Most homeowners factor in a commission whether they sell by owner or with an agent. Most buyers deduct a commission when they make an offer on a for sale by owner listing. Selling a property yourself makes sense if; the seller knows the real value of their property and prices it competitively; the seller has the time and the personality to deal with tire kickers and bottom feeders interspersed with real buyers and can tell the difference; the seller has professional negotiating skills to counter offers without losing buyers; the seller understands the details involved from first look through contract, counter offers, inspections and closing; the seller retains a lawyer to protect their interests; the seller stages the property and hires a professional photographer; the seller considers offering a commission to agents who bring a buyer who purchases the property at an agreeable price.
If you’re not sure whether to sell yourself or hire a professional for the job of selling your home, you may want to consider both options. List your property on Zillow.com and other internet sites for 30 days as for sale by owner. When agents call you (which they at your property. Since, “Trust is the currency of the future”), ask;
1) Can I trust you?
2) Do you answer your phone?
3) Do you do what you say you will do?
4) What’s my home worth and how do you know?
5) What’s your marketing plan for my property?
6) What do you know about my neighborhood?
7) What areas do you focus on?
8) How often will you communicate with me?
9) How long will it take to sell?
If and when you decide to hire an agent, pick the one you trust the most.Our Pinellas barrier island inventory is low which should mean that it’s a seller’s market but prices are not rising as they should. Interest rates are going up and buyers are very selective. Valid arguments can be made for continued real estate growth or the beginning of the next recession. I think we’re overdue for the latter. The first piece of advice I give to clients is to only sell real estate when you have a better use for the money. Also, since nobody knows the top or the bottom of any market, forget about buying or selling there. The main value of a real estate agent is gathering and transmitting knowledge to sellers and buyers. Whether or not you chose looking out for your interests, will share their knowledge with you without obligation.
I host a weekly “Real Beach Talk” on Tues. from 4 to 5 pm for sellers, buyers, agents and anyone interested in local real estate and our beach lifestyle. I call it “Informed Confusion”, held at my office at 5050 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach, 33706. Please RSVP if you’d like to attend our discussion. No pressure just local info. Or contact me directly to chat about your personal situation. I will earn your trust by telling you the truth as I see it.
All the best, Jim “Property Wizard” Beggins, Broker, CENTURY 21Beggins Enterprises, with 13 offices and 400 agents serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Since most opinions about real estate can be supported with facts. I will inform you to the best of my ability so you can unconfuse the facts to your personal advantage. I think I can use my “hands on” experience in Florida real estate since 1970 to achieve your desired outcome. Please let me know how I’m doing. Call, text or email with any questions.
Article by Jim “Property Wizard” Beggins, Broker