How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

We thought we would try it this way first. Although, I am not really sure what to list it for and I am not looking forward to handling everything ourselves, especially with a new baby.

Anyone have words of wisdom or advice to share?

Thanks!

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

We tried it for about a month ourselves with no success. Most people seemed to be using buyer brokers, who I don't think considered FSBOs....

We wound up signing with an agent and sold within two weeks on the market. Worth the percent, IMO.

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

there is a website FSBO.com I check that and craigslist. IF people want a home and are willing to do some legwork they will find your home. I have yet to go to one FSBO because the one in our price range is a dump from the looks of it. but if you want a quick sale then go with a real estate agent.

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

As a former real estate agent, I may be a little biased but I do remember from my training that 90% of for sales by owner, end up being sold by an agent

just by the numbers- you are one person- at my firm, I had access to 3,000 agents who all had contacts, buyers etc- and add in mls and the other real estate agencies and there was no beating it

not saying that it cant be done- but its just not easy

I also want to add that an agent pre-screens customers- so they will make sure only people who can afford your home see it, no wasting your time- when you sell yourself, you dont have a way to do that

plus people see for sale by owner and they think that they can get it super cheap

hth

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

I bought my co-op by owner (she had it posted in Newsday), and we are currently trying to sell it by owner. We have it posted only on craigslist and have had a HUGE response, but no offers yet. We had it appraised before putting it on the market so we are within the right price range. We plan on putting it in Newsday soon and if that doesn't work, we will most likely hire an agent as it's getting annoying. We really want to buy a house soon.

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

The house I live in now was a FSBO and it was such an easy transaction for us. THey called an agent to look at the house and see what she felt it was worth.

Then they took some $$ off her price to account for not having to pay realtor fees. They then put a sign on the lawn and an ad in Newsday with a picture and advertised an Open house for the weekend both Sat & Sunday. They had 2 offers that weekend. (this was back in mid 2006) all our dealings were me on the phone with the homeowner. Although we didnt do any negotiating, we made a very fair offer and they accepted.

If there was a "sensitive" subject, like us disagreeing on closing to put in contract etc, the lawyers handled it.


Honestly doing a FSBO can go either way it can be a nightmare or a great experience. But if I were going to sell my house I would put it up for X amount of time as a FSBO and set a deadline for myself and if it doesnt work then deal with a realtor.

PS dealing with a realtor isnt always smooth sailing either we had a really hard time with our realtor at a few points so I think its worth it to try to do the FSBO especially if you arent pressed for time.

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

My folks sold on their own and it took a long time... Lots of people showing up off the street, rinign the bell, etc, giving them the run around, no shows, etc... Just didn't seem worth it. We used a Realtor before and will do the same next time

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

Not a pain at all... First we had a garage sale and everyone that came we told the house was for sale... Then called everyone and their mother and told them the same... Next day a friend of a friend bought our house...

Re: How much of a pain is it to sell your house yourself?

We sold our coop easily and got asking price.

We listed it in newsday and on craigslist. All of our serious contenders came from craigslist. My only advice would be to make sure you have your husband home with you when you show, just b/c of everything going on with craigslist at the moment. But everyone we had come look at it was for real and not sketchy.