1. I can sell your house for more money! According to the 2000 National Association of REALTORS Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, the average FSBO (For Sale By Owner) home sold for $113,000, compared to $129,900 for a sales agent assisted home. This means that even if FSBO were to list instead and pay a (whopping) 7% for commission, they would still realize $120,807 instead of $113,000! 2. I understand how to complete the many contracts, forms and disclosure statements required in a real estate transaction. These forms include lead paint disclosure statement, property condition disclosure statement, purchase contract, legal description of the property, contingency clauses, addendums, and many more. According to the 2000 National Association of REALTORS Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, difficulty with paperwork was the second biggest problem FSBO’s had in selling their home. 3. I do this full time. I do NOT just go into the office for a couple of hours and then hit the golf course. My phone is never off so I can answer all your questions. Realtors generally pre-qualify buyers and when they call and want to see your house and will do everything to accommodate them and you. 4. I have the market knowledge to price your home competitively. Sure, you may know what one or two homes in your area sold for, but you may not have access to the wide number of comps I do or the market knowledge to adjust pricing. According to the 2000 National Association of REALTORS Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, setting the right price was the biggest problem FSBO’s had in selling there home. 5. I can handle criticism of the house and focus on how well the home suits a buyers needs. All homeowners including myself are emotionally attached to their homes and will emphasize the features they consider most desirable during a showing. However as trained professionals, Realtors are more attuned to the buyers' needs and able to highlight the home's features that have the most appeal to each buyer. 6. I can assess a buyer's ability to afford the property and help them locate the best places to obtain financing. Often buyers, especially inexperienced ones, rely on the real estate agent to help guide them through the mortgage process. I also have the tools to pre-qualify buyers so no one wastes any time on buyers that make offers on homes that they can't afford. 7. I know how to negotiate and over come objections. I am well versed in balancing offers and counteroffers, as well as handling many of the contingencies that usually accompany real estate transaction. This alone can make or loose thousands! 8. I can get the transaction closed. Many FSBO’s think that once the purchase agreement in signed, their work is over. Well it's NOT! Before closing depending on the type of financing the buyer has, the FSBO may need a home inspection, termite inspection, title insurance, mortgage insurance, survey, appraiser, set up escrow account, radon inspection, etc. 9. I do more than just use signs in your yard to market your home. Your home will be in multiple internet sites, newspapers, real estate show case books, and my topic of discussion at weekly sales meetings in my office. Other agents through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) will view it for their buyers. I will conduct open houses on weekends (with your permission). Just to name a few marketing strategies. 10. I have the experience to suggest ways to improve the marketability of your home. There are really only 3 things a seller has control over – how they sell their home (what broker), the price and how their home looks. Staging is critical to success. 11. Buyers are more comfortable in viewing a home without the owner present. Most buyers can better visualize themselves in a home if no one else is around. Its safer for the seller to as Realtors generally know a lot about the buyers they let in their cars. Do you know who you might let in your home? 12. Every state has different rules and standards of practice for how transactions are done. Realtors have the experience to guide out of state buyers through the process here. For example, can you explain to a buyer, the difference between an escrow state & table state? 13. I have insurance. If I make a mistake I have what is called Errors and Omissions insurance. What would happen if you made a mistake? |