Selling your home yourself v. Hiring a Professional Realtor

Dear Marlene~
I want to sell my house myself and pocket the extra money instead of paying those huge commissions! ~Helen F. in Lee’s Summit.
Would you have your baby born without a doctor? Would you go to court without a lawyer? Then, why would you think you‘d be better off selling your house without a real estate agent? For most, it’s the largest investment of your life!
If you’re afraid of paying the outrageous commission rate of 6% or 7% (I feel that is too high), then find an agent (like me) that will gladly list your home for a lower rate-like 5.5% (or 4.5% if I bring the buyer!). Remember that soda you paid $1.69 for? It costs the restaurant about 9 whopping cents! Their commission rate is like a gazillion percent! You’ve paid more commissions for your sodas than you will for having a real estate agent sell your home.
Still don’t see it my way? Remember – I have access to posting your house on several of the major internet sites, like the Multiple Listing Services, Realtor.com, Zillow, Craig’s List, & Trulia!!!! Are you afraid I will tell you to do things you don’t want to hear – like – replace the stained carpet with a neutral carpet – or repaint your lime green kitchen with a neutral color? A good agent is going to tell you what to do and what not to do – It’s part of my job. Also, most people who look at FSBO’s are looking for a bargain basement price. Statistics show FSBO’s take much longer to sell. Figure in your time, cost of signs, advertising, wrong listing price and you normally don’t net any more money.
As a real estate agent, I will run a professional comparative market analysis, meet with you, go through your home, and help you come up with an appropriate listing price for your house. I will do this for you at no cost or obligation.

Until next time, happy home hunting!

To contact me directly, send me an e-mail to: MarleneKAlley@aol.com. ~Marlene Alley