Should You Use a Real Estate Agent for Your Home Sale?

For most people, a house is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Yet when it comes time to sell that investment, some opt to do so on their own, without the help of a real estate professional. These do-it-yourselfers are known as FSBOs—short for “for sale by owner.”

It may be tempting to go it alone. But many FSBOs end up listing their home with a real estate agent anyway. That’s because an agent offers many advantages, such as:

• Local market knowledge. An agent knows what other houses are available and will price your house right. She will perform a comparative market analysis to determine its fair market value and will list at a price that will draw buyer interest without compromising value.
• Negotiating skill. Your real estate agent will negotiate on your behalf when you receive an offer—from price to date of possession to any necessary repairs.
• Exposure. FSBOs tend to market a house with signs, newspaper ads and online listings. Yet, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 42% of FSBOs sell to someone they already know. What happens if you don’t know someone looking for a house? That’s where an agent has a huge advantage. An agent has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that lists homes for sale. An MLS listing is seen by other real estate agents—around the world—therefore bringing a tremendous number of buying opportunities to the table.
• Prequalifying buyers. Why open your home to anyone who sees your sign? Your agent will prequalify potential buyers to make sure they are really interested in purchasing and are financially able to do so. That means you don’t have to allow strangers into your home who aren’t qualified or serious.

For more information about selling your home, or for a complimentary comparative market analysis, call our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offices today at 626.358.1858 (Monrovia) or 626.963.7621 (Glendora)