home. When an agent is trying to find a home for a buyer they will use the MLS to look for potential homes. There are thousands of websites that use the MLS listings for content. This means that when you home is listed on the MLS it will be listed on hundreds of websites. Being able to list your home on the MLS is one of the greatest advantages of listing your home with a real estate agent.
Real estate agents will show your home for you. You won’t have to be at home for others to see it. Your agent will take care of showing your home and arranging for other agents to show your home. This is a great time saver. Imagine a hot buyer wanting to see your home in the middle of the day while you are at work. Do you want to have to leave work every time someone wants to see your home?
One of the biggest advantages of using a real estate agent is that they will negotiate for you and handle the paperwork. Selling your home by yourself can be tricky if you don’t understand real estate contracts. You don’t want to lose thousands of dollars or the sale because you don’t understand the contract. Real estate agents can help you get to the closing table.
Selling a home via FSBO has its obvious advantages. Selling your home with a real estate agent will cost several thousand dollars. If you are lucky enough to sell your home FSBO then you will save thousands of dollars. The downside of selling FSBO is that it takes a lot of work. You will have to show your home when someone wants to see it. You will need to be able to negotiate the contract and get everyone to the closing table. You will also need good marketing skills. Selling FSBO is difficult and seldom works.
I would suggest you consider using both methods. You can get the benefits of both methods by using a flat flee service. These services take a flat fee, usually around $500 to sell your home. This method allows you to list on the MLS, use an agent to negotiate the contract, and save a few thousand dollars. This method uses a real estate broker to list your home and do the paper work. If an agent brings a buyer you will have to pay 2 or 3 percent commission but if you sell it yourself then you save the commission.
Take a look at your options before selling your home. Consider the advantages of each and pick the one you are most comfortable with.
