Why You Should Not Sell Your House on Your Own in 2021

Lisa Wenzel February 8, 2021

 
There are many benefits to working with a Downers Grove real estate agent when you sell your house. During these challenging times, it becomes even more important to have a real estate expert you trust to help guide you through the selling process. If you’re considering selling your house on your own, (For Sale By Owner – FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items.
 

Your Safety Should Always Come First

Your safety is a priority, especially during the current pandemic. It is difficult to control entry into your home when you are selling your home by owner. A Downers Grove real estate agent will have the proper protocols in place to protect your belongings but your health. From regulating the number of people in your home at one time to ensuring proper sanitization during and after a showing, real estate agents are equipped to follow standards recommended by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to help protect you and your potential buyers.
 

A Digital Marketing Strategy Attracts Buyers

43% of all buyers start the buying process by searching online. Once they contact a realtor, the searches increase to 97%. Today, those numbers have grown exponentially. Wenzel Select Properties has developed a strong Internet and social media strategy to promote the sale of your house.
 

Negotiating

If you decide to sell your own home, you will need to negotiate with the following people:
 
  • The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent, who represents the best interest of the buyer
  • The inspection company, who works for the buyer and will find challenges with the house
  • The appraiser, if there is a question of value
Downers Grove real estate agents know how to negotiate every aspect of real estate.
 

Is Your Buyer Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?

Having a buyer who wants to purchase your house is the first step, but can they afford it? If your home is For Sale by Owner (FSBO), it’s almost impossible to be involved in the mortgage process of your buyer. A Downers Grove real estate broker is trained to ask the appropriate questions and will be aware of the purchaser’s mortgage commitment. It is important to work with an agent who works with mortgage lenders every day to guarantee your buyer makes it to the closing table.
 

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Is Becoming More Difficult from a Legal Standpoint

The documentation involved in the selling process is growing as more disclosures and regulations become mandatory. A real estate agent acts as a third-party to help the seller avoid legal jeopardy. This is one of the major reasons why the percentage of people who sell their own homes has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.
 

You Net More Money When Using a Downers Grove Real Estate Agent

Many homeowners think they’ll save money from the real estate agent’s commission by selling on their own. But the seller and buyer can’t both save on the commission.
 
A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that people who try to sell their home on their own don’t actually save anything by forgoing the help of an agent. In some cases, the seller may even net less money from the sale. The study found the difference in price between a person who sells their home on their own and an agent-listed home was an average of 6%. One of the main reasons for the price difference is effective exposure.
 
Homes for sale that are listed with a Downers Grove real estate broker will be available online through MLS and other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. The MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.
 
The more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance a bidding war will take place, potentially driving the price higher, too.
 

Rethink the FSBO Process

If you were thinking about selling your own home, you may want to rethink the FSBO process. Listing on your own leaves you to manage the entire transaction by yourself. Why do that when you can hire a real estate agent and still make the same amount of money? Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling your house on your own, contact an agent at Wenzel Select Properties to discuss your options.
 
Wenzel Select Properties is located at 4941 Main Street in Downers Grove, Illinois. Our real estate office is in the heart of downtown Downers Grove. We are just minutes away from Interstates 88, 355, 55, 290, and 294. Wenzel Select Properties real estate brokers are available to meet with you 7 days a week – Monday through Sunday. Call a real estate agent from Wenzel Select Properties today at (630) 430-4790.

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