Why Selling Your Hawaii Kai Home On Your Own Is So Hard

By
Real Estate Agent with Valcore Realty Group

When it comes time to sell many Hawaii Kai homeowners think they can do all of the work themselves without a Hawaii real estate agent. The main reason they do this is to prevent having to pay a commission. But in the end, are they really saving anything?

A for sale by owner, known in the real estate industry as a FSBO, will always have to be present for all of the showings. This is because they have to be there to let them buyer prospects in. They have no way to screen potential buyers so they are, in essence, letting strangers roam through their house. This means that they have to be available all of the time, even if it is a last minute notice. If they aren't available, are at work, or on vacation they miss a buyer.

Buyers are reluctant to see these homes without representation. The owners always want to meet the buyer prospects face to face and guide them through the home which makes buyers nervous. Plus, buyers like to have a real estate professional to ask questions to and get advice from.

FSBOs generally overprice their house at least a little because they aren't in tune with the market place. They do not have the up-to-date information on sales, the history of the neighborhood or the current market. They generally price based on what they need or want to get for their home.

Many buyers are relocated by their companies or move toHawaii Kai from another area and are usually working with a buyer's agent. These agents are looking at Hawaii Kai listed homes, and not FSBOs. These buyers do not have the time or desire to look for unlisted homes when there are so many listed ones available. FSBOs are missing out on this entire group of buyers.

Real estate professionals will probably not show these homes because the sellers are not willing to pay a commission. Even if they do agree to pay one, realtors know that they will end up doing almost all of the work since there isn't another agent involved.

A FSBO does not have the marketing resources available that realtors do. An agent listing a home allows every other agent in the nation to gain access to their listing. They are available to answer questions, fax, call and even show your home and negotiate everything from contract to closing.

To learn how to avoid becoming a FSBO, contact us at 888.450.41410 or visit our Hawaii Kai real estate website.

Comments (3)

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Ryan~  Those buyers that want to sell themselves usually don't truly understand all that is involved in getting a home from being listed to being sold! 

Mar 08, 2011 02:17 PM
Social Media Marketing Companies
Seattle, WA

I was born and grew up in Honolulu then moved at the age of 13 (very sad day) because homes where so expensive.  From what i'm hearing the prices on many of the smaller islands are quite affordable now.

Mar 08, 2011 02:23 PM
Chris Wechner
CW Health Inc - Waterford, MI

A lot of real estate investors make the same mistake.

They jump over a dollar to save a dime.  They THINK they're saving money by doing all of the repair work themselves, but they spend more time, overlook important and costly details, and pay more in holding costs.

If they hire a professional, things are done quickly, and they can rent or sell their home sooner.

Mar 08, 2011 02:42 PM