Juli Doty - Real Estate, Real Advice

To List, Or Not to List

That is the question. Selling your home is a critical, time sensitive job. Some home owners do a great job. Others do not. Decide whether or not YOU should be your own agent before you put your home on the market.

Home Owners Say: "Why pay a real estate agent?"

• I can sell it myself and end up with more money.
• If I sell it myself then I keep control.
• No one knows the house like I do.
• I can handle the forms. I do paperwork all day at the office.
• Real estate agents don't do anything, They never even call you back.

Real Estate Agents Say: "You need professional help!"

• Listed homes sell for 9%-15% higher than FSBOs.
• 70% of FSBO homes give up and list with an agent.
• Home owners run off buyers.
• Home owners don't understand the rules.
• The work load is tremendous, home owners never really understand what is involved in selling their home until they have messed it up!

Who Is Right?

Make sure you are.

Your Goals Are:

• Sell for top dollar
• Sell when you need to sell
• Enjoy a no hassle transaction

Sell By-Agent or Sell-By-Owner?

You must make your decision to sell by owner based on an honest assessment of your personality and abilities. Not everyone is good at selling their own home.

A prepared FSBO is willing and able to:

1. Put signs in your front yard and at street corners leading to your home.
2. Allow potential buyers to look without interference.
3. Allow potential buyers privacy and emotional space when they are looking at your house.
4. The details come later.
5. Follow up - CALL - every person that looks at your house with a thank you call.
6. Manage open negotiation while fully understanding the other side.
7. Track deadlines.
8. Solve problems.
9. Work with difficult personalities with patience and joy.
10. Coordinate inspectors, appraisers, the title company and other professionals at their convenience.
11. Understand the nuances of all the documents from research to purchase and sale agreements to closing documents.
12. Prepare all advertising which includes writing quality ads, proper sign placement, promotion of the house and preparation for all events.
13. See their house realistically (this is tougher than you think!).
14. Read and understand the behavior of each potential buyer, treating each one individually.
15. Not take anything that happens personally.