Going For Sale By Owner

What you should know about For Sale By Owner

Question

Selling on your own

Have me work for you

Should I go it alone?

If you are like most people, selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever experience. Unfortunately, the process of selling a home is now more complex and time consuming than ever. Therefore, in order to be successful, you often need extensive marketing, financial and legal experience. In many cases, unless you are an expert home seller, going the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route can be a frustrating and potentially costly experience.

In today's litigious society, it has become imperative that all matters relating to the sale of the property (physical conditions, history, zoning, taxes, etc.) be accurately and fully disclosed. Overlooking even one form or required disclosure may lead to an expensive claim. I'll be able to provide assistance with these matters. These days, you don't want just anyone knocking on your door and touring your home. The best way to help keep you and your family safe is to have someone like myself by your side. I will accompany all potential buyers as they tour your home and will handle all the negotiations.

How much time is involved?

If you do choose to sell your home yourself, be prepared to stay close to home for days, weeks, or maybe months to show your home. You'll also need to be accessible during regular working hours when most showings occur.

You already lead a hectic life. Why not let me work for you and save you time, frustration, and money? By working with me you'll have access to a comprehensive array of services, designed to uniquely market your home at the right price with the least amount of inconvenience to you. I'll be supporting you all the way.

How much should I ask for my home?

Researching what other homes in your area sold for is time consuming and many times difficult. You will need to compare your home to those that are in the area, similar style, and similar size and condition. Seller's sometimes factor in the sentimental values they hold for their homes and price too high.

The pricing of your home is perhaps the most crucial factor in making a sale. Although you and I can set the price, buyers determine the value. They'll compare your home and your asking price to similar homes on the market. If your price doesn't stack up, they may reject it and move on to the next listing. And the longer your property sits on the market, the less marketable it becomes. Buyers will begin to wonder if something is wrong with it. The main reason homes stay on the market too long is due to the pricing them too high. Together, we will set the correct price.

How do I prepare my home to sell?

You have lived in your home for many years and like how it looks. What you consider part of your home decor may appear as clutter to a perspective buyer. Some problems with the home may seem small to you, but not the buyer.

The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference between success and failure. Buyers tend to judge homes by cost and "move-in" quality. The less they have to do to move in the better, and the more they are willing to pay. I can help you to see your home through buyer's eyes and suggest simple repairs and improvements to maximize space and attract as many buyers as possible.

How do I market my home?

Advertising you home for sale will require money upfront that you may not have. Buyers may be leery of contacting you or intruding upon your home. Potential buyers might also be intimidated looking at your home when you are present and feel uncomfortable negotiating directly with you.

In most markets, finding qualified buyers will require more than the standard yard sign, classified ad and open house. In fact, according to The National Association of Realtors®, 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. Since many sales involve out-of-town buyers, marketing a home requires exclusive connections and a strategic plan that I will be able to help you with. At the very least, you should have your home listed within the multiple listing service (MLS), which is only open to licensed real estate agents, like myself. I will spend time behind-the-scenes targeting serious buyers and making the best of your prime selling period.

Who is looking at my home?

Many of the perspective buyer's coming to see your home will be strangers. Are you and your family prepared for this?

These days, you don't want just anyone knocking on your door and touring your home. The best way to help keep you and your family safe is to have someone like myself by your side. I will accompany all potential buyers as they tour your home and will handle all the negotiations. And for your safety, all showings will be scheduled through my office.

How do I know if a buyer is qualified to purchase my home?

Are you comfortable asking a perspective buyer if they are pre-approved for a mortgage? Do you have a list of several mortgage lenders that may help? Some buyers feel more comfortable discussing this with a professional.

Cleaning your home every time someone wants to look at it is a lot of work. To save you time and unnecessary traffic through your home, I can help pre-screen buyers to ensure they are motivated to buy and are financially prepared and pre-approved to do so.

How do I negotiate the final sale price?

As with setting the asking price for your home, sentimental feelings may play a role in your negotiations.

Reaching an agreement and closing the deal between you and the buyer requires complete objectivity and a thorough understanding of deeds, abstracts, offers, contingencies, disclosures, title searches, etc.. As a skilled negotiator, I'll keep your best interests in mind and improve your chances of selling your home at the price that brings you peace of mind.

As the agent of your choice, I will listen and focus on your needs. I have solid understanding of the current marketplace and I am confident that we will work together to achieve a successful selling experience for you.