The Homeowner Who Represents Himself is Dumb and… (I didn’t write that headline!)

With the housing market beginning to heat up, we are afraid some sellers may consider trying to sell their house as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). This week we will be posting on the reasons that we believe trying to sell on your own may be a mistake. – KCM Crew

A well-known legal profession axiom:

“The attorney who represents himself is dumb and has a fool as a client.”

We believe this also applies if you attempt to sell your own home as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). In today’s volatile market, you need an experienced professional!

You and your family need a skilled negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that off after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Here is a list of some of the people with whom your agent will potentially negotiate on your behalf:

• The buyer
• The buyer’s agent
• The buyer’s attorney
• The home inspection company
• The termite company
• The buyer’s lender
• The appraiser
• The title company
• The town or municipality
• The buyer’s buyer
• Your bank (in the case of a short sale)

How do you know if an agent negotiates well?

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer in your deal.

Bottom Line

You need a great negotiator. We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.