"The 2002 Profile of Buyers & Sellers conducted by the NAR shows that homes sold with the assistance of a real estate professional had a median sales price 27 percent higher than those sold FSBO."
Myth - You can save money selling "by owner": Yes, sometimes you can but a savvy buyer knows the seller is saving the commission and they want the savings! So you end up with the same NET price and you had to do ALL THE WORK. That's without considering the fact that homes sold through a REALTOR bring a higher price!
Myth - It will cost me too much to list with an agent. Actually national statistics show that homes listed with a REALTOR get almost a 30% higher selling price. More then enough to cover the costs!
Myth - Putting a sign in the yard and an ad in the newspaper will give me the same exposure as listing with a REALTOR. First you have to recognize that most buyers are utilizing an agent in their search. Realtors use the Multiple list system to find properties to show, not signs or ads. If your not in the multiple list you are missing well over 90% of the buyers!
Myth - If I offer agents commission they will show my home. Like it or not, most REALTORS will simply not show non-listed property. The perception is that they may lose control of the transaction or the seller will be difficult to deal with.
Myth - Since the MLS is so important, I will use a flat fee or discount broker to list it on MLS. With these services you end up doing most of the work including showing your home and negotiating. They are not considered legitimate by many real estate agents with name brand brokers and may not get shown as much. There is a perception that these become complicated transactions that seldom turn out well. Besides the listing fee you still have to pay a buyers agent and the MLS fees which puts you close to a full service listing price!
See what the competition is doing! Fill out the comparable request form and we will send you four compatible properties that recently sold to help you price and evaluate your property. Comparable Request Form
This information is courtesy of Tom Schroth RE/MAX Communities, Atlanta, GA
