FSBO

FSBO (fizz-bo) aka For Sale By Owner

"I don't need an agent."
"They don't do anything."
"How much do you want?"
"What are they going to do that I can't do?"

When thinking about selling your home, you do have a lot to ponder and consider and make some big decisions.

Decision #1: Do I sell?
Decision #2: When?
Decision #3: What agent will I use?

However, I'm going to turn that model upside down and suggest that you start with #3 FIRST and then answer the other two questions and any other questions you might come up with through out the process.

You MUST find an agent that is licensed in The Great State of Texas!

You want someone who is current on their knowledge of the market.  I don't recommend using someone that does real estate part time.  Do you want a doctor that only dabbles in medicine?

You want someone you feel comfortable with and who you trust.  Many people choose a realtor based on a recommendation or referral and that is awesome!  But who is the person that is referring them to you?  Are you choosing them because they play bridge with your grandmother?  that's who our family always uses?  While these are valid reasons, they might not be the best for you and your situation.

Interview a few people or even a lot.  Selling your home is a BIG decision and you don't want to jump into it too quickly.

Let's answer some of those questions:

"I don't need an agent." While this can be true, there are more reasons to HAVE an agent than to not have one....keep reading for more details.

"They don't do anything." In any field, you will have slackers.  But I am here to tell you that if an agent isn't doing "anything" they aren't making any money. If they aren't making any money, they won't be in the business very long.  Lastly, if you don't feel they aren't doing anything, you can fire them and get another agent that does work for you!

"How much do you want?!" Oh the dreaded money.  99.9% of agents are in real estate as their profession, so they are in it to make money. So, they should get paid for the work they do.  In a very short list, they do the following:
1. do a market analysis to list your house at the right price
2. is honest with you about the condition of your home (what will someone's first impression be?)
3. market, market, market (by the way, when interviewing agents, ask how they will market your home).
4. negotiates offers to help ensure you are getting the highest offers out there
5. negotiate the inspection results
6. speeds up time to close by making sure all those little things are done (inspections, warranties, monies, paperwork and paperwork and paperwork)

And this list is not all-inclusive.  There are things going on all the time that a good agent is doing for the seller.

"What are they going to do that I can't do?" If you, the seller, is a licensed agent, probably not anything. However, if you aren't a licensed real estate agent, do you know all the forms needed to sell a home?  Do you have training on marketing a home?  Do you have training on market analysis? Do you know the responsibilities of a seller at closing?

That's why you need a licensed agent!  We are here for YOU!

Blessings my friends!