For Sale By Owner: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Is a Realtor necessary with today's technology?

As a real estate agent, I get asked this question at just about every family function I attend. Want to know my response? It's a bit rhetorical. I ask, "With today's medical websites, are doctors still necessary?" Sure, a website can give you all relevant details, photos and processes, but every person and their situation is different. Every single time. A real estate agent services people, not inanimate and unchanging objects. Technology doesn't work to have your best interest in mind and figure out solutions to put thousands more dollars back into your pocket like a trusted real estate agent does.

"Technology doesn't work to have your best interest in mind..."

But it all seems so easy?

Many inexperienced sellers and buyers mistake the buttery smooth real estate transaction they were involved in as "Wow, what did my real estate agent even do? Didn't seem like much work." But consider perhaps why the transaction was as smooth as Michael Jackson moon-walking on an infinite treadmill.

Professional (as in the ones who do this as a profession and not a side gig) real estate agents have been around the block more times than they can count. This isn't their first time to the rodeo. At this point they've rode the bull and claimed their favorite cut of sirloin. Their entire purpose is to make the transaction feel seamless and satisfying.

Putting your home on the market as an For Sale by Owner can be tempting when you consider keeping the commission cost for yourself. This can also be alluring when you want to represent yourself when purchasing a home, or dealing with a FSBO purchase. 

Here's a look at the pros and cons of why that may or may not be a good idea.