GOING IT ALONE: THE DRAWBACKS

The idea of selling your home yourself is enhanced by the lure of the commission you won’t have to pay. It might seem like a lot of money, but when you consider what it’s going to take to sell your home on your own, it may not be worth it.

You’ll spend countless hours preparing, marketing, advertising, fielding calls, and scheduling appointments. What really becomes an issue, though, is safety. You are opening your home to strangers. People you don’t know will be popping by, expecting to see your home right then, despite your 'appointment only' sign. These folks will have a multitude of reasons they can’t make an appointment, and you may be conflicted about whether to let them in. After all, you're anxious to sell and these might be the people you've been waiting for.

Be sure to plan to have at least two adults on hand when you’re showing the house. If your spouse is involved with kids, ask a neighbor to come over. You’ll get the names and phone numbers of those who do make appointments to see your home, but that may not be enough information to ensure your safety.

Don’t ever show your home at night, and don’t open the door after dark unless you are familiar with the caller. Always secure your valuables, jewelry, breakables, and precious items before you show the house. Remove prescription drugs from cupboards and medicine cabinets, and put them in an out of the way place. Do not leave your computer on. A clever thief could quickly obtain information of a confidential nature.

Be sure your neighbors know of your plans so they can be aware of any unusual activities.

Con artists are extremely charming. Be aware (and suspicious) of any inappropriate behavior or overly familiar gestures. Be sure to keep everything on a business level, and share no 'inside' information with anyone. Even a qualified prospective buyer does not need to know your personal business.

A real estate professional is skilled in all the aspects of showing your property, coordinating appointments, qualifying buyers, and managing viewings and open houses. In addition to assuming the complete list of tasks involved in the sale of your house, your realtor can eliminate the concerns that come with a 'for sale by owner' effort.

Talk to friends and neighbors about their house-selling experiences. Get a realistic picture of the disadvantages and possible advantages of going it alone. Your home is a major investment and you don't want to take a chance on making the wrong decision. Don't hesitate to contact us to find out how we can enhance both the sale of your property, and your peace of mind.

So you want to sell or buy a home on your own...