We are all quite capable of selling our property ourselves, so why do we need an Estate Agent? That's the question we need to ask ourselves! The role of the Estate Agent is purely to act as intermediary between the seller and buyer, although when you listen to some of the reasons given by Estate Agents for using their services, you’d think they were indispensible, but I beg to differ.
Selling your "home sweet home" can be an intimidating experience, especially for those who's everyday lives never enter the cut-throat sales and marketing world that some of us inhabit. With all the fuss and bother, It can seem very enticng to hand it all over to the chosen Estate Agent.
Aren't we all capable of selling our own property?
Because they try to make us believe that we can’t do without them? Before we all get too excited and dive head first into the unknown, I think it’s important to understand the time and effort involved as both the buying and selling of property is a serious undertaking. Be prepared for a potentially long learning curve. By eliminating the middleman and using a personalised For Sale Board , you stand to save money and hopefully realise a greater profit.
It is however worth remembering that you will of course, now be assuming the position of the Estate Agent as well as the seller, so be prepared to wear two hats. Thee is a lot of responsibility, but with careful forethought it will be very financially and psychologically rewarding.
There are many reasons why you may wish to go it alone and forego the use of your friendly local Estate Agent, but in my opinion the four that stand out a mile and really should make you at least consider the prospect are –
Firstly there is the obvious financial benefit. Taking the role of selling agent means all that lovely commission staying in YOUR pocket! But seriously, the sums we’re talking about can be vast. Mostly they want in excess of £3000, and that's for a regular terrace…its scandalous. The downside of course is that you may need to spend about £30/$50 on a professional Estate Agents board to assist you with the sale…I knew there would be a downside to this FSBO game!
Because you've assumed the role of the Agent, you'll be in full control of the whole process. By selling your own home you’re giving yourself the freedom to choose your own asking price and to determine exactly when and to whom you show your property. No need to haggle ovr every last £500, you can sellwhenever you’re ready. So you've found your ideal property and want to make sure you don't miss out. By operating the FSBO route, YOU have the option of reducing your sales price by the amount of commission you’re saving without actually losing out, so a complete win/win situation.
In my opinion, the question we have to ask ourselves is…who lives here? You are in the perfect spot as you know more than anybody else about your house! You live there. In fact, if you’ve ever sold a property through an Estate Agent, you’ve probably found out first hand that they use every excuse in the book NOT to come and conduct a viewing. "I'm the only one in the office today, would you be able to show Mr and Mrs…… around?" is the usual cry when a viewing time approaches.
Ok, so now you've got a different perspective on this subject you can look at it from a different angle and maybe come to different decision?”
The author of the popular e-book “How to sell your house without an Estate Agent” and webmaster of http://owner-sales.co.uk. a site geared towards providing people with clear concise information about the FSBO market.
Gavin King is the Designated Broker of Realty In Idaho.
