Selling Home (fsbo)

[Sweetfudge]

So, we're thinking of selling our townhome, and upgrading to a great new home. We've never done it before. Thinking of doing it w/o a real estate agent.

Any advice?

[tarnalberry]

while you can do it without a real estate agent, based on my experience buying one, I probably wouldn't. there are a number of legal regulations to meet, and blowing one of them is a bid deal. additionally, you can get a lot more when you have a professional to negotiate for you. it's easy to become emotionally invested in the house, and that makes it less likely you'll get the best deal for the house.

of course, that's my own opinion, and plenty of people have done it successfully. at least, I'd make sure you have plenty of time to devote to it.

[flourgirl]

My advice would be to go with the agent. A real estate company is knowlegable about laws, usually have suggestions for lawyers that you can use, has a good grasp on local pricing and best tips on selling. You don't have to do an exclusive, but I think most agents will ask for one. You can also grant an exclusive on a limited time basis. Personally I would be very hesitant to market a house myself. It can be done. The agent on the other hand, takes a percentage, yes, but they do a lot of legwork for it. You may also be able to negotiate that percentage. Talk to several agents if you decide to go that route before you decide on which one. Good luck to you! What an exciting adventure!

[jerseyangel]

We just sold house #9--in 5 days for full price! Yep--in this economy

I would strongly suggest using a realtor specializing in your area for the following reasons: they will bring you the qualified buyers, they will help you set a realistic price and coach you on how to best showcase your home and they will work in tandem with the buyer's agent to make sure all of the paperwork is accurate and complete for both you and your buyers.

If marketing your home is something that you absolutely want to try yourself, I would urge you to retain a lawyer and consider hiring a realtor who would be willing to do the paperwork.

Good luck!

[Crystal Brown]

We just sold house #9--in 5 days for full price! Yep--in this economy

I would strongly suggest using a realtor specializing in your area for the following reasons: they will bring you the qualified buyers, they will help you set a realistic price and coach you on how to best showcase your home and they will work in tandem with the buyer's agent to make sure all of the paperwork is accurate and complete for both you and your buyers.

If marketing your home is something that you absolutely want to try yourself, I would urge you to retain a lawyer and consider hiring a realtor who would be willing to do the paperwork.

Good luck!

Daaaaaang, Jerseyangel..... That is impressive!!! You must be one of them property experts I try and watch HGTV as must as possible.. learning the lay of the land, so to speak. Yet, watching is still not the same as doing *scratches head* - darn

[mommida]

I heard trying to sell by owner is nearly impossible in Utah.

I know there are some ways to use the net for advertising. Craig's list, cheap cycle, zillow are free listings. There are some on-line sites and services you have to pay for.

Good luck!