When it is time to sell how do you decide which way to go and who with? For some it is so simple they choose the traditional methods of selling while others the less traditional ways.
There is no right or wrong...just options. The traditional method is a real estate brokerage and Realtor. Some of the less traditional ways is the For Sale By Owner option. We can evaluate the difference but that would be stating the obvious. The real difference is commission. You can talk about marketing plans, slide shows, brochures, yard signs, advertising, 800 numbers, paperwork, title companies and all the rest but now each have the same or similar types of options.
The next issue is experience, not all licensed Realtors are experienced. Not all sellers are capable of representing themselves either. So you have to evaluate your situation. Can you represent yourself? Will you fill out the paperwork correctly? That is the number one thing wrong according to title companies. The paperwork is filled out wrong. The other area that seems to be a problem is the disclosures. Michigan has very specific disclosure requirements and there are some required federal forms as well.
The number one driving force for most seller to choose to act as a For Sale By Owner is the commission savings. For the most part you can save just shy of 50% by selling on your own. You will have to offer a buyers agent some commission to bring buyers. You will not be able to list your property on the MlS without some type of commission offering to buyer agents.
Many companies have tried to help sellers by holding workshops or seminars to add to their knowledge base. The one element that a Realtor has is training. They do have book training, unless they are experienced you may have as much negotiation training. So the bottom line is evaluating your situation and make a decision based on your needs and requirements.
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