Are You Selling "For Sale By Owner" Consider "Not" & Save Time & Money

Are You Selling "For Sale By Owner" Consider "Not" & Save Time & Money

When you decide to sell your home, For Sale By Owner ("FSBO") everyone knows why...it isn't rocket science, you want to save money...right??  Let me offer a few statistics and personal observations experience has given me over the years.

According to the National Association of Realtors only 10% of all home sales in 2011 were "FSBO" related and that the average sale price was $150,000 while sales involving Realtor assistance or representation averaged $215,000.  Clearly I think, there is more to selling, marketing or bringing your home to the attention of those who want to buy and for more money.  Realtors have a great many resources and tools at their disposal to help you sell your home faster, and for more, saving you your hard earned equity or possibly from having to bring money to the closing table as we slowly emerge from a difficult housing market.

A good agent will probably list your home on dozens of websites, give you social media exposure, your home should easily be found on the first page of a Google Search.  Single property websites, blogging about your home, QR Codes, the list goes on of available tools used by a real estate agent.  You notice that I didn't mention yard signs, newspaper ads, flyers...these are all things that a "FSBO" will use as well as the Realtor, but one thing most agents realize is that print...newspaper ads, are not cost effective with only about 6% of buyers finding their home in the papers compared to 90% of buyers finding their home online.  My company website (there are several) receives about 135,000 hits a month...we take online presence very seriously.  I've only had a hand full of calls generated over the last couple of years because of Open House ads.

A good Realtor knows what it takes to present your home to the home buying public and has the time to do it.  From needed repairs, knowing the required paperwork to the all important "getting your house priced right", and making sure the person submitting an offer on your home can qualify for a mortgage.  

One last thing to consider; I began this post saying that everyone knows why you are selling "FSBO"...to save money.  Buyers know this and know you are not paying the Realtors brokerage fee.  The buyer is going to figure out what that might be and reduce it from your list price plus any other reason they can think of to reduce the offer...and it really doesn't matter where you price your home selling "FSBO"...you are still going to get penalized by the buyer.  Price your home too high and you won't get any offers or showings...price it where you think it should be without the aid of an agent and you'll still get dinged for not having an agent.  Realtors know the questions to ask and how to negotiate the best price and terms on your behalf, if you're still undecided give me a call or send an email...I'll answer your questions and show you a better way to keep more money in your pocket.

 

 If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area.