We all want to maximize our profit from selling our home, and one of the ways to keep a little extra cash in your pocket at closing is to sell your home FSBO, right?

Well, not so fast.

Before you assume that you will always come out ahead financially when selling your home FSBO, you may want to consider the following factors:

• Studies have shown that there have been a significantly higher number of claims and lawsuits brought against sellers. Many times, home sellers assume that they can do it all without the guide of a real estate attorney or qualified real estate agent; however, this can end up costing them big if the buyers turn around and file suit against them. In other words, never, ever underestimate the value of a real estate agent’s knowledge when it comes to the home selling and buying process.
• Many times, buyers will offer up to 10 percent less for a FSBO home because they know that the seller is not paying commission on the home. It has been shown, time and time again, that sellers receive more money for their homes when they are sold by qualified real estate agents. In other words, don’t assume that you will be pocketing more money at closing because you went it alone.
• Most real estate agents are skilled in protecting their clients’ financial interests; therefore, the knowledge of a professional agent may help avoid problems with the buyers throughout the entire process.
• A qualified real estate typically earns their commission – and then some – because of all the grunt work involved with listing and selling a home. A qualified real estate will handle all of the details, such as marketing the property, showing the property and negotiating the sales prices of the property. If you don’t have the time to do all of this work yourself, then you owe it to yourself (and your sanity!) to use the services of a qualified real estate.
• A skilled real estate agent will be able to price your home right, from the beginning, thereby helping you achieve top dollar for your property.