DIY - A Growing Trend?

I've seen some DIY home improvement projects -- it SHOWS!!  Same thing when trying to FSBO/DIY, etc.  And I can't wait for all the DIY lawsuits when the buyer reneges and can't get their earnest money released from escrow, or the seller misrepresents and the "dry" basement isn't . . . all without agent representation. 

Excellent post - very clever and definately DIY is not the way to go in this market!

Hi Melinda,

I love the DIY - very creative! I see many trying projects on their own to avoid paying the going price. Nine times out of ten it comes back to bite them! I believe in paying for the professional to take care of things I don't do on a regular basis. I don't want to end up with a problem. Besides paying everyone for their services is what makes our economy tick!

I too believe in professionals for anything major - but in this tough economy, even I am resorting to DIY for anything that is possible.  This is what happens when business isn't good.  People pull in their horns and start trying to save money - sometimes being what my Grandmother used to call "Penny wise and pound foolish."   Many trying to go it alone for selling their home will be sorely disappointed that it is far harder than they thought.

Good post, I believe the push to DIY is also fueled by the dollars saved, we just don't have the disposable income anymore, and if we can DIY we need to choose carefully where we apply it. Real Estate however, should be left to professionals, but I am biased...

Melinda:

Very nice post. 

Just like the paint that is spattered all over the floor but the do-it-yourself painter, the For Sale by Owner is going to be running into a multitude of problems that he could not have possibly predicted. People are definitely trying to save money in this economy but if you want your home sold you really need to use a professional.

When money is tight and it is a buyers market this will happen more and more.

Have a great day

tony

I myself am all for the DIY. Heck, my husband and I raise our own cattle, and have a big garden.  We really don't shop at the grocery store because we hang out at the farmer's market selling our stuff. I even make my own bisquick and laundry soap!

My other half is the "contractor" for our flips and rentals and I must say he does beautiful work. But he went to vocational school and is certified in several areas such as carpentry, electrical and plumbing.

It takes lots of practice and study to really pull off a DIY project.

Yet, some things you can't make for yourself. Most importantly tolet paper and paper towels!!! I feel, when it comes to real estate, and rentals, Agents are sort of like the paper towels. Yes you can live without them, but who on earth wants to? They are just so handy! There can be so many problems that it actually PAYS to hire a professional when it comes to real estate.

Melinda - there are many people highly qualified for DIY home improvement. Clearly one must know what they are doing or they will likely screw it up and end  up costing them more to have it fixed by a professional.  Real estate is no different ... if a homeowner does not know the market, contracts, disclosures, negotiation skills, etc. a homeowner will lose a lot of money on the sale .... likely far more than the perceived commission saved.

Great Post!  I do also believe that in American Society there is much to be said about accomplishing something yourself rather than hiring out to someone else.  I come from a very different culture where even to install a new TV you would hire someone.

I think that having a good balance of knowing when it is going to be a better return on time/money to hire a professional vs DIY is crucial.  For many things I would be willing and able to do it myself, but when I need a trusted advisor or perhaps a task accomplished that is more complex such as a real estate transaction, I am grateful for the professionals that are willing to help and have the knowledge of the behind the scenes as well as all the intricacies of what happens on the surface.

It's interesting, every seller is entitled to DYI the sale of their home, but the percentage of them doing so is shrinking, even with economic conditions. 

Melinda,

True, the Internet is full of info on everything but it still takes a lot of time to get yourself up to speed to for instance sell a house without getting mauled. Professional representation is strongly urged.

DIY projects are gaining popularity in Dallas.  In addition, there are many resources for materials.

Melinda, very nice post!  One more reason to love short sales:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373649/realtors-here-s-another-reason-why-i-love-short-sales

All my best to you & Go Ducks!

Melinda - During the last real estate recession in the early 1990s, I began to explore DIY myself.  I was amazed at what I found myself capable of doing - even though I am gal - and a "blonde" gal at that. 

There are many wonderful forums and websites on the internet to help you along.  There have been numerous times in the past few years, when I accomplished projects, I would have found daunting before. 

Women can do most anything a guy can, except when weight limits us.  Even then, things can be broken down and made possible for us.  For example, I replaced a wax ring on a toilet.  When I found the entire toilet to heavy to lift, I simply removed the upper tank from the lower part, and cut the weight in half while accomplishing the project.  It took me a little longer, but I was able to yell, "I AM WOMAN" when the mission was accomplished.

As with most DIY projects, when there are no complications, the project is usually successful (atleast to the amateur inspection)...its when things get complicated or unsure when you wish you had a professional  :)

Yeah, and in the age of the Internet almost all buyers are DIY'ers for at least the beginning of the transaction.

Hmmm....interesting post today.

Patricia/Seacoast NH