The first common reason for not selling through a professional Realtor is because many sellers are not pleased with agents they may have known or had used in the past. But keep in mind that all Realtors are not the same. You may have had a poor experience in the past when dealing with an agent. It may be due to the way the agent presented him or herself. Or the means by which the agent handled or negotiated your important transaction. Perhaps all your needs and wishes were not properly met. A common problem is due to the lack of communication between agents and their clients. Many agents don’t keep in regular touch with the home seller or update them regularly on their progress. Whatever the reason, please consider that all agents are not created equal.

       I am determined in providing you with top quality service. I provide my clients with several progress reports each week. As your Realtor, I will not leave you in the dark or abandoned you. I will guide you each step of the way and address all your issues and concerns.

       The second most common reason for owners to sell by themselves is their fear of the commission rates. Some sellers feel that the rates are too high or not justified. They feel that they may save money if they sell on their own. Statistics show that sellers who do sell their home while using an agent generally net more than if they sold by owner. How much money is
actually saved after other factors are considered, including your valuable time. Do you have the patients to wait six months or even a year before your home is sold in order to save $ 4,000 on commissions? Chances are, you would make the same if not more money using an agent. The waiting alone costs you more due to further property taxes you are paying. If your taxes are $430 a month, after four months selling by owner costs you $ 1720 more in property taxes, not to mention continuous utility bills, association fees, mortgage payments, advertising expenses, and the value of your personal time. Are you taking time off of work just to be around to show your home? Are you constantly canceling family plans and events? Is it all worth the sacrifice of peace and mind? Even safety issues by allowing strangers into your home ? Or would it be much simpler to carry on your private life and leave all the stress to a licensed professional Realtor ? And if you do finally get a buyer, how do you know they are qualified and not wasting your time ?

       Fear also grows form a true lack of understanding of how the commission process truly works. Take for example a 5% commission rate. That means that if your home is on the market with an asking price of $175,000. The commission paid when the home is sold will be $8,750.

       Sounds like a lot of money to give one little real estate agent doesn't it. Well, did you even stop to consider the fact that commissions are commonly split 4 or more ways! That’s right; one agent does not take the entire commission.

       Furthermore, after the split, an agent must pay both halves of self-employment taxes (7.65% x 2), federal tax (15-28%), and state tax (3%). For a total of +33%. And what’s left over must cover the agent’s own costs of selling the home. Costs such as; advertising in newspapers, trade publications, producing & distributing fliers, direct mail and numerous membership fees and business expenses. If one is not provided, please contact me to receive a free commission breakdown sheet for a detailed explanation. Now that you have a clearer understanding of real estate commissions, perhaps you won’t be taken aback. S

       Because of multi way commission splits and the high costs associated with being a real estate professional. There tends to be a high turn over rate of agents. That is to say that many do not have the endurance to stay in the business for the long term. Just like in many sales businesses, where an individuals income is solely or primarily dependent on the volume and business generated. Many new agents in the real estate profession have little or no direction. Training skills and lack of motivation is commonplace. Many are in the business part time. Even more fail or give up after their second year. Please understand that real estate is my profession and I am dedicated to success. You will receive nothing but the best service and care. So why go to another?

       The third common reason owners choose to sell on their own accord is simply because they lack the motivation or eagerness to seriously sell. And thus the expression “test the waters”. They may put up a for sale sign on the weekends, or when the season is right, or after their neighbor says he made a fortune selling his home.

       “I just want to see what I can get for it” is a common thought. But don’t mislead yourself. If you are seriously in the market to sell your home, then you need to take aggressive and proper steps to ensure success. Simply because the neighbor sold his home for $210,950 does not necessarily mean your home is worth any more or less. There are many factors, which need to be considered. Are you certain that you have an accurate and reasonable asking price? How did you arrive at this price? What research or market analysis did you perform? What steps did you procure to ensure that potential buyers feel that your asking price is justified? Will your arrival at the asking price convince a buyer that they are paying a reasonable price? Did you consider the fact that an agent may net you the same or more.

       I can help you determine and arrive at an asking price that is most appropriate. Together we can research your home and accurately demonstrate to prospective buyers what your home is worth. As your Realtor, I will show you what your neighboring homes have sold for and do a complete comprehensive market analysis. Including; surrounding neighborhoods, subdivisions, near by towns, the town you live in as a whole, as well as other important factors.

       Whatever the reason you decided to sell by owner, I ask that if and when the time comes, and you are comfortably ready. To simply contact me and schedule an interview. I would be delighted to meet with you and demonstrate my eagerness to work with you.