Flat-Fee MLS Listings And Other Tips For Selling A Home Without A Real Estate Agent
When most people want to sell a home, they contact a real estate agent. The real estate agent researches prices, lists the home, and works to find buyers. In exchange for these services, you pay them about 6% of the home's sale price. That can add up quickly, which causes some homeowners to opt to sell the home themselves. This can be tougher than it seems since, without the help of a real estate agent, your home may not be marketed very well. However, if you are determined to sell your home without a real estate agent, there are a few strategies that can help ensure you're successful.
1. Pay to Have the Home Listed in the MLS
One thing that a real estate agent would do for you is to list the home in the multiple listing service, or MLS. This is the database that other real estate agents search to find properties for their clients. When you sell a home on your own, it does not typically get listed on the MLS, which means a lot of potential buyers won't see it or find out about it.
There are real estate brokers who will list your home on the MLS for a flat fee. This is definitely worth doing, and could even be considered essential, if you choose to sell your home without a real estate agent. You will pay the same fee regardless of how much your home sells for, so there's not as much uncertainty as when you sell through a real estate agent. Look for a flat fee MLS broker to help you.
2. Have a Professional Look at Your Listing
Of course, to list your home on the MLS, you will need to create a listing. This listing should include plenty of details, but it also needs to be concise so that readers don't skip past it due to information fatigue. See if you can find someone with real estate experience who can review your listing and offer some feedback before you submit it to the MLS.
3. Get Professional Photos Taken
The final thing that is definitely worth paying for is professional photographs. A photographer will know what angles to use for the photos to make your home look its best. They can also adjust color and contrast to ensure the colors are represented well. The more photos you have, the better. People shopping for homes often assume that if a home is not well-photographed, the seller is hiding something, and you don't want them to think that.
With the tips above, you will have an easier time finding a buyer when you're selling your home without an agent.