For Sale By Owner Reasons Not to

In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner:

  • The buyer who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
  • The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
  • The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
  • The appraiser if there is a question of value

Selling BY Owner FSBO Has Become More Difficult

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years. The 8% share represents the lowest recorded figure since the National Association of Realtors  began collecting data in 1981.

The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.  Real Estate agents have that through their local, state and National Association of Realtors. Their websites are accurate current information.

You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.

Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $185,000, while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $245,000. This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $60,000 more for your home, as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with a real estate professional in your marketplace and see what they have to offer.

Article from Keeping Current Matters.com “5 Reasons Not to FSBO” Feb2017

Teresa Larson Village Real Estate, Murray UT
20+ years real estate experience
(801)750-5446

 

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About Teresa Larson

Over 20 years real estate experience in the greater Salt Lake City, Utah area. Licensed as an Associate Real Estate Broker in Utah since 2006. Attended ERA Real Estate Top Gun Academy, Certified New Home Specialist. Numerous years of various real estate continuing education. Associates Degree in Business from Salt Lake Community College 2014, Certificate of Proficiency in Web and Graphic Design from Salt Lake Community College 2013. Served the community for 16 years. (1984-2000) as PTA President at Arcadia Elementary, PTA President at Bonneville Junior High, PTA board member for 8 years at Oquirrh Hills, Arcadia Elementary and Bonneville Junior High. Room mother for 12 years! Graduated from Clearfield High School. Currently working at Village Real Estate in Murray, Utah. servicing the greater Salt Lake City, Utah area. Focusing on Salt Lake and Davis counties.