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ToggleWhy wise homeowners choose: 4 reasons to hire a realtor over selling FSBO
There are two approaches to selling a home: hiring a real estate agent who will assist you through every step of the way or selling the home yourself. Both methods have pros and cons; however, empirical evidence indicates that hiring a realtor usually gives faster and more profitable results.
So, if you are a DIY enthusiast thinking of taking the FSBO (for sale by owner) route, we recommend you take a step back and consider the following solid reasons to hire a realtor to help you sell your home.
Realtors Take Care of Complex Paperwork
- Home buying and selling involves a myriad of legal documents and paperwork in general. According to The National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, most FSBOs find it challenging to understand and handle the paperwork on their own.
Real estate agents are professionals with a lot of experience dealing with legal documents such as sales contracts, occupancy agreements, property disclosures, lead paint records, etc. There is no room for errors when it comes to legal paperwork. By hiring a real estate agent, you can outsource this difficult and complicated aspect of the home-selling process to the pros.
Higher Profit Margins Are Guaranteed
- In most cases, the profit margin for FSBO-listed homes is quite less compared to agent-assigned homes. On average, FSBO homes sell for 16 percent less than agent-listed homes. The following factors result in higher sales for agent-listed homes:
- Realtors understand the market very well. They know who their competition is, understand the market situation, and know how to attract the right buyers.
- They have better negotiation skills, which are important if you wish to sell the home for top dollar.
- They know how to market and advertise the home efficiently.
Hiring An Agent is Actually A Cost-Effective Approach
- Most homeowners choose the FSBO route because they believe hiring a real estate agent is an unnecessary expense. Real estate agents usually get a 1.5 – 3% commission on the total sale price. While some may view this as an avoidable expense, keep in mind that hiring a real estate agent actually saves you money in the long run.
How? If you take the FSBO route, you will encounter multiple hidden expenses, such as the cost of marketing material, photography, MLS listing, attorney charges, home inspection, contracts, credit reports, warranty, etc. A real estate agent is a resourceful individual who handles these tasks without costing you an extra dime while also saving you time. Hence, hiring a real estate agent is actually a more cost-effective approach than going FSBO.
Realtors Help Sell Homes Fast
There are usually two goals every home seller wants to achieve: sell the home for top dollar in the shortest time possible. Realtors help you meet both goals. By hiring a realtor, you dedicate an experienced resource to selling your home. Realtors use their professional relationships, resources, and marketing skills to grab the attention of potential clients.
They advertise your home using all available resources and conduct open houses to expedite the home-selling process. All this effort usually culminates in a quick and hassle-free home sale.
- On the other hand, FSBO homes remain on the market for a much longer duration. Empirical evidence indicates that, on average, up to 18 percent of FSBO homes do not sell within the predetermined timeline.
Hence, it is fair to say that between FSBO and hiring a realtor, the latter is the better approach to making a successful home sale. Are you looking for a trustworthy realtor in Morris County? Contact Jackie Scura. We are an experienced team of real estate professionals who provide expert guidance and support throughout the home-selling process. Call us at 973-319-8334 for more information.