Many people ask whether they should hire an agent to sell their home or whether they should first try as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). In today’s volatile market, this is an easy decision: you need an experienced professional!
You need an expert guide if you are traveling a dangerous path
The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer willing to pay fair market value for your home at a time that there are mass inventories of foreclosures and short sales will take a true real estate professional. Finding reasonable financing can also be tricky in today’s lending environment.
Making your home more attractive to potential buyers than the huge number of distressed properties available at bargain prices is a daunting task. It is unfortunate for conventional sellers that in a “buyer’s market” the buyers are concentrating mostly on price. Part of the success in marketing your property depends on focusing on the cost of ownership rather than the price of the house.
You need a skilled negotiator
In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that off after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.
Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.
Bottom Line
We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.
If you are thinking about selling your home, let’s talk about what it will take to meet your goals. Please call me at 661.375.REAL or email me. As always, thanks for reading.
Sally Lawrence
DRE Lic # 01863694