Selling Your Home in Houston, Texas: FSBO vs. Real Estate Agent

Selling your home is a significant decision, and if you're a homeowner in Houston, Texas, you may be contemplating whether to go the "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) route or enlist the services of a real estate agent. Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding them can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your goals. In this blog post, we'll explore the process of selling your home as a homeowner in Houston and discuss the reasons you may want to consider hiring a real estate agent.

The FSBO Approach-Assumptions

Cost Savings

One of the primary reasons homeowners choose to sell their property FSBO is the potential for cost savings. Homeowners assume that, by eliminating the agent's commission, which typically ranges from 3% to 5% of the sale price, you as the homeowner can keep more of the profit from the sale.

Control Over the Process

When you sell your home on your own, you have complete control over the sales process versus running everything by an agent. Buyers can come directly to you. Similarly to working with an agent, you can set the price, choose when to host showings, and negotiate directly with buyers.

Personalized Marketing FSBO

Sellers have the opportunity to tailor marketing efforts to their liking. You can showcase your home's unique features and highlight what you think is most appealing to potential buyers. Homeowners are able to create a marketing strategy that includes upfront paid advertising, social media campaigns, physical signage and host open houses.

Local Knowledge

 As the homeowner, you likely have an intimate knowledge of your neighborhood and can share insights with prospective buyers. Homeowners alike can research potential trends in the area and the future direction of the neighborhood. While taking into consideration proximity of future commercial property and drive time to the nearest stores and freeway.

Why You May Need a Real Estate Agent

Pricing Expertise

As discussed above FSBO will have every opportunity to create a sales price designed to reflect the value of their home. However, what homeowners fail to consider in selecting a sales price for their property, is real time exclusive market data. 

Real estate agents have access to extensive market data and can provide valuable guidance in setting the right price for your home. When working with homeowners, I discuss market trends, home values, why similar homes are priced accordingly, tips for selling quickly, etc. To help my homeowners understand the value of their properties. 

FBSO’s tend to forget that we are in the market everyday working with both buyers and sellers. Real agents know what buyers want and what they look for when investing in a property. It is my job to teach and guide my sellers into understanding the differences of overpricing or underpricing their property. 

In the end, I work for you, the seller. I want the same thing as you. I want to make sure you have a voice and are comfortable with the selling process every step of the way. My goal is not to deter potential buyers, and an agent can help you avoid this pitfall.

Wider Exposure

Yes, FBSO and real estate agents have access to the same social media, but real estate agents have access to multiple listing services (MLS) that homeowners don’t have. Creating a listing to be displayed on MLS allows your property to be seen by a broader audience of potential buyers. Using our local MLS can increase exposure and can lead to faster sales. Additionally, I like to reach out to past clients and or investors in my database and inform them of any properties coming soon. 

Negotiation Skills

Skilled negotiation is a key component of successful real estate transactions. Real estate agents are experienced in negotiating with buyers, ensuring you get the best possible deal. The negotiation is the most challenging step for FBSO and can make or break a potential offer. Making sure all contingencies are met and conveyed when selling a home is key.

Truthy, when a buyer is looking for a property to purchase, most buyers are leery of FSBO properties for various reasons, one of which is negational skills. The negation process involves more than just price, what about repairs, closing date, lease back, etc. Are FBSO, ready to haggle over repairs or structural issues? 

Here are just a few articles related to the topic of FBSO and negotiations.

6 Reasons You Should Avoid Buying FBSO

10 Reasons Why FBSO’s Fail in Real Estate

Disadvantages of Buying a For Sale By Owner

Legal Expertise

The process of selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, including contracts and legal requirements. Real estate agents are well-versed in these matters, helping you avoid potential legal pitfalls. Most agents, like myself, know who to contact quickly with any legal questions that may arise at little to know cost out of pocket.

I make it a part of my real estate practice to stay up to date with understanding any forms my clients will need to help the transaction run smoothly. If I don’t have the answer I know someone who does. Understanding contracts and forms associated with the sale of a property is not something to take lightly. For this very reason, of contract understanding some of my buyers specifically ask to not be shown properties that are FBSO.  

Time and Convenience

Selling a home is time-consuming. From marketing to showings and negotiations, it can be a full-time job. As a real estate agent, it's my job to handle the majority of these tasks, freeing up your time and reducing stress. There can be more or less 180 pages of documents to fill out and keep up with. Between coordinating with the title, and buyers’ agent making sure paperwork is in on time can be critical to closing on your property. 

Market Insights

It’s my job to learn and understand today’s real estate market. I can provide insights on current market conditions, helping you make informed decisions. You as the homeowner have the ability to do your own research and form your own opinion, but I as the agent am doing the same. My job is to sift out what is truthful and locate the best information to be able to make an informed decision. 

The bottom line

Deciding whether to sell your home FSBO or with the assistance of a real estate agent is a personal choice, and it largely depends on your goals and circumstances. There is more to selling a property than what meets the eye. Seemly, some buyers don’t mind buying a FBSO property and others choose not to, are facts to not consider lightly. While going the FSBO route offers cost savings and control. Hiring a real estate agent can provide expertise, wider exposure, and peace of mind.

Ultimately, the decision should be made after careful consideration of your specific needs and resources. Whether you choose to sell your Houston home on your own or with a real estate agent, make sure to thoroughly research and plan your strategy to achieve a successful and profitable sale. If you decide to FBSO your home or work with an agent, I’m here to help you in any way. Please reach out to me with any questions you have  realtorjaclyncano@gmai.com or 346-573-4729.  I wish you all the best with the sale of your home.