Hiring a listing agent tends to earn FSBO's more money

FSBO's who list their homes on the market normally put a value according to Zillow, other online tools or the high amount that the neighbor down the street said they were offered.  Unfortunately, these are practices that are likely to make the overpriced.

Agents say the risk in overpricing a home is that it will sit a long time on the market, and buyers will question why, even if the price is lowered later. There are statistics to back up this claim as well.

Studies prove that selling your home through a professional real estate agent will get you a higher net gain, enough to pay for the commission on top of putting more money in your pocket.

According to the National Association of Realtor®'s 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average FSBO sales price was $185,000, while the average price for a home listed by an real estate agent was $245,000. Most people would  like to get the most they can for their home.

Additional reasons to use an Agent
1. They are objective and understand fair market value and pricing strategy: When you work with an experienced local agent, they will probably have greater knowledge about the value of your home in your area, and what buyers are willing to pay to become new owners. They also should know some photographers and home stagers, who can emphasize the amenities that local buyers desire.

2.Marketing your home online isn't as easy as you think
Buyers always start online, and "for sale by owner" sellers are unlikely to get the exposure they need on a number of listings websites to reach their audience

3. Agents have the ability to promote your home to a larger audience. They do this through their local MLS membership, online listing websites, social media platform, business partners, and agent connections, your real estate agent can get a lot of views on your listing and a lot of prospective buyers in you home.

4. More Buyer's agents will see your listing when listed through an agent. This means they are more likely to show your home to potential buyers.

5. Experienced agents can identify serious buyers and advise which offer is the strongest.  The benefit here is it limits the barrage of calls and negotiations with buyers who are less motivated.

6. When you sell a home, there's a lot of legal documentation involved. The burden of making sure it's in compliance with state laws is the listing agent's responsibility when they lst your home.Otherwise, it is the buyer's duty.