Many people believe they can save a considerable amount of money by selling their homes themselves. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but while you may be willing to take on the task, are you qualified? Following are some questions to help you realistically assess what’s involved:

• DO you have the knowledge, patience, and sales skill needed to sell your home?
• IF your Buyer is aggressive, CAN you negotiate a successful outcome for yourself?
• DO you know how to determine the current market value of your home?
• ARE you aware of conditions in the marketplace today that affect value of your home?
• ARE you aware of conditions in the marketplace today that affect value and length of time to sell?
• DO you know how to determine whether or not a Buyer can qualify for a loan?
• ARE you concerned about having strangers walking through your home?
• DO you understand the steps of an escrow and what’s required of you and the Buyer?
• ARE you familiar enough with real estate regulations to prepare a binding sales contract? Counter-offers?
• ARE you aware that every time you leave your home, you are taking it off the market until you return?
• HAVE you made arrangements with an escrow and title company, home warranty company, pest-control service and lender to assist you with the transaction?
• DO you need to hire a real estate attorney? If so, DO you know what the cost will be and how much liability they will assume in the transaction?
• DO you know how to advertise effectively and what the costs will be?
• ARE you aware that prospective Buyers and bargain hunters will expect you to lower your cost because there’s no Realtor® involved?
• DO you understand the various types of loans Buyers may choose and the advantages and disadvantages for the Seller?
• ARE you prepared to give up your evenings and weekends to show your home to potential Buyers and “just-looking” time wasters?

Before you make the decision to try to sell your home alone, consider the benefits a Realtor® can provide that you may not be aware of. Only you can determine whether you should attempt to sell your home-probably your largest investment-all alone. Talk with a Realtor® before you decide. You may find working with a professional is a lot less expensive and much more beneficial that you ever imagined!