Do I Need a Realtor to Sell My Home, Or Can I Handle It Alone?
In a world of do-it-yourself enthusiasts, you might be thinking about selling your home on your own and asking yourself: Do I really need a Realtor®? While taking the independent route can save on commission fees, a Realtor® brings expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills that can help you get the best price and navigate the complexities of the real estate process.
With a national average commission rate of 5.8%, the desire to cut out the middleman and march confidently toward the FSBO sale of your dreams is understandable. But the decision could also leave you stressed and frustrated, with pangs of regret that you’re underselling your home.
As you mull over this decision, consider whether any of these signs indicate that partnering with a professional is the right choice for you.
Editor’s note: On March 15, 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a landmark lawsuit settlement that will change the way real estate agent commissions are handled in the future. These changes will “decouple” seller and buyer agent compensation. Industry experts predict that this decoupling will likely lower agent fees and give buyers the ability to negotiate commission amounts directly. Learn more.
