CHAPTER 23 Why Hire an Agent? (Or e an Agent? (Or, How to Sell o Sell Your Home Without Losing Your Mind, Money, or Weekends) Ever wonder why people even bother hiring a real estate agent? I mean, you’ve got Google, HGTV, and an aunt who sold a house once in 1998. Do you really need help? Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, you do. And here’s why: Reason #1: Agents Sell for More Money (Cha-ching!) On average, FSBO homes sell for about $184,000. Homes sold by agents? $230,000. That’s a $46,000 “Oops” for those who try the DIY route. And here’s the wild part: That’s after the commission is paid. Boom. Let’s sprinkle in a few real-life plot twists: • Brandon tried selling for $220K on his own. Got crickets. Listed with an agent at $240K and sold for full price in 3 weeks. Net gain after commission? More money and fewer grey hairs. • Jimmy and Kaye listed for $380K, no luck. Hired an agent, bumped the price to $420K, sold for $408K. They made more, even with the commission. Agents: turning awkward FSBO listings into happy dance moments since forever. Reason #2: We Make It Easy (You Know, So You Don’t Cry Into Your Coffee) A title company manager (a neutral party, mind you) once said: • FSBO sellers take 30–45 DAYS to get a signed contract. • Agents? We get it done in 45 HOURS. 87
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