Question: If it’s true that there are more home buyers than there are homes for sale, then why should I pay an agent to sell my home? I’m thinking about and just paying an agent to do the paperwork. What are your comments?
Answer: In spite of how TV shows make the process seem so easy, there is so much more to successfully selling a home than just staging with fresh flowers on the table and the aroma of fresh baked cookies filling the kitchen.
Closing the sale properly is a journey that requires skilled guidance. That is why most people rely on an experienced real estate brokerage to not only handle the myriad of paperwork involved in a real estate sale, but to also handle about 180 typical actions including research, procedures, processes and reviews. So if you try to sell your home without an agent, you either must do all of these things yourself or they won’t get done. That could spell trouble for both you, as the seller and your buyer.
I imagine the reason that many ‘For Sale by Owners’ want to sell their home without being represented by a REALTOR is because they think they will save the commission. However, it has been proven time and again that a seller will actually put more money in their pocket by hiring a real estate agent who is a member of the local Multiple Listing Service. In today’s market, exposure to all potential buyers in your price range could bring you in several offers to choose from.
A skilled agent will negotiate on your behalf to net you the highest price, with the most favorable terms for your situation. Keep in mind that many buyers make offers on properties that they never actually buy, either because they can’t qualify or have buyer’s remorse. A good and experienced agent can often spot ‘red-flags’ in the early stages of a transaction to help avoid costly delays or even worse, litigation.
The bottom line is this, your home is probably one of the largest investments you’ve ever made and you are probably not the best negotiator on your own home. If the buyer comes with an agent representing them, then who is looking out for your interests? Add to that all the heavy regulations regarding real estate transactions, the extreme importance of proper disclosures and the complexities of making certain your buyer is ready, willing and able to close the transaction. Why would you ever want to go it alone?
