Occasionally, one can see "For Sale By Owner" signs, and some owners think that selling their own home will not only save them money, but believe they have an advantage over the sellers that have their home listed by a reputable Real Estate sales professional. Before you decide to take on this very important and legally complicated process…remember not even most Real Estate Lawyer's recommend selling your own home yourself in today's market. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. You are limiting your exposure to potential buyers (less than 10% of what a good real estate broker will generate) which theoretically means your home will take ten to fifteen times longer to sell on the market.

2. The longer a home is on the market the lower the selling price is. Why? Because most buyers think that if the home has not sold after this long... there must be something wrong with the home.

3. The selling/buying process begins AFTER the buyer leaves your home. Most sellers think that all it takes is for someone to see their home, fall in love with the great decor... and the offer automatically will follow. Remember that the buying process begins after they leave your home. If a real estate sales representative does not represent the buyer, and they are looking on their own…they usually leave the home and start to talk themselves out of the buying process. Real estate professionals are trained on how to overcome buyers remorse--a very common occurrence.

4. Because of the limited exposure you will very likely end up with a lower selling price. Remember, in order to generate the highest price possible for your home… selling means exposure. You need the maximum exposure possible, to generate the highest price possible.

5. Most buyers find it extremely awkward to negotiate or even to talk directly with sellers and therefore avoid FSBO properties.

6. Lack of negotiating experience and lack of pertinent information often will result in a lower selling price, or worse yet, a bungled contract and possible lawsuits.

7. The majority of qualified buyers are working with experienced real estate professionals.

8. Many serious buyers will pass by a FSBO home merely because they recognize that it is not in the real estate mainstream, this can some times make them wary.

9. As most local buyers now retain an experienced real estate sales person to represent them as their buyer-agency, you will probably be negotiating against an experienced professional.

10. Expected savings in broker's fees will also be greatly reduced if you offer a selling commission to entice real estate sales representatives to bring potential buyers.

11. If you are planning to use a Lawyer to help you negotiate the offer, then your lawyer's fees will be considerably higher.

12. Only real estate sales representatives have access to the up-to-date market information. News reports cannot approach the timeliness or specificity available to real estate sales people. Further, real estate sales representatives are involved in home sales much more frequently than the average homeowner is. This familiarity leads to a degree of expertise that provides an edge on negotiating and successful selling.

13. You only pay the commission to the real estate broker, if they successfully sell your home at the price you are happy with.

14. Accepting an offer is one thing, ensuring a safe and successful closing is quite another. Real estate transactions usually always have problems on closing. At times, expecting the Buyers and Sellers Lawyer's to fight it out or resolve the problems, can sometimes mean the deal is lost. This is the time that your experienced real estate professional, can be the most important. Your Real Estate professional can act as a great mediator. Lawyers MUST act only on their client's instructions and are not paid to negotiate.

With fall marking its entrance, kids back in school, and the holidays just around the corner, home sales tend to slow down during this time of year. If you're selling, it means you need to take extra measures to make your house stand out above the others on the market in your neighborhood.

So, if you're preparing to sell your house this fall, think about:


CURB APPEAL:
Fall can make or break you when it comes to curb appeal and the all-important "first impression." Leaves turning shades of crimson and gold can add extra appeal to the total look of your home's exterior. On the other hand, leaves strewn about your front yard can decrease your home's visual appeal during that first impression.

Generic improvements that enhance your home's functionality, efficiency and aesthetics, also means completing deferred maintenance and making sure all the components are in good working condition.

Celebrating the season. Add a fall wreath to the front door. Have a few huge pumpkins and fall display in your front area to welcome visitors (would-be buyers).

SCENTS OF THE SEASON:
If you're a smoker or have pets, make sure the nose doesn't know. Eliminate all such offensive odors. If you're holding an open house, or know you'll have a lot of potential buyers looking on a particular day, bake an apple pie. Nothing is more inviting than the scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through the air.

LETTING THE LIGHT IN:
A dark house is a big turn off. Open up the blinds, let the light in and turn on the lights during the day. And turn on all those accent lights and lamps.

THE FIREPLACE:
The hearth is still an important feature to most buyers, especially as days grow colder. Make sure yours is clean. Place a log in the fireplace. Or, consider placing an attractive candelabra or candle-holder that holds numerous candles in the fireplace for a decorator's touch.

HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR:
Once a buyer makes an offer, they will hire someone to conduct an in-depth inspection of the house. Some sellers like to do this before they put their house on the market so there are no surprises down the road. If anything comes up during the seller's inspection, the seller can get it taken care of before putting the house on the market. The American Society of Home Inspectors says a typical home inspection includes drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks, chimney, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation, ventilation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.

TIDYING UP:
If you have a lot of furniture or other "stuff," put some of it in storage. Put away all those knickknacks and paper piles.

ALLOWANCES:
If you have carpet, wood floors or cabinets that have seen better days, consider offering an allowance right off the bat. You'll want to discuss this with your real estate professional. There are pros and cons -- you don't get to have that "wow" first impression if you put in those floors or cabinets yourself before you sell. But you might be short on time and don't want to run into the holidays -- plus buyers may like the idea of picking out their own flooring.

YOUR ASKING PRICE:
Don't insist on setting the price too high, especially if you're on a timeline. A house priced appropriately will be taken more seriously and will ultimately sell more quickly than one that's overpriced.

TALK TO THE PROFESSIONALS:
Follow your REALTOR's additional recommendations and begin the final phases of preparation before your house goes on the market.

UNDERSTAND THE PLAN:
Real estate marketing involves far more than a sign in the yard and an ad in the paper. Successful REALTORS use a variety of methods to attract and qualify prospects, including the latest Internet and communication advances.


Written by Michele Dawson