Selling a house without a real estate agent may be an alternative if you’re seeking to save money on real estate commissions. The typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the seller’s purchase price and is split between the two realtors. So if you sell for $400,000, you might need to dish out as much as $20,000 to $24,000 to pay your listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
Before you choose to sell your house without the help of a real estate agent, you need to keep in mind that the process is far from easy. You’ll have to invest time and effort in doing the work a realtor would ordinarily deal with, which includes everything from showing and marketing your home to negotiating the final price.
Also, note that you’ll need to deal with all the legal and financial paperwork, which can be difficult. If you still choose to sell the property without a realtor after considering all the factors mentioned, here are some recommendations to help you sell your house fast.
Step 1: Get the home ready for showing.
Experienced real estate agents usually advise removing about a third of your personal things from your home while it is on the market- anything you don’t use every day. Get a place to store personal items; if you choose to keep them in a portable unit, they can all be brought to your new house.
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Step 2: Set a Realistic Price
Do not overprice your house; one of the most common mistakes most homeowners make is setting a higher price than what the house is actually worth. It is recommended to set a price based on hard data using online pricing calculators that estimate your home’s worth according to objective factors like the total area, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and location.
Research on similar houses in your neighborhood that have sold recently to have an idea of what potential buyers will pay.
Consider factors like—are homes selling quickly? If houses are moving slowly, it would be a good idea to price your home at a lower price point to get potential buyers’ attention.
Step 3: Hire a photographer.
Using professional photos of your house will make it more attractive when potential buyers are looking online for their next home. Great photos could mean the difference between a potential buyer checking your listing or scrolling past to view another house.
Step 4: Publish your listing and Advertise
Apart from just listing your home on the MLS, you should not overlook advertising by using traditional methods like using “for sale” signs, brochures, advertising online, and building a website to market the property. There are costs related to advertising your property’s sale, but they will be a small percentage of an agent’s commission.
Step 5: Give a Detailed Description of Your Home
When listing your property, it is always recommended to include great photos of the house’s exterior and interior. The listing should have all the basics, including relevant information like the price, property’s location, age, and the number of rooms and bathrooms overall. Realtors also recommend highlighting any renovations and repairs, such as a new roof or water heater.
Step 6: Hold an Open House
You don’t require a real estate agent to hold an open house to promote your property’s sale. Promote your open house by posting it online and placing signs in your neighborhood; that is what any realtor would do.
Step 7: Be Sure to Comply With All Laws in Your Area
There are some laws that apply to the sale of a home regardless of where you live, like the Fair Housing Act. While you can find contracts and other agreements online, they aren’t specific to your particular situation, so it is recommended to have a real estate attorney review all documents and contracts related to your home’s sale.
Step 8. Be Patient
Don’t be frustrated if the first open house doesn’t lead to any offers. Take another look at your asking price, update your marketing materials, and ensure your home is widely listed.