Most people think you need an agent to sell a house, but we’d argue just the opposite. That’s why we’ve written this article in which we share the advantages of selling your home yourself!
The first advantage may seem obvious, but it’s…
No commissions!
Estate agents charge up to 6% of the sale price in commission, even if you end up selling the property yourself. Added to these are agency fees, administrative costs, payment for a professional photographer and more. By selling your home directly, you can save thousands of dollars.
Of course, if you sell yourself, you’ll have to do all the promotional work and visits yourself. However, when moving into a new home, having a little money in your pocket can save a lot of stress! Moving always involves a ton of extra costs. That’s why keeping your money in your pocket makes life so much easier.
You decide everything
Don’t feel like visiting on Saturday? No problem, don’t make any. When dealing with an agent, it’s often the agent who decides what happens. Obviously, as the owner, you have the final say, but if you’re hiring an agent to handle the sale of your home, it’s a good idea to bring a large number of people to your home.
This means weekend visits when you’ll have to leave, and evenings too. And it can happen suddenly! So you’ll need to keep your home spotless at all times while it’s advertised for sale on the traditional market.
Your conditions, your method
Agents always want to sell at the best price. For this reason, your agent may insist on asking for a specific amount when you’re ready to negotiate. Even if you’re in a hurry to sell, your agent will want to make as much profit as possible. Will he really have your best interests at heart, knowing how much money he could potentially make?
Also, if you’re selling by yourself, you can decide on the dates. The date on which your buyer will move in, the date on which you will move out, the closing date, and so on. You’ll also be able to impose your own conditions regarding the work you will or won’t do, and the budget you’re prepared to invest. When you sell a property yourself, you’re in control and can decide on the terms of the contract without being influenced by an agent, who may have his own interests in mind.
Few cash sales are cancelled
As we so often hear in the real estate business, “money is king”. If you manage to find cash home buyers interested in your property, you’ll be able to save a lot, in addition to saving time. Closing a sale with a cash buyer usually takes only a week or two, unlike a sale with a financed buyer. What’s more, you won’t have to wait for your buyer to find financing. A cash home buyer will pay you directly, so there’s no need to fill out all the paperwork required by the banks. It’s worth noting that this type of agreement is rarely cancelled, and that you can save a small fortune on work, home staging and all the other expenses involved in selling a property.
Selling your home yourself will save you time, and time is money. Think of all those dollars saved on taxes, bills, Hydro, insurance and mortgage payments thanks to a quick sale! Although cash offers are often lower than the price at which you could advertise your property, the seller often ends up with more money in his pocket by selling cash than by advertising and paying fees, commissions and other costs involved in the sale. Not to mention the stress and headaches you won’t have to deal with if you sell direct! (Just imagine a constant stream of people parking in front of your house and peering in through the window! These things really do happen!)
