My New Blog

I know Seller's need every dollar they can get back into their pockets when they sell their home. It is equity they built and they deserve the money. Paying a Realtor a full service marketing fee on the surface may look like they are giving money away. Studies prove this theory wrong. Hiring a competent Realtor pays big dividends...just listing it in the MLS with an order taker costs you money!

There are Companies out there that take fees "up front" and simply add your listing to hundreds of others that just wait for the buyer. You pay them if your house sells or it doesn't..they have no motivation to sell. They usually don't. Reports show that on average only 14% of these minimum service listings sell. The reason is clear to me. Realtors get paid when they produce a sale for their client. Over 43% of homes sell within 6 months when listed with an "average" agent in most markets.  My Seller's homes sell over 80% of the time when listed for 6 months.

I know it's tempting to try this "to good to be true" course. Don't do it! You'll have to pay to advertise, set all appointments, call for feedback, select and work with the Title Company, hold Open Houses, etc.. The biggest reason not to try this is the negotiations of the contract. Homeowners give up their money quickly in negotiations. On average For Sale by Owners, (minimum standard listings included) get almost 14% less for their homes than Realtor negotiated sales. That's the most compelling reason for me.

Here's my homework for you. Find the most aggressive, likeable, and productive agent you can and hire them to professionally market and sell your home. You will be dollars ahead and you won't be sorry.  If you feel the need to ask for a discount...go ahead...you might just get one.

Happy Selling!

Jeff Carroll