Why should you pay an agent a 6% commission when selling your house, especially when doing it yourself seems like a cost-saving option? It’s a fair question that many homeowners consider. However, selling a house involves much more than listing it online and waiting for offers. Let’s explore why you truly need an agent to sell your Effingham County and Savannah home successfully in today’s competitive real estate market.
A skilled real estate agent brings invaluable expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to the table. They know how to price your home competitively, market it effectively, and handle complex paperwork, saving you time and stress. Plus, they can help you attract serious buyers and secure the best possible deal. By working with an agent, you increase your chances of selling your house quickly and at a price that maximizes your return on investment.
Ethical Code
First and foremost, most real estate agents are bound by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) strict code of ethics, which requires them to prioritize their clients’ interests above their own at all times. This ethical framework also ensures agents maintain accountability regarding disclosures, honesty, and truth in advertising. By working with an agent, you gain the advantage of their in-depth knowledge, extensive experience, and professional expertise. Additionally, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing your agent is not just a service provider but a trustworthy business partner dedicated to protecting your best interests. In today’s dynamic market, that kind of partnership is invaluable.
Pricing Expertise and Wider Marketing Reach
One of the chief reasons you need an agent to sell your Effingham County and Savannah house is that pricing is so critical. Agents know the market and where it’s trending, so they know the sweet spot for pricing. If you price too high, buyers won’t be inclined to view or even consider your house, and, as a result, it may languish on the market for a long time. But if you price too low, potential buyers may think something is wrong with your house, and so, again, won’t look at it. Remember, a house gets the bulk of its traffic during the first week on the market, and you want it correctly priced during that critical period.
Real estate agents also have a much wider marketing reach than you’d have on your own – a solid reason why you need an agent to sell your Effingham County and Savannah house. Consider that most of them have access to the nationwide Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which allows them to take the pulse of the market, get listing details, and list your house. In addition, most agents today are conversant with all the online marketing venues, and they have a host of beneficial industry connections and contacts.
Legal Knowledge
If you intend to sell your home on your own through an FSBO deal, you’ll need to become familiar with your state’s laws concerning real estate transfers. Otherwise, you may inadvertently land in some legal hot water. It takes a lot of effort and involves some fairly opaque legal complexities.
Such laws, for example, govern the kinds of documents and contracts you’ll need and who has to sign them. Also, you need to know what to do if it turns out there are any encumbrances on your home. Further, you need to be up to speed on your state’s mandatory disclosure laws. A qualified agent, however, is knowledgeable about all these legal intricacies and can assume that burden and risk for you.
Better Sale Price
Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) unequivocally support the contention that you need an agent to sell your Effingham County and Savannah house. According to these NAR statistics, the typical “for sale by owner” home sold for around $185,000 in 2016. But in that same year, the typical home sold by a real estate agent fetched about $245,000. That means the house sold by an agent sold (on average) for $60,000 more than the FSBO home!
It should be clear by now that you need an agent to sell your Effingham County and Savannah house if you want to price it right, market it effectively, avoid legal complications, and maximize your profit. An experienced agent brings expert market insights, professional negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate the complex paperwork involved in selling a home. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your agent is bound by a strict code of ethics, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the process. It’s a smart decision that saves time, reduces stress, and delivers better results. It just makes sense!
Send me a message or give me a call today at (912) 695-6932!
