I have several clients every week who are looking to sell their current home and move into another. The most common question that I hear from them is:
Do you think we should list our house with a Realtor, or do you think we should list it ourselves?
Everyone wants to hear that trying to sell a house by owner is the best thing to do because it saves money. However, you have to think of it on a broader spectrum, not just the "cash in hand" aspect of the sale; you also have to consider marketing expenses, time on the market (a.k.a. mortgage payments), the fact that you have no contract negotiation experience which could lead to serious trouble, and all the miscellaneous stress that comes with selling your home by yourself.
Let's put it this way; these people are basically calling for a referral. They are asking me to advise whether I would use a Real Estate Agent, or "whatever they do for a living" when dealing with their biggest asset. To be honest, would you rather list your house with a Real Estate Agent (and trained professional), or someone that learned a few things on HGTV?
Bottom line: use a professional, and list with a Realtor. It will save you time, money, and (most importantly) your sanity!
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