realestate

Why Homeowners Choose to Sell Agent-Free: Pros and Cons Revealed

Selling a house can be stressful; a realtor can provide valuable support and flexibility.

S
elling a home can be a daunting task, requiring constant upkeep and readiness for last-minute viewings. While some homeowners prefer to go it alone, others rely on realtors to navigate the process. A recent survey by Clever Real Estate analyzed data from 234 home sellers who chose to sell their homes without an agent.

    The top reasons people opt for a "for sale by owner" (FSBO) approach include:

    * To save on realtor fees and commissions, which can eat into profit margins. In fact, 30% of respondents cited this as their primary reason for choosing FSBO.

    * To sell the house quicker, with 29% aiming to reduce the median time on the market from 55 days to a shorter period.

    * A desire to handle showings and negotiations independently, which appeals to 27% of those polled.

    * The need to address home condition issues, such as outdated paint or flooring, which deterred 28% of respondents from seeking an agent's help.

    * Past negative experiences with realtors, cited by 24% of respondents.

    While FSBO can provide control and cost savings, it also comes with significant challenges. According to Clever, 80% of sellers who didn't use an agent have regrets about their home sale, with many wishing they had received more offers or avoided costly legal mistakes.

Homeowners selling property without agents, weighing pros and cons of agent-free sales.