If you're thinking about selling your house on your own as a "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO), you should consider whether it's truly worth the additional stress. Taking this approach entails handling numerous responsibilities solo – and if you're not an expert, this may lead to errors and could easily become overwhelming.

According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), individuals who sold their own homes faced the most challenges in the areas of pricing and paperwork.

Here are some ways a real estate agent can make those tasks much simpler.

Getting the Price Right

Setting the right price for your house is crucial. When selling your home independently, you may encounter two common problems. You might set the price too high (overpricing) or too low (underpricing), both of which can make selling your house challenging. NerdWallet recommends:

““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.”
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— NerdWallet

Partnering with a real estate agent can help you steer clear of these issues. Real estate agents have a thorough grasp of the local housing market, enabling them to determine the ideal price for your home. Leveraging their knowledge, they can set a price that aligns with buyers' expectations, increasing the chances of making a strong impression right from the beginning.

Understanding and Performing Paperwork

Selling a house requires a significant amount of paperwork and legal documentation that must be accurate. Following numerous rules and regulations can make it challenging for homeowners to handle everything independently. Without professional assistance, there is a risk of facing liability issues and legal entanglements.

Real estate agents specialize in handling all the contracts and paperwork required for selling a house. They are knowledgeable about the rules and can assist you throughout the process, minimizing the risk of errors that could result in legal issues or hold-ups. According to an article from First American...

““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.”
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— First American

Instead of handling the increasing stack of documents by yourself, consider partnering with an agent who can serve as your advisor, assisting you in navigating any legal obstacles.

Bottom Line

Selling a house on your own can consume a significant amount of time and bring unnecessary stress. It would be beneficial to connect so you can receive assistance with various intricate aspects, such as determining the appropriate price, managing all the paperwork, and more. This partnership can relieve you of the burden of stress related to the process.