How can I sell my house?

[MossBoss95]

Well first of all let me tell you I am a Real Estate Agent and will offer of this as a way to help and not to solicitate business.

I have read the posts and some have some really good points.

First, the market as said above is a buyers market, and there will be a ton of competition in your price range. The average time on the market(MLS listings) is about 60-120days, and with more expensive homes even more. So if you are in a big hurry, agent listed or FSBO listed homes will take awile.

Second, is the for sale by owner shops. The FSBO shops will charge you on a sliding scale depending on how many "extras" you want, i.e. Advertising, paperwork, web listing and this can be expensive as well. Also if you list it with them on the MLS you will still have to pay a buyers agent 2.7% comission on top. So as with a 200k home it will cost 1-2K to the fsbo shope and 2.7%(5,400) to the buyers realtor. All in all about 6-7K. Now this dosent cover the Title company which will cost you another 400$ give or take a few dollars, which is a must.

Third, a realestate co will charge 4-6% depending on where you go I.E. Edina realty, coldwell banker. They will handle all of the things said above alonge with their large network of people. Final cost with a realtor on a 200K home, ($8,000-12,000). The 5,400 to the buyers agent is a constant and will always be 2.7% on a MLS listed home. One other thing to consider that when you list the agent he/she will know what your home will sell for in the current market,and pricing is the key.

Well I could go on forever but I hope I have helped a little. Yes, realtors are more expensive but again you get what you pay for. The most inportant thing to remember is get it in writting and have a professional look at the final paperwork.

If my info is contradictory to others please don't bash me this is only my experience, and am here to help.

Mossboss95

[castmaster]

one thing i'll say is take advice from those who have sold properties on there own OUTSIDE of the late 1990's-2005. during the boom of the past years ANYONE could sell a house. talk to folks who sold on their own during the 1980's as their experiences may more closely resmble yours. then rememebr to take into account the internet and such that will allow you to reach more buyers.

also, if you think there may be any problems with the home, be sure to have it inspected before and disclose any of these rpoblems to buyers. the last thing you'll want is a lwasuit 2 years down the road because of something you didnt disclose and were supposed to!

[SCUMFROG]

Well after this weekend my wife and I have decided to stay in the house and wait to sell. We talked to some realtors and they all say what you guys are saying here. It's a buyers market not a sellers. So I'll just keep it and do some more repairs and painting. Hopefully I can get some of the stuff done by my self.

I would like to thank all of you for your advice on this.