There's More to Selling Your Home than a "For Sale" Sign In Your Front Yard--But You Probably Already Know That!B> 

I must admit that people really do sell their homes without the help of a professional Realtor, but even if a simple sign in your yard did produce a buyer knocking on your door, how will you handle the following questions: 

"How does your home compare to others like it in the neighborhood or in the Augusta area?" 

"How did you determine the fair market value of this property?" 

"What about financing? Can you help?" 

"If I make an offer, who will draw up the paperwork?" 

"Why aren't you using a real estate agent? Is there something wrong with the property?" 

"Since you aren't using a real estate agent, we can take their fee right off the top, right?" 

In addition to these questions, how will you market your home on the internet to out of town buyers, who make up a large percentage of the local buying pool in this area? How will they find your home, your neighborhood? How will they even know your home is for sale? 

Selling your home is one of the most important financial transactions you will make in your life. Don't take risks. Selling your home is nothing like selling a car. Every home is different, and every homebuyer wants to offer you as little as possible. How do I know? because many years ago prior to becoming a real estate agent, I decided to sell my home without the help of a real estate agent--thinking that buyers would be enticed because I could sell it for less since I wasn't paying a commission. This is what I experienced through this process: 

- Prospective buyers making appointments but not showing up.
- Prospective buyers looking to rent instead of purchasing.
- Prospective buyers who didn't qualify for a loan.
- Prospective buyers who thought I was desperate to sell (even though I was) and making low-ball offers.
- Prospective buyers who called and wanted to see my home at a moment's notice...usually at dinner time.
- The inconvenience of modifying my (already busy) schedule to accommodate showings.
- The security concerns of letting total strangers in my home. 

About four months later when my home still had not sold, I decided I would turn it over to a professional--a top local real estate agent. We had a contract in less than two weeks plus a back-up offer. I was even quite surprised when I realized that I was able to net more money from the sale--even though I paid the commission, than what I was trying to get as a FSBO. I would like to think that my situation of selling on my own was unique, but I seriously doubt it. 

Almost all homes are sold using a real estate agent. Even investors realize the importance of using a real estate professional--especially when time and money is of the essence. The television show "Flip This House" is proof of that. As a top real estate professional, it is my job to help you negotiate with all those buyers who want something for nothing, and eliminate those who inconvenience you because they are not serious, not to mention preparing your home for sale, marketing it locally in Augusta and most important--nationally, and of course, guiding you through the complex paperwork and pitfalls of escrow and closing.  

I can provide you with the necessary disclosures that are required by law, even if you are selling your home yourself. The first is the Seller's Property Disclosure Form that has questions to be answered about the condition of your home. This form must be answered truthfully because it will be reviewed by the buyer and will become part of your contract. 

The next form I will provide you with is the Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form. This form is required by law and is for any home that was built before 1978.  

Make sure you understand these disclosure forms and the legal issues they present before pounding that sign into your front yard. Errors can be extremely costly. 

What about financing? Will you be able to prove that the buyer is really able to purchase your home after writing that contract? Do you understand the different type of loan programs enough to know what is required for each (e.g. VA loans and FHA loan requirements)? Are you aware that Buyers can now make an offer on your home and legally "walk-away" after a certain period of time if they decide they no longer want to purchase your home? 

Remember: Buyers want to offer you as close to nothing as possible! Don't give your home away!!! While that "For Sale By Owner" sign might sound like a good idea, it usually means a different thing to buyers: "Try to steal this one." 

If you must sell your own home, at least let me give you a sense of its true market value. Tell me a bit about your home, and I'll do a quick Comparative Market Analysis and let you know what I feel it is worth in today's market. I'll also describe, as an experienced, top Augusta real estate agent, how I would market your property. This is FREE, with no strings attached. 

If you are unsuccessful in selling your home and would like to get it SOLD--especially in today's real estate market, give me a call! 

Don't price your home by yourself! It's my job to analyze the local market and determine the true value of your property. It's FREE and without obligation...  

Just take a second to fill out the information below or contact me directly at (706)396-8337.