Thinking about selling your house as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO)? Consider the extra stress and responsibilities involved. Without expertise, mistakes can happen quickly, leading to overwhelm. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pricing and paperwork are the top challenges for FSBO sellers.

Here’s how a real estate agent can simplify these tasks:

Getting the Price Right
Pricing your home correctly is crucial. When selling on your own, you might overprice or underprice your house, both of which can hinder the sale. NerdWallet emphasizes the importance of first impressions:

“When selling a home, first impressions matter. Your house’s market debut is your first chance to attract a buyer, and it’s important to get the pricing right. If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing. But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table. A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as they may wonder if there are any underlying problems with the house.”

A real estate agent can set the perfect price using their deep understanding of the local market. This expertise ensures your house is priced just right to attract buyers from the start.

Understanding and Handling Paperwork
Selling a house involves complex paperwork and legal documentation. Navigating these rules and regulations alone can lead to liability risks and legal issues. Real estate agents are well-versed in the necessary contracts and paperwork, guiding you through the process to minimize errors and legal complications. As First American notes:

“To buy or sell a home, you need to accurately complete a lot of forms, disclosures, and legal documents. A real estate agent ensures you cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’ to help you avoid having a transaction fall through and/or prevent a costly mistake.”

By partnering with an agent, you’ll have a knowledgeable advisor to handle the paperwork, helping you avoid legal pitfalls.

Bottom Line
Selling your house on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. Connect with a local real estate agent to assist with setting the right price, managing paperwork, and handling all the finer details, relieving you of unnecessary stress.