I like to do projects around my house and in life in general. I own some tools and most of my computer skills are self acquired. When I don’t know something, I read a book about said subject. I’m all for DIY. I’ve done DIY. Which is why I’m an expert at knowing why experts are important sometimes. Like, for filing tax returns and major surgery.
So when a past client who has become a friend (that happens a lot) sends me a text that looks like this, we have a good laugh:
It might be hard to see…the photo is sideways. It’s a screenshot of an email update my friend, who shall be known as N, received from Zillow. And the perpetrator is someone selling their own home. Love her. She always has my back because she believes in what I do.
Speaking of selling homes, I sold my friend’s home in December (for 30K over asking – that’s another blog post.) N has no need to keep looking at real estate but she does. It’s become a hobby for many people and I think that’s cool. It’s our new world thanks to HGTV and Zillow.
And Zillow has empowered consumers, making it easier for someone to sell their own house. By posting some pretty photos and video, writing compelling copy, using the Zestimate as a guide for pricing the buyers come, right?
Sometimes. Sometimes there is more to the project than the DIYer sees.
In general, in my professional opinion, someone who sells their own property is doing so to save money. Buyers attracted to FSBO’s also want to save money. Essentially, each wants to save the same money. Impossible. So, the transaction starts at an impasse and that’s a tough place to start a business transaction.
Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $208,000 while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $235,000. This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $27,000 more for your home. Studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense. I always say, you know how much you are saving by not hiring an agent but you will never know much you lost.
Which isn’t to say that all agents produce the same results. They certainly don’t.
I might not be the right agent for you but I do know that by working with me I’ll be your advocate, you’ll have the best marketing, skillful negotiation, management of your sale and get the best price the market will bear.
And I will make sure your all of your pictures are right-side-up.