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 How Do I Sell Without An Agent? 

In today’s market, buying or selling a home can be an overwhelming task. It can be very tempting to just turn over the reins and enlist the help of a real estate agent. You should ask yourself…Why hand over your hard-earned cash to a realtor when you can do the job on your own? The role of a real estate agent is simply to act as an intermediary between you and the buyer/seller. Do I really need an agent? By cutting out the middleman, both parties can save lots of money and potentially even expedite the buying/selling process. Before you get too excited, it’s important to understand the time and effort that is involved. Both buying and selling on your own is a serious undertaking. It involves a substantial time commitment as well as a good deal of planning and research. By eliminating the middleman, you stand to save money and hopefully realize a greater profit. However, also remember that you must now assume the realtor role in addition to your role as the buyer or seller. It’s a great deal of responsibility. There are a number of reasons why you may/may not choose to utilize the services of an agent when looking to buy or sell a home.

As a Seller, what are the advantages to selling on your own?
First and foremost, there is the obvious financial benefit. By assuming the role of realtor, you can pocket the 6% (on average) real estate commission. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000 with a broker, $18,000 of that goes directly to pay the real estate commission. For most of us, that’s a lot of money – money that can certainly be put to better use! Another big advantage to selling your own home is the opportunity to make a quick sale if necessary. Say you’ve already found yourself a new home and need to move in as soon as possible. The pressure is now on to sell your home. By selling the property yourself, you have the option of lowering the asking price (1% - 5%) below the market value. This will clearly attract more buyers. The buyer will now feel like they’re getting a great deal, while you’re still netting more money than you would have had you used a broker. You can maintain greater control and flexibility over all aspects of the transaction. Selling on your own allows you to choose your asking price and determine when and to whom you show your home. Lastly, who knows your home as well as you? You know about that perfect picnic spot in the backyard or that quiet nook for snuggling up with a good book. You’re also most familiar with everything ranging from the neighborhood, the school district, the community, etc. This sentimental connection makes you better equipped to handle the sale of your home and to answer any questions the buyer may come up with.

As a Seller, what are the disadvantages or complications to selling on your own?

• Finding a Real Estate Attorney and/or Title Company
• Determining Your Asking Price for Your Home
• Advertising Your Home
• Negotiating the "Deal"
• Writing a Sales Agreement
• Disclosure - What exactly does that entail?
• Closing - Who coordinates?
The experience of a realtor can offer valuable advice in terms of curb appeal enhancements and how to “show” a house best: must-do interior and exterior improvements, cosmetic repairs, clutter control, etc.