Selling a house is no simple task – especially if you decide to do it on your own and list it as For Sale By Owner, also known as a FSBO. Working with an agent is the best way to ensure you have an expert on your side, guiding you at every turn as you navigate pricing, paperwork, and more. Here are a few things you should consider before putting that For Sale sign up in your yard.

1. Make the Best First Impression

Selling a house requires a significant amount of time and effort, even though it may seem simple at first glance. Doing it right takes expertise and an understanding of what buyers are looking for. A professional considers things like:

Your time and money are important, and you don’t want to waste either one focusing on the wrong things. A real estate advisor relies on experience to answer these questions and more, allowing you to make the right investments to prep your house before you list.

2. Maximize Your Buyer Pool - and Your Sale

Today, the average home is getting 3.9 offers, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

That’s great news if you’re planning to sell, since the more offers you receive, the more likely you are to sell your house in a bidding war, and for a higher price.

Real estate agents have an assortment of tools at their disposal, like social media followers and agency resources, that will ensure your house is viewed by the most buyers. Without access to these tools and your agent’s marketing expertise, your buyer pool – and your home’s selling potential – is limited.

3. Understand the Documentation, Including the Fine Print

Today, when a house sells, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory, meaning the number of legal documents to juggle is growing. It’s hard to understand all the requirements and fine print (especially if you’re not an expert). That’s why your advisor is an invaluable guide.

Your agent knows exactly what needs to happen, what all the paperwork means, and can work through it efficiently. We’ll help you review the documentation and avoid any costly missteps that could happen if you tackle it on your own.

4. Act as Your Expert Negotiator

If you sell without a real estate professional, you’ll also be solely responsible for all negotiations. That means you have to coordinate with:

Instead of going toe-to-toe with all these parties alone, lean on an expert. Your agent relies on experience and training to make the right moves throughout the negotiation. We’ll know what levers to pull, how to address each individual concern, and when you may want to get a second opinion.

5. Price it Right

Real estate professionals have the expertise to price your house accurately and competitively. To do so, we compare your house to recently sold homes in your area and factor in its current condition. When you sell as a FSBO, you’re operating without this advantage. That could cost you in the long run if you price your house too high or too low.

Bottom Line

There’s a lot that goes into selling your house, and it takes time, effort, and expertise to truly do it right. Before you decide to sell your house yourself, let's discuss your options to make sure you get the most out of your sale.