Using An Agent Versus Selling On Your Own
If you would like to sell your single-family home and are uncertain if you should hire a real estate agent or attempt to find a buyer on your own, consider the pros and cons that you may encounter with each selling strategy.
The Listing
If you decide to list your home without the help of an agent, you will have full control of how your listing is prepared and the way that you will market it to your target audience. Listing strategies may involve posting advertisements through an online real estate network and in social media groups. You can also display custom signage in your yard or prepare flyers that can be displayed locally.
An agent will likely use time-tested strategies to sell your home. An agent is aware of the current market trends and will price your home accordingly. If any of your home's exterior or interior features are outdated, you may be advised to make some changes that will make your home look more appealing, and that will help your listing stand out. Upgrades will require an investment on your part, but the additions could wind up being beneficial, and you may be able to sell your home for more money than you initially anticipated.
Tours
If you choose to pursue an FSBO (for sale by owner) transaction, you will be responsible for cleaning your home, staging rooms within it, and setting up tours for interested buyers. This type of situation may work out for you, if you have family support and if you have a lot of free time on your hands and can dedicate the energy necessary to prepare your home and greet those who would like to view it.
If you have any apprehensions about handling the preparations and are not able to commit the time needed to conduct tours, having an agent's assistance may be more appealing. An agent will find out what days and times are convenient to you, for touring purposes. All of the steps leading up to a walkthrough of your home will be addressed by the agent and you may be relieved of most of the prep work, including the staging of rooms within the residence.
An agent may request that you remove some personal items from rooms or that you make arrangements to have your pets stay elsewhere, while a tour is being conducted. It is customary for the homeowner to not be at home during a tour that is given by an agent. By letting an agent handle all of the walkthroughs, your personal schedule will not be affected.
Contact an agent who can help you sell houses to learn more.
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