Some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on without the assistance of a real estate professional, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

 

5 Reasons You shouldn't "For Sale By Owner"  

 

1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

 

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to FSBO.

 

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
• The appraiser if there is a question of value
• Your bank in the case of a short sale

 

2. Exposure to Prospective Purchasers

 

Recent studies have shown that 92% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 28% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an extensive internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

 

 

3.  Actual Results also come from the Internet

 

Where do buyers find the home they actually purchased?

 

• 43% on the internet
• 9% from a yard sign
• 1% from newspapers

 

The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.

 

4. FSBOing has Become More and More Difficult

 

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 9% over the last 20 years. 

 

5. You Net More Money when Using an Agent

 

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the same commission.

 

Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $184,000 while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $230,000.   This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $46,000 more for your home as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

 

Bottom Line

 

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, call DiPeso Group us and see what we have to offer. You have nothing to loose but money, time and peace of mind. We are your Jersey Shore real estate experts and we look forward to getting your Jersey Shore home SOLD!

 

 

Courtesy KCM