Selling my house by owner

[Big Joe]

Ran an ad in the paper for a few weeks. Got two calls. No one came to see it. That was like $600.00

I have it on oodle and the local CL with more people having come to see it from there.

Debating trying forsalebyowner.com but it's $900. That is certainly cheaper than going with a realtor but not sure if it's worth it if I have to go with a realtor anyways afterwards.

Any other websites out there that I'm not aware of?

We can sit on it for a while but I'd certainly rather move it sooner rather than later... Going with a realtor also means asking more to cover fees. It's listed for $10K less than the unit (they're townhouses) two doors down from it and mine is an end unit.

I'm also wondering if I should raise my asking price to give room to negotiate and be closer to my asking price if I go with a realtor which I think is a matter of when instead of if.

Thoughts?

[Droot]

A little research will reveal that a Realtor is money well spent. Unless you have something terribly wrong with your home (in which case you should fix it to prevent future problems), the cost will be made up for in the increased sale price and savings on closings.
Droot

[Unrepresented]

I've never sold a house, but I do watch a lot of teevee shows that feature home sales (and I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night).

The consensus seems to be that you will sell the home faster and for more with a Realtor.

Yes, I agree that they seem to earn way too much, but if you're trying to move the house quickly, you'll have to hold your nose and do what it takes to move it.

[wengr]

realtors will tell you that the cost is made up or surpassed by the higher price they can often provide. the bottom line is that since you will be negotiating, the cost is really split between you and the buyer. wether this cost is worth it depends on each individual case. Ads are expensive as you know. good luck from an ex realtor from forty fort.

[MJ5150]

I'd be wary of using CL with the recent negativity regarding people getting scammed or murdered based on bogus CL for sale or for rent ads.

-Mike

[Big Joe]

Going with a realtor this week.

[hover]

what's the deal with websites like "i sold my house dot com"?

[MJ5150]

We wanted to sell our house, but the realtor we chose said we should wait for a bit.

-Mike

[Stinsok]

A good realtor will advertise in local home for sale books, network with other agents, hold open houses, etc. They will list it in MLS , and any realtor in the area can potentially show and sell your home.

[Pilgrim]

I've sold two houses working with one of the outfits like for sale by owner. they provided signs and know-how, and helped with paperwork. Worked fine for us...but I'm a good salesman!

[EricF]

Getting the property listed on the MLS is a very powerful tool. The MLS is the primary source Realtors use to know what's on the market for their clients.