For sale by owner (FSBO) can sometimes be a smart strategy in a very hot market. However when the market cools off, how long are you prepared to spend marketing dollars for you home? It might be better to use professional help and let them take the risk.

The best advice my grandpa ever gave me when I stayed with him was, “Don't fall in the hole.” I was a bit confused the first time he said those words to me, but I just figured he meant be careful while playing in the yard. As I grew older I couldn't help but wonder what he meant when he said that, so I asked. “Whatever you do in life you are bound to come across holes, often when we least expect it; pitfalls that will bog us down until we feel like we are going to drown.”

Selling a home by yourself can be one of those pitfalls. If you aren't savvy in the real estate industry get ready for a potential dangerous fall. It takes more than an ad in a newspaper, a sign in your yard, or even networking through your friends. There is a truckload of research to do if you expect to get a quick sale and the price you are hoping for.

For example, do you know what the fair market value of your home is? Over and under pricing are common mistakes with FSBO sellers. Do you know where to look on the internet for this information? Do you know which of those sources are accurate?

Are you going to be able to get other realtors to show your home? Or, for that matter will anyone look at your home if there is no confidence in your ability to navigate the complexities of the sale?

Do you really have the time and energy to handle the staging, packing up for your move, and all the legalities of your home sale?

Are you ready to find your own Title Company, lender, appraiser? There are myriad availabilities, but who to trust? A professional realtor already has companies they work closely with and sometimes, when needed, attorneys. Or, are you going to tire out trying to wear all the hats in a home sale?

These questions are easily settled if you allow a professional realtor to list and handle your sale. They are in a network of other realtors and have a respect and trust in one another. Attempting to save the three to six percent commissions received by realtors also means forfeiting experience, network, and reputation, all of which could spell a quick and clean sale for the homeowner. Not to mention the ridding yourself of the stress.

My best suggestion to you is to get the help of a respected professional realtor to sell your home. Don't be afraid to consult with a number of realtors before making your choice. Choose a realtor that will fulfill your needs and work alongside you in the best manner possible. You will acquire a tireless helper, savvy salesperson, and get the highest dollar for your property. So when you get ready to sell your house, remember the sage advice of my grandpa, “Don't fall in the hole.”

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