If you want to maximize your sales and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In a sellers’ market like today’s, listing your house on your own can be tempting – known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But the truth is, a real estate professional can save you time and money by managing every step of the process, from pricing your home to reviewing documents and handling negotiations.
Before you decide to sell your house on your own, here are five reasons why working with an agent is your best bet to maximize the sale of your home.
1. First impressions are everything – an agent knows how to make a great one.
Prepping a house for sale requires significant time and effort, even though it may seem simple at first glance. Doing it right to stand out takes expertise and an understanding of what buyers seek. An agent considers things like:
- Should you take down any personal art or pictures?
- How much landscaping should you invest to boost your house’s curb appeal?
- What wall colors are most appealing to buyers?
An expert real estate advisor relies on their experience to answer these questions so you don’t invest in the wrong things. Your time and money are important – you shouldn’t waste either.
2. Agents have tools to maximize the number of views your home gets.
Put, the more buyers view your house, the better your return will be. In our current market, homes are receiving 3.8 offers on average per sale, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). While that’s promising for the sale of your home, it’s important to understand your agent’s role in bringing buyers in.
Agents have multiple tools – from social media to agency resources – to ensure more prospective buyers view your home. Leveraging the tools available to your agent and your agent’s expertise may also help boost your sale price.
3. An agent won’t miss anything in the fine print.
Your agent can also save you time by taking any guesswork out of navigating the required documentation. Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory, meaning the number of legal documents you need to juggle is growing.
Because there’s so much to care for, it can be hard to understand the requirements and the fine print. That’s where an expert advisor can truly shine. They’ve been through the process before and can guide you to avoid costly missteps.
4. Expert advisors know the market and how to price your home.
Another way your agent maximizes the sale of your home is by making sure it’s priced right. Real estate professionals have the experience to compare your house to recently sold homes in your area. They also understand the market and can factor in any upgrades you’ve completed to your home. Combining these factors is the key to ensuring your home is priced to move quickly – and at a competitive price.
When you FSBO, you’re operating without this expertise. Even with your research, you may not find the most up-to-date information and could risk setting a price that’s inaccurate or unrealistic. If you price your house too high, you could turn buyers away before they enter the front door. This could also cause problems when it’s time for the appraisal.
5. Your agent will be an expert negotiator.
In addition to their experience navigating sales, real estate professionals understand how to negotiate every deal aspect. They also know all the parties that will be involved with the sale, including:
- The buyer wants the best deal possible.
- The buyer’s agent will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer.
- The inspection company works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house.
- The appraiser assesses the property’s value to protect the lender.
Real estate agents rely on experience and training to make the right moves during the negotiation. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address each individual’s concerns, and when you may want a second opinion. Selling your house as an FSBO means you must be prepared to have these conversations independently.
Bottom Line.
Selling a house takes time, effort, and expertise – don’t go at it alone. Let’s connect with real estate brokers in Chicago, Illinois, at KM Realty Group LLC to ensure you have an expert to make the most of your sale.
