Is It Better To Sell Home By Owner Or Use A Realtor?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you want to get the best price possible. Eliminating realtors’ commissions puts more money in your pocket. But does it make sense to sell your house without a realtor? Will it save you money in the long run? And how much work will it be?

There are benefits and drawbacks to both for sale by owner (FSBO) and using a realtor. Selling your home on your own can save you money. But it also takes some know-how, plus a whole lot of time and energy. Take a look at both options to make the best decision for you.

Does it Make Sense to Sell Without a Realtor?

The most common reason homeowners choose to do for sale by owner (FSBO) is to save money.

Hiring a realtor means paying commissions, which average around 6% of the sales price of the home. The thought of shelling money out, on top of other moving-related expenses isn’t appealing.

But before deciding the FSBO route is right for you, you need to understand what it entails. When you choose to sell your own home, you need to:

Price your home competitively. Do your research on home values in your area. Look at sales prices and not just listing prices — or estimates on Zillow. Homeowners sometimes price their home too…