If you’re considering selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), you should think about whether it’s really worth the extra stress. Going this route means shouldering a lot of responsibilities by yourself – and, if you’re not an expert, it opens the door for mistakes and can quickly become overwhelming.
A report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights two key areas where people who sold their homes themselves struggled the most: pricing and paperwork.
Here are just a few of the ways an agent makes those tasks a whole lot easier.
Getting the Price Right
Setting the right price for your house is crucial. When selling your house on your own, two common issues can arise: overpricing or underpricing. Either mistake can make it hard to sell your house. According to NerdWallet:
*“When selling a home, first impressions matter. Your house’s market debut is your first chance to attract a buyer, and it’s important to get the pricing right. If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing.
. . . But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table. A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as they may wonder if there are any underlying problems with the house.”*
To avoid these problems, team up with a real estate agent. Agents know how to figure out the perfect price because they have a deep understanding of the local housing market. They’ll use their expertise to set a price that matches what buyers are willing to pay, giving your house the best chance to impress from the start.
Understanding and Performing Paperwork
Selling a house involves a significant amount of paperwork and legal documentation that must be done correctly. There are numerous rules and regulations to follow, making it tricky for homeowners to manage everything on their own. Without a professional by your side, you could end up facing liability risks and legal complications.
Real estate agents are experts in handling all the contracts and paperwork needed for selling a house. They know the rules and can guide you through everything, reducing the chance of mistakes that might lead to legal problems or delays. As an article from First American explains:
“To buy or sell a home you need to accurately complete a lot of forms, disclosures, and legal documents. A real estate agent ensures you cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’ to help you avoid having a transaction fall through and/or prevent a costly mistake.”
So, instead of dealing with the growing pile of documents on your own, team up with an agent who can be your advisor, helping you avoid any legal bumps in the road.
Closing Thoughts
Selling a house on your own can cost you a lot of time and stress. Let’s connect so you have help with all the finer details, including setting the right price, handling all the paperwork, and so much more. As your trusted real estate agent in Miami, I’m here to take that stress off your plate and ensure a smooth, successful sale.
