5 Reasons Why You Should Not For Sale By Owner!

In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their homes on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are the top five reasons:

1. Exposure to Prospective Buyers 

Recent studies have shown that 94% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 16% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

2. Results Come from the Internet

Where did buyers find the homes they actually purchased?

• 51% on the internet
• 34% from a Real Estate Agent
• 8% from a yard sign
• 1% from newspapers

The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.

3. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With 

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale by Owner:

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
• The appraiser if there is a question of value

4. FSBOing Has Become More And More Difficult

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years. 

The 8% share represents the lowest recorded figure since NAR began collecting data in 1981.

5. You Net More Money When Using an Agent 

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.

Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $185,000, while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $245,000. This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $60,000 more for your home, as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, let’s get together and discuss the options available in your market today.  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

5136 N 31st Place Phoenix, AZ 85016

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,224 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697755

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Exceptional High-End Remodeled PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY AzBiltmore Estates BILTMORE TERRACE Condo JUST BRING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH GATED & GUARDED Golf Course Community at ARIZONA BILTMORE w direct access to BILTMORE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER for all your needs w Starbucks, banking Safeway grocery +specialty Shops & Fine Restaurants convenient to all offices located on E Camelback Road. 1224'sf on 1-level real Plank Wood flooring +new paint +furnishings . non-smoking original owner home. Breakfast Patio light & bright ultra-quiet LUXURY Community Solid-Built contemporary design. UNLIMITED HOT WATER, CLUBHOUSE spacious sun drenched pools & spas TWO pool areas, beautiful maintained grounds & community

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16345 W Rimrock Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$500,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697277

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a rare find...prepaid SOLAR?!? The lease is paid in full so no payment for the lucky owner, but get the benefits of repairs/replacements guarantees. How stress free is that? Plus electric cost savings galore. But thats not all this home offers. Get a jumpstart on summer in the awesome private pool & backyard oasis. Relax with a cool drink under the shade of the ENORMOUS covered patio with cooling fans. The waterfall will sooth all the stress of the day away or provide the kiddos with hours of fun. With 4 bedrooms, this one has all of the space you need & then some. Kitchen is spruced up for all the chefs in the family. Dont break your back or the bank with stress free landscape. Want to catch a ball game? Spring training field is steps away. This one checks the boxes. See it today!

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3404 W Fremont Road Phoenix, AZ 85041

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,395 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697187

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing this adorable 4-bedroom home in Santolina South Mountain Community! Featuring a 3-car tandem garage with attached cabinets, RV gate, and mature landscape. Inside, an inviting hallway leads to the bright & large open floor plan paired with wood-look tile flooring, neutral paint, and sliding glass doors to the back patio. Impeccable kitchen displays recessed & pendant lighting, stylish tile backsplash, a pantry, stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry with crown moulding, granite counters, and a practical island with a breakfast bar. You'll love the serene primary retreat equipped with plush carpet, walk-in closets, and an ensuite with dual sinks. Spacious backyard has a covered patio, perfect for unwinding after an exhausting day. Don't miss out on this amazing abode!

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5691 W Cinder Brook Way Florence, AZ 85132

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,119 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703122

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully maintained home in the Active Adult resort community of Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers 2 bedrooms + den with double doors and 2 baths in 2119 SqFt with an open great room layout. The gourmet kitchen offers an abundance of cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless appliances including a gas cooktop, a walk-in pantry, and island with breakfast bar and pendant lighting. The great room has a built-in media wall with shelving and sliding doors that lead out to the covered patio with ceiling fan and private, fenced backyard. The professionally landscaped backyard includes extensive paver patios, gas firepit, easy-care artificial turf, and colorful desert plants. The primary bedroom has an en-suite bath with dual sink vanity, oversized shower with bench, linen closet, and roomy walk-in closet. Other features include a walk-in closet in the hallway, diagonal tile flooring throughout living areas and baths, carpet in bedrooms, an extended length 2 car garage with storage area and service door; and leased solar panels providing tremendous utility savings. World-class amenities include a resort-style pool and spa, indoor lap pool, walking track, pickleball, bocce, and other sport courts, fitness center, craft/game/learning rooms, a cafe, putting green, and golf course. See today!

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11332 E Sable Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700544

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Keighley Place, a charming neighborhood that offers a plethora of outdoor activities, many education options and breathtaking views. Embrace the outdoor lifestyle with parks, sports fields and courts just moments away. This vibrant community is minutes away from numerous education opportunities including primary and secondary schooling, both private and charter, a community college and an ASU campus. Travel comes easy as well with the 202 freeway and the mesa gateway airport close by. This single level, split floorpan offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a large yard. The upgraded kitchen has dark cabinets with beautiful granite counters, a large island, gas stove and a walk in pantry. The flooring consists of large neutral tile and plush carpeting in the bedrooms only.

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2210 E Everett Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$500,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,451 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699606

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Bring your vision and a little muscle! This home has so much possibility and is waiting for your finishing touches. The upstairs floor, which has been remodeled, can be used as a primary bedroom suite or bonus living space. Curl up in front of the cozy fire place or watch the sun rise from the north facing balcony. Upstairs has an additional bedroom/closet space and an updated bathroom complete with a soaking jacuzzi tub. The downstairs boasts 3 additional bedrooms (one which can be used as a primary, and 2 more bathrooms. There 2 potential dining areas as well as a family room and bonus room. The backyard boasts a heated diving pool and spa, a garden area, an additional work shed and even a sauna! Double RV gates and an extended garage for convenience. Come see the possibilities!

