Should you hire an agent, or sell independently?
Selling your house on your own means pocketing the entire profit from the sale. Tempting, right? But hiring a real estate agent can add value in surprising ways—and you could even get more bang for your buck. “There is a tremendous value that a broker can bring as far as pricing, strategy, marketing, and negotiating,” says Rory Bolger, a licensed real estate associate broker (NYRS) in New York City. Plus, “when you’re selling your own property, you’re emotionally involved.” When it’s your home, it’s easy to take negative feedback personally, or hype up aspects that might not actually matter. A professional team, on the other hand, can guarantee that your sale will move along quickly and efficiently with smooth communication. This is what your real estate agent is really thinking.
Is it the right time to sell?
Will you be selling your house in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? That one question can make all the difference, according to Bolger. “It comes down to supply and demand,” he says. A seller’s market is optimal for getting the best price for your house, but “if the state of the market is a touch more on the buyer’s side, you’ve got to think and be strategic. A good game plan will maximize what you walk away with,” he says, and help you pay off your old house’s loan (while also putting some extra cash in your pocket!). Check out the best tips for selling your home.
