Ventura, CA (1888PressRelease)
August 07, 2007 - If you have never sold a home before this is truly one of the most difficult decisions you will be faced with. There are advantages and disadvantages to all three choices.
A traditional real estate agent, for example, will present you with a complete marketing plan and expose your home to as many buyers as possible. You could, however, save yourself thousands of dollars by selling your property on your own. But some would argue that the headache isn't worth it.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide to make your final leap.
Traditional Brokers - the Advantages (pros):
Brokers work. Despite the advent of the Internet, traditional agents continue to dominate the real-estate market. Indeed, nearly 90% of all home sales were sold with the assistance of a realtor, according to a 2002 survey by the National Association of Realtors.
Want exposure? Hire a broker. Traditional realtors share their property listings in a database called the Multiple Listing Service. This database contains more than 90% of all properties that are for sale. Agents use this MLS system daily - and buyers can even do it themselves by visiting Realtor.com.
“A good agent will do all the work for you.” Says Corey Wick of RE/MAX Olson & Associates of Simi Valley, CA. “He or she will take control of the transaction and do everything from setting an accurate asking price and prescreening prospective buyers to showing your home, while negotiating the final price. All you'll need to do is keep your home presentable.
Disadvantages (he Cons): Working with a real estate professional costs. Most charge 5-6% commission for their services. So if your home sells for $300,000, you'll have to cut a check for $15-%18,000 at closing.
For Sale by Owner - the Advantages (pros):
More money in your pocket. That's right, you get to keep whatever your home sells for.
Disadvantages (the Cons): Less exposure. “If you try to sell your home without the assistance of a real estate professional, you'll dramatically limit the number of potential buyers who'll view your property,” says Corey Wick – RE/MAX of Simi Valley, “and your home will not even be visible in the MLS, REALTOR.com or any other REALTOR related website.” Buyers are usually working with a broker and feel more at ease and confident when making such a huge commitment.
Selling your own home can be a pain. You have to set a price, appointments, showings, place ads in the paper, field calls from prospective buyers and then put on your best sales face when showing it to strangers. And there’s more, don’t forget about the negotiations. Some industry insiders even argue that buyers feel more comfortable talking money with a third party. Now try juggling all that's involved while holding down a full-time job and looking for a new home for your family to move into. Some argue that the headache is well worth the 6% commission.
About Corey Wick
A 10 year resident of Ventura County, Corey Wick has developed a reputation as trusted advisor, working with limited number of clients to ensure that each are given the highest quality of individualized service and attention. Corey has well-deserved reputation for exemplary levels of service and results, which he has gained through a commitment of the highest professional standards. He has unparalleled background in Internet marketing and technology, key in today’s market. A seasoned negotiator, Corey is committed to representing his clients best interests at all times.
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