
When considering selling your house in DFW, it’s important to know you have options! Listing your home on the MLS isn’t the only way to sell. Many people are discovering how to sell their homes without an agent, saving both time and money in the process. Learn more about how it works in our latest blog!
How To Sell Your House Without An Agent in DFW
What are the benefits to listing without an agent?
Eliminating the middleman offers numerous benefits, with one of the biggest being cost savings. By avoiding commissions and out-of-pocket expenses associated with listing a home, you can keep more money in your pocket.
To make your property competitive, you may need to make repairs and upgrades. Home repair projects often come with unforeseen costs and multiple trips to the hardware store. Hiring a professional can be even more expensive. Only take on projects you’re confident you can handle; now is not the time to experiment with new techniques.
By not using a realtor, you avoid paying commissions. A direct sale between private parties allows you to save money. Typically, realtor commissions are around 6% of the final sale price, which can amount to several thousand dollars. Additionally, working with an agent usually involves a listing agreement that grants them exclusive rights to sell your home. This means that even if you find the buyer yourself, you’ll still owe a commission to your agent.
How do I get started?
Set your price wisely by doing thorough research first. Homeowners often overestimate their property’s value, so don’t rely on Zillow or similar sites for an accurate estimate, as they can be skewed by incorrect data. Most realtors avoid these numbers for the same reason.
To determine your home’s value, research recent sale prices of similar homes in your area, not just the listing prices. You can ask a realtor for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) without having to sign a listing agreement. If you initially set your price too high and don’t attract interest, you can lower it. However, prospective buyers can see your pricing history on the MLS and sites like Zillow and Trulia. Frequent, small price drops can make you appear desperate or suggest issues with the home.
Aim to set a fair, well-researched price from the start to avoid frequent adjustments and lack of interest. You can also seek the opinion of a professional appraiser, which typically costs a few hundred dollars.
Work Your Advertising Game
Pictures say a thousand words! Time and time again, you see real estate listings with poor imagery. If you want to sell your house using online advertising, you need to have great pictures! If your pictures don’t look professional, hire a pro! This might be one of the best things you do when selling your home. In addition to great pictures, you need to make sure the text gives as much detail about the property as possible. Let people know exactly what they are getting, and make sure to touch on every amenity the house offers. Be sure to be mindful of Protected Classes in all of your advertising.
Make It Happen!
Prepare your house for listing by cleaning thoroughly and making any noticeable repairs. Start packing early by removing all clutter and personal items to create a welcoming environment for potential buyers.
Create a list of selling points and upgrades to share with prospective buyers. For example, if you replaced the AC last year or the roof the year before, make sure to highlight these improvements. Provide a flyer or brochure with this information and your contact details. Additionally, be ready to act as a “concierge” for prospective buyers. An agent usually answers questions about the area, so you should be able to as well. Prepare a map marking important locations and be knowledgeable about nearby schools and commute times.
You’ve Found A Buyer, Now What?
Draft a contract and only accept WRITTEN offers that include a deposit. Consult with an attorney and proceed with the offer only after their approval. Without an agent, you will need to manage all legal and financial paperwork. It’s advisable to work with a trusted lawyer and title company to ensure everything is handled correctly.