How I Helped Rachel and Greg See the Value in Listing with an Agent
A few months ago, I got a call from a lovely couple, Rachel and Greg about listing their house for sale in Fayetteville. They were selling their beautiful home in a popular neighborhood here in North Carolina, and they were planning to do it themselves as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). It’s a common approach for homeowners who want to save on commission fees, but after chatting with them, I knew there was more to the story.
The FSBO Approach
When I first met Rachel and Greg, they were excited about their home’s potential and determined to sell on their own. “We’ve done our research, Kim, and we think we can handle the sale without an agent. We don’t want to pay the commission.”
I completely understood where they were coming from. The commission can feel like a big chunk of change, especially when you’re already dealing with so many expenses in a home sale. I didn’t push them immediately, but I could tell that there was a lot they hadn’t considered yet.
Understanding the Real Value of an Agent
Over our conversation, I gently started explaining how, while I respect the FSBO route, working with an experienced agent when listing their house for sale in Fayetteville could actually get them more money in the long run.
I started with this simple point: Realtors bring buyers. A big part of the reason sellers consider going the FSBO route is to avoid the commission, but what they don’t always realize is how important an agent is in bringing buyers to the table.
I told Greg, “I know you’re trying to avoid commission fees, but when you list with an agent, we not only bring our network of buyers but also market your home across multiple platforms, including MLS and social media. That’s exposure you just can’t get on your own.”
They were intrigued, but still hesitant.
Pricing and Negotiation Power
Another key point I brought up was pricing. Pricing a home correctly is an art. Too high, and you risk scaring away buyers; too low, and you leave money on the table. As someone who specializes in the local market, I can determine a strategic listing price by analyzing comparable sales, market trends, and buyer demand.
In addition, I’ve got strong negotiation skills that ensure you don’t leave any money on the table. I’m your advocate, and I can negotiate the best deal on your behalf.
Greg raised an eyebrow. “But what about all the paperwork? Isn’t that something we could handle ourselves?”
The Paperwork and Legal Complexities
Absolutely, the paperwork can seem simple at first, but the legalities of a real estate transaction are more complicated than most people realize. Contracts, disclosures, inspections, and negotiations can quickly become overwhelming, especially if something goes wrong. A mistake could end up costing you thousands.
The Big Picture: Getting More Than You Pay For
“Ultimately,” I said, “it’s about getting you the highest possible price for your home. The reality is, homes listed with agents tend to sell for more than those sold as FSBOs. Even after paying the commission, you’re likely to walk away with a bigger profit.”
The Decision
A few days later, Rachel reached out to me and said, “Kim, we’ve thought it over, and we’d like to list with you.”
I was thrilled! Together, we went through the listing process, from staging advice to professional photography. We priced their home strategically, marketed it to the right buyers, and within a couple of weeks, we had multiple offers.
In the end, Rachel and Greg sold their home for more than they ever expected—and after paying the commission, they were still ahead.
The Takeaway When Listing Your House for Sale in Fayetteville
It was a rewarding experience to help Rachel and Greg understand that while FSBO may seem like a way to save, partnering with an agent when listing their house for sale in Fayetteville can actually put more money in your pocket. Realtors bring the expertise, the marketing, and the negotiating power that can make all the difference in a home sale.
If you’re considering selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Let’s work together to get you the best possible price for your property—after all, my goal is to help you succeed!
Ready to list your house for sale in Fayetteville? Contact me, Kim Kaplan, to discuss how I can help you make the most of your sale.