Should I Sell My Home Myself?

 
It's a question thousands of homeowners ask themselves every year. If you're one of them, you have some difficult decisions awaiting you. Because selling your home can be a long and complex process. So it's important to think about all the potential implications - both positive and negative before choosing to go it alone.

Your first responsibility as in independent home seller is assigning your home an accurate value, meaning the highest price a ready, willing and able buyer will pay. As part of that decision, you need to consider comparable properties in your area, current market conditions, as well as the cost of financing and its availability. Remember that your home should be in line with comparable properties and market trends - you don't want your home to linger on the market or sell for a lower price than you might have otherwise received.

"For Sale by Owner" homes typically attract bargain hunters who may expect you to lower your price since they, too, are looking to save money on REALTOR® commissions. Independent home sellers must also market their properties to the public, that means, putting up signage that is consistent with local ordinances, developing and paying for display and classified ads in your local newspapers, holding open houses, working to ensure your home gets good word-of-mouth exposure among your friends, neighbors and community organizations.

As an independent home seller, you would be responsible for all showings of your home. With that in mind, always encourage prospects to make an appointment, and discourage drop-ins. Work to screen the "buyers" from the "lookers" - curiosity-seekers are common at "For Sale by Owner" homes. You should also pre-qualify potential buyers to ensure they can afford to buy your home.

When the time comes to negotiate, you'll need to be prepared and informed, try to resolve any doubts your buyers might have, work to keep their interest high and make a final agreement as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Once an offer is made, agree on the price and terms, respond to objections and try to be responsive and flexible to legitimate concerns. Every independent home seller should have an attorney or another qualified individual to preside over all agreements. That individual will draw up the contract and manage the sale proceedings and closing. He or she might also help you set the closing date and time. You should be sure to include a list of items you want written into the contract, including any personal property that is to remain with the home (like the refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, etc.), or items excluded in the sale. Also remember that as the seller, you are obligated by law to disclose any material defects in your property to the purchaser.
Selling your own home takes a lot of hard work and know how. Making even a small mistake can spell serious trouble. By working with Realtor, Ron Parks, you gain the services of an experienced professional with advanced training in negotiations and sales. Not only does that free you from the time-consuming tasks involved with selling your home, it gives you the added expertise to help maximize the profit from your home.

Realtor, Ron Parks, can help you sell your home faster and for the best price. Making sure you have the correct information to price your home accurately by conducting a Comprehensive Market Analysis. This research will help support the price with comparable facts and statistics. In addition Ron will advertise your home in the most visible outlets in our area, Access out-of-town buyers through the nationwide network of Coldwell Banker, suggest easy ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers, Explore alternative financing methods that can help relieve a potential buyer's financing concerns, scan the Multiple Listing Service to locate active buyers through a special network of resources, acting as a third-party negotiator between you and the buyer, screen prospects so you don't have to expose your family to any stranger who knocks at your door.

Think of the services of Ron Parks and www.homesearch-wa.com as an investment, one that immediately repays itself in the quick, efficient and successful sale of your home.