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lyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

    Tribune Content Agency

    After reading your Chicago Tribune column, I wanted to share how I sold my home independently.

    At 65, I had lived in the same house all my life. A buyer‑sponsored appraiser visited. He was older, well‑versed in the neighborhood, and even knew about recent school changes. Crucially, he pointed out that homes east of the train tracks typically sell $20,000–$30,000 less. That insight explained why my property fetched a premium over comparable listings.

    A local agent called, claiming she was from the area, but she lived 15 miles away and hung up when I questioned her claim. In the end, the appraiser’s assessment confirmed my price was fair. Zillow and Redfin had suggested I was underpricing by about $20,000, yet I felt the listing was reasonable. The buyer’s mortgage was approved, and the new owners have been delighted since closing last summer.

    If I had hired an agent who recommended updates, my home would have listed roughly $25,000 higher. That would have required a larger loan and a commission of about $20,000. I’m glad I avoided that.

    Your column on FSBOs (for‑sale‑by‑owner) resonated. Many sellers overprice, hoping to extract every dollar, but this often backfires. Overpriced homes linger, prompting buyers to suspect hidden problems and drive prices down. By pricing honestly and cutting out the commission, I avoided that trap.

    The appraiser’s local knowledge was invaluable. It would have been interesting to hear his valuation without knowing my final sale price—perhaps it would have matched or exceeded my list.

    Despite the hot market, only about 7% of sellers choose FSBO, according to the National Association of Realtors. With inventory so tight, more homeowners might consider selling on their own before paying a 2%–4% commission.

    Ilyce Glink is an author; Samuel J. Tamkin is a Chicago real‑estate attorney. Reach them at ThinkGlink.com.