Whether you’re looking to sell your house to capitalize on a seller’s market, or simply just want to move out of it for something new, there’s a lot to think about when making your decision. So how do you sell your house in Butte County? There’s really only two options: You hire an agent or you go the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route. So what are the pros and cons of selling your house on your own versus hiring an agent to sell your house? Let’s break it down…

 

 

For Sale By Owner vs Realtor

Pros of FSBO

One of the obvious pros of selling your house on your own is that you can bypass the commission to be paid to a real estate agent. Agents in Butte County typically charge around 5-6% commissions on a real estate transaction. This guarantees that they will get a portion, and they can offer a portion to other agents to procure a qualified buyer. Not paying a commission potentially means more money left in your pocket for yourself, and who doesn’t like a little extra spending money?

Cons of FSBO

Without an agent, you’re going to have to take on a whole lot of extra work that may or may not be worth it to you for the 5-6% savings from not paying an agent’s commission. According to the National Association of Realtors, FSBO’s statistically sell for less than homes sold by a real estate agent and lately the median difference has been a whopping $24,400! You’ll also be taking on all the paperwork, negotiations, scheduling showings, marketing, staging, repairs, and coordinating the transaction with the multiple vendors and parties involved. Sounds a bit stressful, huh? But don’t fret, it CAN be done and there are plenty of resources out there you can find to help you out!

 

 

Pros of Selling with an Agent

Real estate agents sell real estate for a living! It’s safe to say they eat, sleep, and drink all things real estate. On the plus side, they have a vast network of recommended vendors for you to work with, taking out any of the “What title company should I use?” types of questions you may find yourself asking. They also have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) which is the perfect way to market your property to other agents and potential buyers. Did you know, major companies such as Zillow, Realtor.com or Redfin actually pull property listings from the MLS? Agents also have experience (and often whole teams) dedicated to making sure your transaction goes as smoothly as possible with little to no work needed on your part. Not to mention they budget money for marketing your property with paid advertising on social media, print materials, mailers, etc. all at no cost to you! If you want the easiest, most cost-effective way to sell your property, you should definitely think about hiring a real estate agent.

Cons of Selling with an Agent

Working with a real estate agent is like going into any business or personal relationship in that you’ll want to be sure you like, know, and trust them. Sometimes this means going through multiple interviews with agents before finding one you decide to work with. Some agents have a very direct personality type that can be a bit off-putting so don’t get discouraged on your agent search. Agents charge a commission to list your property which may seem disappointing when you’re crunching numbers (however commission rates can vary and what value the agent provides you with for the rate they charge varies as well, it doesn’t hurt to ask what they charge and what you will get in return).

 

Ultimately, it’s up to you…

Whether you decide to try your hand at FSBO or play the tried-and-true method of hiring an agent, it’s up to you to decide what works best for you. Some tips on determining your best plan of action are asking yourself the following questions:

• How much time do you have to (and are willing to) dedicate to selling your property?
• Are you comfortable and confident in negotiating offers and filling out important legal documents?
• Do you have a marketing plan and budget ready to get your property sold fast and for top dollar?

If you’re looking for an amazing real estate agent and team that will help you get the most money in the least amount of time, give us a call and let’s discuss how we can sell your property. 530-292-7234