Although the “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) method may seem like a great way to save thousands of dollars when you sell your home, there are many complications that can arise. According to the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, 36% of homeowners who decided to FSBO last year did so to avoid paying a commission or fee. Yet, homes that were sold with an agent net 6% more than those sold as a FSBO according to Collateral Analytics! Many sellers think that working with an agent is the costlier option and don’t realize the value real estate professionals bring to the table. Read on to find out why you should consider hiring a real estate agent to handle the transaction.
1. Agents Can Help Increase Your Sale Price
Agents can walk through your home and point out the possible changes you need to make in order to attract buyers and get the best offers. Before showing your home to buyers, agents will assist you with staging your home properly and help you determine whether you need to de-clutter, add some decorative items, or simply give your home a thorough cleaning.
2. Exposure to More Buyers
We all have our own connections but when you choose to hire a real estate agent you are gaining access to their large network including other agents who have active buyers looking for homes, their past clients and acquaintances that can bring the largest pool of potential buyers to your home.
3. Pricing Your Home Correctly
Your agent will create a comparative market analysis (CMA) to review comparable homes in the area that are currently on the market, pending, or have recently sold. This will give you more information on what buyers are willing to pay for homes that are similar to yours in the area and helps set your home at a competitive price.
4. Negotiating Experience
Real estate agents have specialized experience negotiating a home sale. They know the market and what’s currently driving demand, giving them an advantage by knowing what is worth negotiating for and what isn’t. Sellers can benefit from an agent who will represent their interests without turning off potential buyers who may be interested in negotiating the price.
5. Service and Expertise
The real estate industry has its own language, full of acronyms and real estate jargon, and your agent is trained to speak that language fluently. Real estate agents have the vast experience and knowledge of the forms, reports, disclosures, and contracts that go along with selling your home.
Selling your home will likely be one of the biggest transactions of your life. Having a professional who has been through dozens of transactions before to guide you through the process is a simple step that will give you a huge advantage. Click here to learn how you can sell your home with confidence with Keefe Real Estate.
Source: Keeping Current Matters & Investopedia.com
