|
Thinking
of selling your own property? Think again: a REALTOR®
can save you money
 At
first glance, it seems like selling your home
yourself is a simple matter. Why do those REALTORS®
have to charge those pesky commission rates? You
could do the work yourself. Even better, you would
even save money.
The reality: selling a home is a complicated
process that is anything but easy. It can be time
consuming and costly if you settle for less than
your home is worth. In fact, national statistics
indicate that only five percent of all for sale
by owners (which represent about seven percent
of the total market) sell without the assistance
of a REALTOR®. This means that
only one out of 20 results in a completed sale.
Furthermore, 93% of available homes are in the
hands of REALTORS®.
When you try to sell your home yourself, you’re
limiting potential buyers. A serious buyer wants
to look at all available property. Sometimes,
a seller will price his home incorrectly. If it’s
too high, it could stay on the market longer than
necessary. Over time, the house may become viewed
as defective or a “problem.” The price
may have to be reduced. You could wind up getting
far less than you planned. If the price is too
low, you’ve just wasted all your time and
energy, along with valuable dollars.
For many for sale by owners, it’s a familiar
lament after an open house: “I got lots
of people, but most were just looking.”
“They wanted it for a song.” In fact,
prospective buyers and bargain hunters may want
a price reduction because there is no REALTOR®
involved? Finding qualified buyers – someone
who is ready, willing, able and excited about
your home – is a challenge.
Most of the errors made when individuals try
to sell their homes themselves center around the
following areas:
- Incorrect understanding about market conditions
and pricing.
- Relying on inappropriate advertising and
marketing that does not generate buyers.
- Incorrect understanding of how both the home
buying and home selling processes work.
- Ineffective ways to determine qualified buyers
Why not consider a professional REALTOR®?
This individual can save you money. That’s
because he or she has the following credentials:
- Understands market conditions and has access
to the most current information.
- Will place, and pay for effective advertising
in the right places, for the best results.
- Will price your home realistically, to give
you the highest price.
- Will create demand for your home.
- Knows how to screen potential buyers, and
eliminate the bargain shoppers.
- Is experienced in negotiation.
- Is always on call, and available at all times
to show your home.
- Remains objective when presenting offers
and counter-offers.
- Listens to your needs, respects your opinions
and allows you to make decisions.
- Understands the real estate industry, from
both the buyer and seller perspective.
- Will protect your rights.
- Will handle the numerous details involved
in the sale of your home.
- Can recommend a real estate lawyer to take
care of your interests.
- Is experienced with resolving problems to
ensure a successful closing.
- Will use his network of real estate resources
to place your home before the most qualified
buyers.
- Will adhere to a professional code of conduct,
established by local and national associations.
- Will recommend improvements that can increase
the price you’ll receive on your home.
- Will submit offers, negotiate prices and
handle paperwork of the transactions.
|
|
|
