5 Reasons Not to sell for sale by owner

1. You Might Be Selling Your Home For Less Than Market Value
Realtors will take into account recently sold homes in your area. This information can usually be accessed on the internet, but if you have not been trained what to look for and what adds value in your neighborhood, you may inaccurately price your home.

You may have more square footage but your neighbor may have renovated the kitchen and the master bathroom. Certain features in some neighborhoods add more or less value in other neighborhoods. Appraisers usually look at the past 6 months of closed homes. If your home doesn't appraise because it's overpriced, it doesn't matter if you have a buyer or not. The buyer will not be able to get a loan for more than your home appraises for. It doesn’t matter what you “think” it’s worth.

2. Liability of the seller
If you are not represented by a professional who has E&O insurance. You may risk being sued during or after the sale. Your Realtor should know what should be disclosed to the buyer and where to disclose it. Keep in mind that you are letting strangers in your house, and if you want to sell your home, you’re going to need to allow the public to come inside.

3. Not Understanding the Paperwork
This is a large transaction, so of course there’s a lot of paperwork. There are a lot of spaces that don’t necessarily need to be initialed unless it applies. It’s easy to miss required spaces too. I don’t recommend signing anything unless a licensed Realtor or attorney explains the terms and conditions to you.

4.  Marketing Disadvantages
You can place your home on Zillow, and even some cheap companies will post your home to the MLS, but Realtors do a lot more than post your listing. 

• Flyers
• Just Listed Postcards
• Professional Photography
• Video Marketing 
• Brokerage Open Houses
• Public Open Houses

• Agent to Agent Networking
• Google Analytic Advertising
• Facebook Advertising
• Instant Sign Rider Information
• Professional Signage
• List on 900+ Home Buying websites​

5. The Other Agent or Buyer Taking Advantage of You
You are representing yourself in the sale of your home. You must negotiate the sales price, closing costs, and understand any contingencies attached to the contract. You may not know what's "normal" or what's "too much." The realtor is acting in their client's best interest. This means they are not looking out for you, necessarily. I always advise getting a professional opinion, whether it's from a Realtor, attorney, inspector, or appraiser.