Myths and Reality

Should We Try to Sell Our House

Without a Real Estate Agent?

MYTH #1. I will make more money selling my home without a Real Estate Agent.

REALITY. According to NAR, the median FSBO selling price in 2003 was 20% lower than the median Agent-Assisted transaction price.

MYTH #2. Lots of people sell their home without using a Realtor.

REALITY. 83% of home sellers sold their home with the assistance of a Real Estate Agent.* Of the remaining 17% of homes, 7% of FSBO’s are never sold. 7% are sold to family or a relative. This leaves you a 3% chance of selling your home to a buyer generated from your advertising.

MYTH #3. It’s easy to sell your home, if you can sell a car you can sell anything.

REALITY. It is not easy. 90% of people who try selling their home by owner end up hiring a Real Estate Agent.*

MYTH #4. I’ll save money selling my home privately.

REALITY. In many cases a Real Estate Agent can get more money for your home then if you sell it privately. 89% of home buyers use a Real Estate Agent.* We know how to highlight your homes qualities, and sell to the buyers emotions. We work for YOU.

MYTH #5. My home will sell quickly.

REALITY. LIFSBO suggests you plan for 3 months of marketing. We know how and where to advertise your home, giving your home more exposure to buyers. A home listed with a Real Estate Agent on average sells in 5 weeks.*

MYTH #6. All I need is a Lawyer.

REALITY. For any home sale you need a Lawyer, but your Real Estate Agent has the knowledge needed to fill out all the necessary forms and contracts, how to prequalify buyers, and to provide mortgage, title and home inspection information to the buyer.

*(source 2003 NAR survey)