Selling your house on your own—known as “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO)—might seem like an option worth considering. However, in today’s complicated market, it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s likely why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows fewer homeowners than ever are choosing to sell on their own.
Instead, more sellers are opting to work with a real estate agent to navigate the process (see graph below):
Here’s why teaming up with an expert is the preferred choice for many. Selling your home is a major undertaking, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of added responsibilities.
From pricing your home correctly to handling increasing amounts of legal paperwork and creating a strong strategy to attract buyers, the process can quickly become overwhelming. Going it alone often means taking on more than you expected.
Here are two key reasons why working with a professional can make all the difference.
1. Getting the Price Right
One of the biggest challenges of selling a home on your own is setting the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good—you need to get it just right. Price it too high, and buyers might skip over your listing. Price it too low, and you risk leaving money on the table or raising concerns about your home’s condition.
Real estate agents specialize in pricing homes accurately based on today’s market trends. As Zillow puts it:
“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”
With an agent’s expertise in local market conditions, buyer behavior, and recent sales, they’ll help you set a competitive price that attracts buyers. This strategic approach ensures you get the best possible return on your home.
2. Understanding and Managing the Paperwork
Another key challenge in the selling process is managing the increasing amount of paperwork, from disclosure forms to contracts. Each document must be completed accurately, and the legal requirements involved can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them.
This is where an agent’s expertise makes a big difference. They’ve navigated these forms countless times and know exactly what’s required to keep everything running smoothly. Your agent will walk you through each document step by step, ensuring everything is correct and that you fully understand what you’re signing. With their guidance, you can avoid unnecessary stress, errors, and potential delays or legal issues.
Bottom Line
Selling your home is a major decision, and having a trusted real estate agent by your side can make all the difference.
Let’s connect so you’ll have an expert to guide you through everything—from setting the right price to handling all the details. Together, we can simplify the process and help you sell with confidence.
