Selling a house is complicated. And, when details are not managed correctly or truthfully, a seller can land up in court. This is why it’s important to work with a qualified and experienced real estate agent or with an attorney who can protect your interests and guide you through all phases of the selling process. Without it, even one costly mistake could seriously affect your future.
You may think it couldn’t be that hard “do it on your own” when it comes to selling your house. Or that by avoiding a realtor’s commission, you can put more money in your pocket. But the 2018 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reports that For Sale By Owner (FSBO’s) home sales accounted for only 7 percent of last year’s home sales. Interestingly, the typical FSBO home sold for $200,000, compared to $265,500 for agent-assisted home sales.
Find a Real Estate Agent
So, if you’re ready to find a real estate agent to help you avoid mistakes and perhaps sell for more than you expected for your property, be sure you do your homework first. The important things to look for are pretty straight forward:
- Does the agent understand and use the latest technology both for communication and marketing?
- Will the agent’s ethical practice standards will protect your interests first and foremost throughout the selling process?
- Does the agent to understand current market trends in your area? This includes how those trends will impact both the valuation and the sale of your property.
- Will the agent offer to help you determine the best time to list and begin marketing your house based on your personal situation? Will they consider your ability to get ready to sell? Or are they pushing you to sign a listing contract immediately?
Selling a House is Personal
Selling a house is just as personal as buying one. It is a financially, emotionally and legally complex process. You may have friends with a family member or another friend who is a real estate agent, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for your situation. Or that they can guarantee you’ll walk away with more money in your pocket than another agent could help you get. Even more importantly, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have the experience and expertise to always be protecting your interests.
Real estate lawsuits can result from breach of contract, specific performance issues, partition, breach of fiduciary duty, real estate fraud, quiet title, boundary disputes, and more. No one wants to spend years in court trying to remedy and finalize a real estate transaction that didn’t conform to the law or best practices. Selling a house is serious business and should be treated with the importance it deserves in order to protect your investment and your future.