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10336 E Naranja Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

New

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,704 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6706719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You're going to fall in love with the highly desirable Mulberry community! Great curb appeal, tree-lined streets, and fabulous community amenities! Beautiful curb appeal welcomes you into this Craftsman-style home that offers 3 bedrooms & 2 baths in 1704 SqFt with an open great room layout and split bedrooms. The chef's kitchen features espresso cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless appliances, a walk-in pantry, and island with breakfast bar. Sliding doors lead out from the great room to an oversized backyard complete with grass for kids and pets to play on, covered patio, extended paver patio with ramada, and only single-story neighbors. The primary bedroom has lots of natural light and a full bath with dual sink vanity, separate tub & shower, and walk-in closet. Other features* include a spacious laundry room, stone exterior with front porch and cobblestone driveway, and a 2-car garage. Community amenities include two pools, fitness center, basketball and pickleball courts, and a private clubhouse with kitchen. Close to the 202 & 60, restaurants, and shopping. See today!

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5419 W Michigan Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,758 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700979

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS HOME IS PICTURE PERFECT, FROM THE CURB TO THE PERFECTLY MANICURED BACKYARD! IT IS BEAUTIFUL FARMHOUSE DECOR! 3 BEDROOM ALL ON ONE LEVEL, LOOK OUT THE FAMILY ROOM WINDOW TO THE RELAXING BACKYARD THAT INCLUDES A WATERFALL PLAY POOL, FRUIT TREES, GREEN GRASS TURF, COVERED PATIO. TILE THROUGHOUT, NEUTRAL GRAY TONE COLORS, SOARING CEILINGS IN THE MAIN LIVING AREA, THIS HOME BOASTS A CORNER LOT, PAINTED GARAGE FLOOR, CABINETS AND WORK BENCH AREA IN GARAGE THIS HOME SHOWS PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP. NEW AC UNIT, MOVE IN READY!

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1713 W Cortez Circle Chandler, AZ 85224

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,809 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702108

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This home has been updated just for you! New Flooring, New Bathrooms, New Kitchen, New Garage Door, New Appliances, New Sod in the back yard and much more! The impeccable kitchen is equipped with quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, brand-new stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom features soft carpeting, direct backyard access, a make-up vanity, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom. Enjoy quiet afternoons in the backyard, boasting a covered patio, natural turf, and ample space for hosting weekend BBQs. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

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3487 Larson Loop Forest Lakes, AZ 85931

$500,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,008 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704320

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This midcentury chalet in Forest Lakes checks all the boxes. The location is perfect. Sitting at 7600+ feet elevation, summers are glorious. The home sits on a quiet loop and is set at the end of a meandering driveway flanked by carriage lights to welcome your visitors (the carriage light switch is in the cabin.) The main home is made from sturdy, low maintenance block, as is the huge 2+ car garage. The first floor of the main house has an efficient two-bedroom, one bath layout with a galley kitchen, dining area and a great room that takes full advantage of the two story windows overlooking your property. The stone fireplace takes up a full wall with a wood burning, glass front insert (Osburn) that was recently installed and is perfect for those cool nights. Upstairs in the main house is a spacious loft overlooking the spectacular view from the front windows. Add to that the garage with a work bench, not to mention an enormous second story hang out area complete with a pool table and sectional (THAT additional square footage is not included). Add to that a recently obtained Tuff Shed She-Shack, decked out with a long bench and shelving and with its own little deck. Speaking of the deck, newly constructed in 2014 and 2015 of composite decking material, it wraps around the front and side of the home and is the perfect spot for entertaining family and friends. And we can't forget our four-legged friends. A large, gated area has been designed to allow fun for the dogs. You will be surprised and delighted by the flowers planted around the home. A new furnace and hot water heater were installed in 2015, as was a new 1060 gallon septic tank installed in 2014. All appliances (refrigerator, stove, micro/convection oven and beverage refrigerator) were also purchased new in 2014/15. The main house and garage/rec room roofs were both replaced with metal roofing in 2015.

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26034 S Glenburn Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,922 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703236

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The community of Sun Lakes offers heated pools and spas, a clubhouse, and is known for its active adult lifestyle with various clubs and recreational activities available. The lot of this home is quite large, encompassing 0.27 acres, which positions it on an oversized and corner cul-de-sac lot. Plenty of room for a garden amongst other hobbies you may have. The home includes amenities such as two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office area.The home has recent updates that include a skylight, HVAC, two screened in patios, hot water heater, solar panels and new windows and doors. Call for the full list and come see it today!!!

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544 W Mesquite Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

New

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,753 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703512

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to a FULLY REMODELED single story home! This house has brand new flooring, upgraded kitchen with new cabinets, new carpet and new interior paint throughout (2024). Great Gilbert location! New water heater is installed (May, 2024). Conveniently located near freeways, 60 Fwy and 202 Fwy. Major restaurants and stores, Costco are located near by. Vaulted ceiling and open floor plan. Ready to move in!

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