How can I sell my own home without money-sucking realtors?

Question

I found out that I will have to give up about 12,000 of MY equity in MY home to a realtor once I sell my home. Thats MY money! How can I sell it myself? Any advice?

Answer 1

List it on free websites like http://www.iHomeConnect.com and Craigslist.com

Answer 2

You can sell it on your own, if you are familiar with the real estate laws in your state.

You are paying for a service.  The owner of a company cannot sell an item or service and then not want to pay the employees because "that is my money the customer gave me".

Answer 3

Hi Red,

Good for you!! Realtors are a total pain and will explain how if you add there commision to the price it really wont cost you a thing - until you have to drop the price - funny how that works.

You can sell your house yourself all you need is a little preperation and guidance from some one who would never list with a realtor ( I sold 3 houses in June - no realtor)

What you will need is a standard RE contract - you can find it online. You will wnat to be ready to have the title work done - this can be handled by a RE attorney or Title company depending on your area. A competent mortgage broker for your buyer will round out the team nicely.

While it is a fact that 87% of all FSBO's are eventually listed, the reason is very simple - marketing. This is truly the one thing a realtor does for you. There are many ways to market a house for sale, like free online sites (i.e. craigslist) a sign in the yard (big and gaudy like a sheet of plywood and some purple spray paint that says" Desperate must sell" works pretty good) and maybe an ad in the new paper or a flyer.

The more marketing you do the better your chances of selling - that and the fact that you dont have to over price the house.

Good luck

Answer 4

Yes you can, but you will have to invest a lot of your time and energy, showing the house, fielding calls from prospective buyers, etc. Also, realtors are better versed in the legal aspects of deed transfers, escrow, warranties of title and the like. They are somewhat of a necessary evil unless you have the legal knowledge to keep yourself out of trouble.

You might consider seeing if you could negotiate for a lower fee.

Better yet, take a look at a book by "NOLO Press", called "For Sale By Owner in California". It's targeted at California law, but will give you a wealth of information that is generally applicable. Good Luck!

Answer 5

The fact that realtors expect to be paid is news to you?

Answer 6

If you are going to sell your home on your own, you're going to need a lot of basic training and information, and at least get some advice or guidance from a real estate agent or financial analyst. Get some free advice here -- this is a book preview I often refer to for real estate, equity and home selling questions. It was created by Marian Snow, best selling author of "Stop Sitting on your Assets." I suggest you get the book, it is a good small investment.