When it comes to real estate, whether it is buying or selling, it’s never easy the first time around – or second, for that matter. You always face new problems you are unfamiliar with, and it isn’t until you have been an active member of the industry for a while that things start to become easier.
And now – with the coronavirus pandemic adding new unknown factors into the mix, the whole process is ten times more complicated. That is why it is best to ask for help from a professional when you are trying to make a sale. If you need more convincing, here are five reasons why!
1) Online Strategy
With people on lockdown and social distancing becoming a bigger factor every day, no one wants to go out of their house to look at potential real estate properties. That is why many sellers are adapting to their clients’ needs by doing virtual tours online of their houses.
This works in many sellers favour too, as it means they do not have to continuously prepare for open houses. However, of course as this is new for both the sellers and buyers, you have to make sure you set up your website in a way that attracts people, which isn’t as easy as it sounds.
2) Negotiations
Negotiations are never easy, you have to find a way to balance what is suitable for the buyer, without compromising on what you require and getting cheated out of a good sale. And when you are selling a house, it is not just the buyer you have to negotiate with, but also the appraiser, buyer’s agent and inspection company. It is not easy, or a short process, and the more help you have – the better.
3) Being an FSBO is Not Easy
Over the years, being a FSBO (For Sale by Owner) is becoming more difficult – this is because more regulations and rules are being added to the process of sale transactions, and they usually require a third party agent to act as a witness to the seller, so there will not be any legal technicalities later on in the process.
4) Using an Agent Nets you More Money
The major reason a person decides to sell their house on their own is because they believe they can forgo the commission given to an agent and in that way earn more money themselves. However, this is a common misconception. In fact, by not using an agent, some sellers rack in less money than their house is worth, as they do not gain the same popularity and number of potential buyers that an agent can bring in.
5) Safety
In times like this, not only is your house’s safety a priority, but also your health. An agent has specific protocols that controls who enters your house and when – protocols that are hard to maintain on your own. That is why it is best to employ one to help you.
We hope these five cons have been enough to clear your mind of any misconceptions and worries you may have had!
