JOSEPH SCROFANI JD - THE FOR SALE BY OWNER GUIDE

for the house, and, of course, be sure to get all the necessary paperwork completed for the eventual home sale. That last part usually includes finding an attorney to draft the necessary sale contract and a title company to help complete the sale. Unsurprisingly, all these tasks can be pretty challenging for someone not fully prepared to do such an imposing task. I would also like to avoid unwanted surprises by doing extensive market research beforehand. According to reports and surveys, many people who start confident about going FSBO end up either losing the sale or giving in and hiring an agent. So, if you are determined to sell your home on your own, please ensure you have the energy and time necessary to perform all these tasks before you begin selling your home on your own. Given all the hassle it entails, why do people do it without an agent? The number one reason why people decide to sell their homes without an agent is to save money. A real estate agent usually charges a commission of about 4% to 6% of the selling value. However, all commissions are negotiable, which can give many home sellers pause. In exchange for that sum, the real estate agent brings vast experience and a wealth of market-specific knowledge that can truly benefit the seller. Agents also usually help owners set a fair, realistic market price for their houses. A well-balanced price is crucial to sell the property successfully in a reasonable amount of time. Still, 4% to 6% of the sale price can be a sizable sum, and many more self- reliant homeowners may decide it’s worth the extra effort and risk to handle the sale solo and pocket the additional funds. However, a lack of expertise among average homeowners looking to go FSBO has its consequences. The National Association of Realtors® and Bankrate.com have reported that most FSBO homes are overpriced on their sites. That is true and

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