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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2 Beds

2 Baths

1,403 SqFt

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$469,900

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$469,900

2 Beds

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2,115 SqFt

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$469,900

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1,964 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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19777 N 76th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,438 SqFt

Status Active

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Property Type Apartment

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Great community! Enjoy heated pools, work out center, movie theater, biking trails, etc! Lock and leave. This 3 bedroom condo is loaded with upgrades; beautiful crown moulding, eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. Spacious family room, very open and bright! Balcony complete with stunning mountain views.

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$469,900

3 Beds

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2,798 SqFt

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$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,131 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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1363 W Highland Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,726 SqFt

Status Active

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18767 W Solano Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Open House

New

$469,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,842 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696034

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 4-bed, 2-bath residence is perfectly located on a corner lot with N/S exposure in Zanjero Trails. Step inside and be captivated by the open layout featuring high ceilings, 8' doors, plenty of natural light, and tile flooring in all the right places. The kitchen is a chef's dream with granite counters, recessed lighting, beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, ample storage and a large kitchen island! Additionally, there is a versatile den that can be used as an office or bedroom. The primary bedroom offers plush carpet, a large walk-in closet, and a private ensuite with dual sinks. Outside, enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the White Tank Mountains from your back yard complete with a covered patio and beautiful synthetic turf.

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14851 S 179th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$469,778

3 Beds

2 Baths

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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2 Beds

2 Baths

1,625 SqFt

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