Are you considering selling your home and weighing the options between hiring a real estate agent or going the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route? It’s a decision that can significantly impact your selling experience and ultimately affect your bottom line. In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages of selling your home with a real estate agent compared to selling it FSBO, backed by numbers and statistics.
1. Pricing Expertise:
- Real Estate Agent: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sold with the assistance of a real estate agent typically sell for a higher price than FSBO properties. On average, homes sold with an agent sell for 6% higher than FSBO properties.
- FSBO: Without access to real-time market data and pricing expertise, FSBO sellers may struggle to accurately price their homes, leading to underpricing or overpricing, which can deter potential buyers and result in longer days on market.
- Homes sold For sale by owner are also far less likely to sell for more than their asking price. According to a study done by Clever, The typical FSBO home sells for close to $100,000 less than a sale through a realtor
- Another study by Clever found that homes sold with a realtor earned their owners an average profit of $189,127 — or $46,603 more than homes sold without an agent ($142,524).[6]Takeaway: Sellers who use a realtor often sell homes for the full asking price (or higher),contrasting with FSBO sellers who frequently have to lower their initial asking price.
2. Marketing Exposure:
- Real Estate Agent: Agents have access to extensive marketing resources and platforms to promote your home to a broad audience of qualified buyers. This includes MLS listings, professional photography, virtual tours, social media promotion, and targeted advertising campaigns. The Assets Real Estate Team spends a minimum of tens of thousands per month to ensure their clients homes are receiving their maximum marketing,
- FSBO: FSBO sellers are limited in their marketing reach and may rely on traditional methods such as yard signs, classified ads, and online listing sites. Without access to professional marketing tools and strategies, FSBO properties may struggle to gain visibility and attract buyers.
3. Negotiation Skills:
- Real Estate Agent: Agents are skilled negotiators with experience in navigating complex real estate transactions. They can negotiate effectively on your behalf to secure the best possible price and terms for your home, maximizing your profit and protecting your interests.
- FSBO: FSBO sellers may lack the negotiation skills and expertise needed to navigate offers, counteroffers, and contingencies effectively. Without professional representation, FSBO sellers risk leaving money on the table or encountering disputes that can derail the sale process.
4. Time and Convenience:
- Real Estate Agent: Selling a home can be a time-consuming and complex process, from pricing and marketing to showings, negotiations, and closing. By hiring a real estate agent, you can save time and reduce stress by delegating these tasks to a knowledgeable professional who will handle the details on your behalf.
● FSBO: Selling a home FSBO requires significant time and effort on the part of the seller, from preparing the property for sale to scheduling showings, responding to inquiries, and managing paperwork. FSBO sellers must be prepared to invest time and energy into every aspect of the selling process.
5. Legal Protection:
- Real Estate Agent: Real estate transactions involve legal contracts, disclosures, and regulations that must be adhered to for a successful sale. Agents are familiar with state and local laws governing real estate transactions and can ensure that all legal requirements are met to protect you from potential liabilities.
- FSBO: FSBO sellers may be at risk of legal issues and liabilities if they fail to adhere to legal requirements or disclose material defects in the property. Without professional guidance, FSBO sellers may overlook important legal considerations that can lead to costly consequences.
Conclusion:
While selling your home FSBO may seem like a cost-saving option, the advantages of working with a real estate agent far outweigh the potential savings. From pricing expertise and marketing exposure to negotiation skills and legal protection, agents offer invaluable benefits that can streamline the selling process and maximize your profit. When it comes to selling your most valuable asset, trust the expertise and experience of a qualified real estate professional to achieve optimal results. For personalized assistance and expert guidance on selling your home, contact The Assets Real Estate Team today. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market and achieve your selling goals with confidence and peace of mind.