CHAPTER 15 FSBO or Why Expertise Matt y Expertise Matters The main reason sellers choose to sell their home themselves is to save the typical 5-6% commission that goes to both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. However, since August 17, 2024, sellers now only need to negotiate their own agent’s compensation. They can decide if they want to offer extra money to help the buyer pay for their agent. What I’ve noticed is that many sellers who choose to sell on their own still end up offering compensation to the buyer’s agent. But keep in mind, if you do this, the buyer will have a professional agent negotiating on their behalf, while you’re left handling the process alone. Wouldn’t it be in your best interest to hire your own agent to negotiate for you, and then offer a concession directly to the buyer? That way, they can use the money to pay their agent. This approach ensures you have a professional working for you, for the same amount you might have offered to the buyer’s agent anyway. Considering a Real Estate Agent? Selling a home involves a lot of steps—preparing, listing, marketing, and managing the sale. It can be overwhelming. A real estate professional who understands the process can make it much easier for you. You don’t need to be an expert in real estate if you have a trusted professional by your side. No matter how long you have lived in your home, a real estate professional in the local area will know considerably more about the sale price history and market trends than you do. Real estate agents network with various contractors and professionals. They can advise on service provider reputation and provide references who have previously worked with providers. A real estate agent will also have market conditions data, which 73
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