In a sellers’ market (less inventory / more buyers), some homeowners might be tempted to try to sell their house on their own (known as For Sale By Owner, or FSBO) instead of working with an experienced real estate professional.
When the inventory of homes for sale is as low as it is today, buyers are eager to snatch up virtually any house that comes to market. This makes it even more tempting to FSBO. As a result, some sellers think selling their house will be a breeze and see today’s market as an opportunity to FSBO. Let’s unpack why that could be a big mistake and may actually cost you more in the long run.
According to the “Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers” published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 41% of homeowners who tried to sell their house as a FSBO did so to avoid paying a commission or fee. In reality, even in a sellers’ market, selling on your own likely means you’ll net a lower profit and will take longer to sell, then when you sell with the help of an agent.
The NAR report explains:
That’s a lot of money to risk losing when you FSBO – far more than what you’d save on commission or other fees (Cash i-Buyers Fees and Repair Asks can range from 6% - 13%). Despite the advantages sellers have in today's market, it’s still crucial to have the support of an experienced expert to guide you through the process. Real estate professionals are trained negotiators with valuable insights into the housing and market trends, that average homeowners may never have. An agent’s expertise, can alleviate much of the stress of selling your house and help you maximize your net return.
Bottom Line
Putting a 'For Sale' sign in your front yard and making sure your home is on the MLS is not a strategic marketing plan. The difference between listing a home and marketing a home is crucial to your success and net return. My targeted marketing plan will bring qualified buyers to your listing and bring you top dollar.
Do you need staging, pre-inspection, paint recommendations or vendor referrals? No worries...preparing your home to enter the market is one of my specialties.
If you pressed pause on selling or buying last year, now may be the best time to put your plans back into motion. Contact me today to get the process started. I'd love to help!
Mobile: 919-675-5366
E-Mail: Jean.Scott@kw.com
Two Locations to Better Serve You:
Raleigh: 4700 Homewood Ct., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609
Wake Forest: 1744 Heritage Center Dr., Suite 201, Wake Forest, NC 27587
