What to Know Before You Go FSBO

   However: it often costs you more in the end (and exposes you to legal, financial and personal risk).

Here's why:

• You will probably make less money. In all likelihood, you are listing as FSBO because you want to make MORE money and not pay a realtor for things you can do yourself. I get that! However, homes listed by agents typically sell for more... usually because sellers misprice their home (either overpricing it and scarying buyers away or underpricing it and leaving money on the table).

• Fewer eyeballs on your home. The MLS (multiple listing service) is a powerful tool for selling your home, because it pushes the listing to thousands of realtors as well as public websites. Not being on the MLS = less visibility. Additionally many realtors are excellent marketers and salespeople. There are a litany of things I do behind the scenes to propertly market, promote and position listings. Seriously: here's the list of things I do to market my listings.

• Safety & security risks: professional real estate agents have systems and tools for identifying and screening prospective buyers. We sign a representation agreement with every potential buyer before showing a single home, and most of us go above and beyond in ensuring our own safety by vetting each and every individual.

• Contracts & negotiation: realtors are trained to be professional negotiators, from the offer through the inspection and appraisal process. It is our fiduciary responsibility to represent our clients and get them the best outcome in the sale of their home. 

• Mistakes & errors: real estate contracts are legally binding documents with complex terms, deadlines and clauses. Errors can void the sale or expose you to legal action or lawsuits long after the sale is closed. Similarly, unintentionally violating Fair Housing laws by making an improper statement or decision can lead to significant fines and legal issues.

• Stress & overwhelm: the process of selling a home can be exhausting. You are responsible for keeping your home show-ready, fielding calls and inquiries, screening potential buyers, scheduling and hosting showings, dealing with lowball offers and difficult buyers, managing the compex paperwork... and presumably still managing your own job and life demands.