Should You Use a Realtor to Sell Your Home?

When it comes to selling your home, the answer is rarely simple. Like most things in life, “it depends.” What are your plans for your home, and who do you imagine buying it?

The buyer you’re hoping to find will determine the process you’ll need to follow. So, ask yourself:

• Are you hoping to sell to another individual or family who will live in your home long-term?
• Or is your primary goal to sell quickly and save money?

Understanding your goals is the first step in deciding whether or not to work with a real estate agent.

4 Things a Real Estate Agent Should Do for You

If you decide to work with a real estate agent, it’s important to know what they bring to the table. Different agents offer different levels of service, but in general, you should expect them to do these four things:

1. Research property values in your area and recommend an asking price.
2. Market and advertise your property to attract potential buyers. This could include professional photography, open houses, and online listings on sites like Zillow or Realtor.com.
3. Review offers and help you negotiate the price and contract terms.
4. Keep the process moving by managing paperwork, inspections, and deadlines until the sale is finalized.

By handling these tasks, a good agent can save you time and stress, ensuring that your home sells for the best possible price.

What Do Real Estate Agents Charge, and Who Pays?

Most home sales involving realtors involve a commission fee of 5-6% of the sale price. Typically, this fee is split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.

Here’s how it works:

If you sell your home for $300,000, the total commission will range between $15,000 and $18,000. This amount is deducted from the sale price at closing and paid to the agents.

While this may seem like a lot, many sellers find the expertise and time saved by working with an agent well worth the cost.

Alternatives to Selling With a Realtor

Selling with a realtor isn’t the only option. If you’re looking to save on commission fees or sell your home quickly, consider these alternatives:

• For Sale by Owner (FSBO):
  Selling your home on your own can save you on commission fees, but it requires more work. You’ll be responsible for setting the price, marketing, and handling negotiations and paperwork.
• Selling to a Cash Buyer:
  If speed is your top priority, selling to a cash buyer or investor might be the right choice. Companies like Opendoor or local investors can close quickly, often within days. Keep in mind, though, that you might sell for less than market value.
• Using a Discount Brokerage:
  Some companies, like Redfin, offer lower commission rates while still providing many of the services of a traditional agent.

Things to Consider Before You Sell

Selling your home isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. For some, using a realtor to sell to another family is the best option. For others, selling quickly or keeping costs down is more important.

Take time to consider:

• Your timeline: Are you in a rush to sell?
• Your budget: Can you afford to pay for agent commissions?
• Your comfort level: Are you prepared to handle the process yourself if needed?

What’s Next?

Making decisions like this can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to. Sometimes, all you need is a little more information or someone to talk things through with.

If you’re still trying to decide whether to sell your home or use a realtor, we’re here to help. Forget the robots and message apps—our team is ready to answer your questions. It’s as easy as picking up the phone.

For more tips and advice, check out our other posts or contact us today.