Are you ready to sell your house? You now must choose between marketing it alone (FSBO), selling it to an iBuyer or an investor, or go the traditional route: list it with a real estate agent. Each method has its advantages and inconveniences. You will need to figure out which one is the right solution for you.
Here at Rocking Porch Homes, as real estate investors, we offer the convenience of a quick, low hassle transaction. However, we also frequently recommend to potential customers to talk to a Realtor before selling their property to us.
So, when is selling your house with a real estate agent the right choice for you?
Your property is ready to market by a real estate agent
Getting your house ready to sell can be a hassle. You will need to make it as attractive to potential buyers as possible by proceeding to necessary repairs. You also need to make sure it is in showable condition on short notice by keeping it clean and staged.
If your property is already in good shape and easy to show (if you have already moved out, for example), you may be better off listing it with a real estate agent before exploring other options.
A real estate agent can get you top dollar for your house
If you want to sell your property at or above market value, you will need to list your home with a real estate agent. Investors and iBuyers bring the convenience of a quick sale, but will typically make an offer which allows them to make a profit. Besides, iBuyers also have a lot of hidden fees.
If you need a certain amount of money to buy a new house, or break even on your mortgage, for example, the real estate agent route may be your best bet. Many agents offer CMAs (Comparative Market Analysis) free of charge, which can give you an idea of what your property would sell for in the current market.
Your home is in high demand
Properties located in desirable areas or which offer in-demand amenities can sell very quickly. Ask your real estate agent how long comparable properties stay on the market.
If you want to put all the chances on your side for a quick and easy sale, you can have your house pre-inspected and hire an appraiser to avoid any last-minute issues that could come up on your hand.
You are not in a rush to sell
If your timeline is not critical or if you don’t mind carrying two mortgages for a time, listing your house with a real estate agent may be your best option. Ask if your Realtor is confident that he/she can sell your property for a reasonable price within a given timeline, and negotiate your contract accordingly.
If the property needs to be sold by a specific date – if you are relocating and need your house to be sold for you to purchase another property, for example – decide ahead of time how long you are willing to wait. Your real estate agent will be able to give an idea of the average days on the market for similar properties in your area as a guideline.
The biggest downside of listing your home with a real estate agent is that you are dependent on the market. Even with an excellent real estate agent, there is no guarantee that your house will sell for a specific price or within a given period of time. You may put all the chance on your side for a quick sale, but some issues, such as the buyer’s financing, are out of your hands and can cause significant delays.
If you have already listed your home with a real estate agent and are not satisfied with the results, it may be time to explore other options. If you are selling a house in Cherokee and Cobb county, including Woodstock, Marietta, Roswell, Acworth, Kennesaw, and Canton, we may be able to help. Contact us today to discuss whether listing your house with a real estate agent or selling it to an investor may be the best choice for you.