Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the process can be overwhelming without the help of a trusted professional. For sellers in particular, you might be considering going it alone and attempting to ‘For Sale By Owner’ or ‘FSBO.’ But don’t be fooled, the process is not as easy as it may seem! Hiring an experienced real estate professional is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to what may be your largest financial transaction.
Your All-In-One, Multiple Hat-Wearing Project Manager
Your home is likely your largest financial asset, and as such, selling your home is going to be a big project to manage. From the in depth paperwork, the listing, staging, marketing, negotiations…the list goes on! To make sure all these things are taken care of properly and keep your sale on track all the way through closing, you need someone who’s experienced and can answer all your questions along the way. A real estate professional knows the ins and outs of the home selling process, as well as the local real estate market, and will help educate you and guide you through the process to ensure your dream becomes a reality!
Hire a Professional, Higher Price
When inventory is low, like it is in the current market, one could argue that your home will sell for top dollar with or without a real estate professional. However, the data is clear: According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, “FSBOs typically sell for less than the selling price of other homes.” In 2020, FSBO homes sold at a median of $217,900, while agent-assisted homes sold for a median of $242,300. Simply put, hiring a real estate professional could put tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket.
Access Granted
The Multiple Listing Service or MLS is the number one source for sellers to list their home. Access to the MLS is critical to selling your home and only real estate pros have it. An accurate listing on the MLS will maximize your reach to a greater pool of potential buyers. In addition, a real estate professional knows people…in particular, people who want to buy a home. Hiring the right professional gives you access to a network of referrals, helping to reach even more potential buyers.
Is It Time For A Realtor?
If you’re ready to hire a real estate professional, be sure to check out our Home Seller Series on the Get Real KC podcast. We’ll talk you through what you should expect from your agent and how to find the right agent for you, home preparation steps, open house tips, and more! Buying, but not selling? Working with a real estate professional will save you a lot of time — and headaches — in your search for the perfect home.