Things to consider before trying to sell your own home
As a Real Estate professional, I understand the nuances of your particular market and can get the optimum price using my experience, access to marketing programs and knowledge as a Real Estate Professional. You don't really "save" a commission working without a broker because only a Real Estate Salesman has the tools to achieve the best price. Over half of those who try to sell themselves, don't sell it at all, or sell at less than current market value.
While you are looking to save money by selling your own house, buyers are looking to save time by coming to RE/MAX and working with an agent. I have great access to those buyers.
The best chance of getting the most money is by exposing it to the most people – not only the ones who happen to drive by your homemade sign or that happen to read the paper.
Buyers think that they have an advantage when buying from a "For Sale By Owner." They figure that since you are not using a broker and saving on paying a commission fee, they should be able to get your house for less – they see your house as an opportunity to save money.
Are you emotionally prepared to deal with cruising bargain hunters? Will you be able to handle the insulting lo-ball offers and still save the buyer?
Also consider that overpricing your house might discourage legitimate buyers. Additionally it's possible that a lack of knowledge could lead to under pricing your house. In either case, by the time all costs and expenses are paid, considerably less will be netted than if the sale were handled through a broker
Finally when the time comes to negotiate a selling price for your home a broker can justify the price using market facts, knowledge, and experience in response to buyer challenges on price.
Things To Consider About Buyers
You should realize that most buyers employ the help of a Real Estate Professional. It's also important to note that Real Estate Agents are far more likely to bring a buyer to see a house that is listed by an agency than one being sold by owner. As a "For Sale By Owner" - you're probably missing out on the most serious, willing, and qualified buyers.
Agents make sure they are working with buyers who are financially qualified and focused on what they are looking for. This helps to ensure that any prospective buyer for your house has been carefully screened and is definitely interested in the specific type and location of your home. Can you tell a "looker" from a buyer?
Prospective buyers can be lost due to poor qualifying, or as in many cases, contracts are signed with buyers who cannot secure the necessary financing. The contract is not only lost, but so is much valuable time and often expense. This will necessitate starting the selling process all over again, and often at a lower price.
It's a fact that most very qualified and motivated corporate transferees are advised to work only with a Real Estate professional in shopping for a home – I have great access to these transferees.
Most Agents use an Internet service that provides their buyers with a daily update of newly listed properties – unfortunately you cannot be featured in this daily update as a "For Sale By Owner."
"Owner" classified ads reach only a small segment of the potential market. Consider the impact of being featured in a highly recognizable weekly newspaper section and the advantage an extensive marketing plan can provide for your property.
You don't want to risk entrance to your home to "just anyone" in your anxiety to sell. Safety and security for your family and your possessions are very important factors to keep in mind.
Being a part of our market share guarantees legitimate buyers!
Getting Through The Process Successfully
There are significant financial contracts, inspections, contingencies, and special conditions that must be met – you are putting yourself at risk by attempting to execute this type of transaction by yourself.
Are you fully aware of all liability of seller disclosure of property conditions and hazardous contents, such as lead paint or asbestos - I will provide the appropriate legal forms for the transaction and manage all of the paperwork.
Are you equipped to negotiate effectively, face to face? Will a buyer feel comfortable negotiating with you? Often buyers can feel intimidated by negotiating directly with the seller. Also, it's very difficult to be an OBJECTIVE negotiator with you own home. Emotional involvement makes this nearly impossible.
Owners showing their own homes can intimidate buyers. Buyers don't want to invade your privacy or criticize your home and offend you. Therefore, they won't ask the questions that might be most important to them, and that presents problems. For instance, people who want to inspect closets, cupboards and bathroom cabinets might not feel comfortable which can dampen their interest.
Many buyers feel that the owner has no future interest in them, while a Real Estate Agent definitely does. The owner sells, moves away and no local personal contact can be established in case any problems arise that were not evident at the time of purchase. The buyer knows that the Real Estate agent has a future interest in him as a satisfied customer, as a source of referrals and in case the buyer later has to move, in getting the selling representation for the house. This feeling of no long-term reliability can deter or prevent a buyer from negotiating directly with an owner. Hence a buyer is more willing to accept the representations of the Real Estate Salesman.
I will be there to relieve you of all of the cares and responsibilities of selling your home for the top price.
You are always better off staying within your own area of expertise, and using professional specialists in areas of major importance. This is one of the most important transactions you'll ever make. Don't be a "do it yourselfer" here.
