Today, we often look to Realtor’s and their companies when selling property. They are knowledgeable, marketable, and frankly they know what they are doing (most of the time). However, some individuals still choose the “For Sale by Owner” route.
Why “For Sale by Owner” Does Not Work
Sellers often will say, “It’s cheaper, less messy, and I get more bang for my buck.” Is this really the case? Many would disagree. In today’s current trend, “For Sale by Owner” simply does not work. Why?
One of the most fundamental reasons why selling your house on your own does not work is you are an amateur. Yes, this may be harsh, but it usually proves to be fairly accurate. Unless you have had training in selling a home, your skills simply cannot match up to that of a Realtor.
It is important to have an expert on your side when attempting to sell possibly your most expensive investment of your life. Would you really let a three-year-old who rides a trike drive your truck? I do not think so. Thus, it is important to have a Realtor who understands the market to take charge of the selling of your home.
Are you getting enough exposure?
Another reason why “For Sale by Owner” does not sell is lack of exposure. Yes, we all have our Facebook and our Twitter, but when it comes to selling a home, this simply does not cut it. It is important to have a Realtor who is able to publish your home in not only journal advertisements, but also in real estate magazines. Without this publicity, it becomes quite difficult for the word to circulate. Realtors also know how to properly photograph the property in order to capture the greatest number of clientele possible. They know what is appealing to the customer and how to present the home in such a way.
How many websites can you post your site on?
Along with lack of exposure, many owners selling their own home do not have the access to the real estate websites that Realtors do. Thus, many owners will place their home on sites with other homes that are for sale by owner. Why is this decision a problem? These sites simply do not receive as much traffic as those sites used by Realtors. For example, any Google search often creates a list of popular real estate agents’ sites rather than those put up by owners. Again, why? Realtors know what they are talking about. When customers visit their sites, they know the price is fair, the sale is authorized, and the seller genuinely cares about the house getting sold.
It’s now what you know, but who you know!
Realtors also have the connections. Yes, owners of a home may also have connections, but Realtors have the right ones. Often times, “For Sale by Owner” fails simply because the seller does not know where to begin and will miss significant details towards the success of the sale. For example, Realtors know who to contact to stage the home, who can photograph rooms, and who will clean and fix any cluttered or broken areas. Not only do they know the people to contact, but they know the best people to contact. This point proves to be vital in any sale of a home.
Finally, it is important for the owner to know just how much their property is worth. Realtors know where the market stands and how much your property is worth. Thus, they are the experts when it comes to deciding how to price your home.
So, the next time you are thinking about putting an old picket “For Sale by Owner” sign out on the front lawn, think again. Hiring a Realtor may just be the best thing you have ever done.
This article was provided by Kimberley Joy Kelly. You can visit Kim’s La Quinta real estate website where you have access to search all Palm Springs CA golf homes as well as many other Palm Springs neighborhoods.