Almost any individual, anywhere, anytime, can understand the need to want to limit unnecessary expenses, and save as much as possible. To not spend funds on items and services to which we will receive no benefit.

We are no different, and, we fully understand that.

The truth is many By Owners cross from desiring the above, into proceeding on paths which in the end, do not save them money, and actually end up against their best interests.

Speaking with a Realtor, whose profession it is to conduct such transactions day in and day out is never done, and, sometimes, in the process, the most simple tasks and their consequences overlooked. For example: Many will speak of "selling it themselves", when in reality, they do not, as the process which an agent or broker would normally handled is then handled by their attorneys. Which is of interest, since most real estate agents and brokers do not make as much as many attorneys to begin with.

By almost any and all statistics found from any source, the individual owner/seller actually receives less than those transactions handled by a Realtor.

This is not a commentary against such, for, as above, we are also consumers, and like to save money also when able, but the questions lie at what point does it actually make financial sense.

There are fee based companies serving by owner clients which in some cases come very close to what one might pay in a typical commission.

The successful By Owner will state "But I sold it myself", and herin lies another problem: How can one possibly feel as though they received anywhere close to "market value", when, it was never really on "the market"?

I have always advised and spoke with By Owner consumers will all in mind. In some cases, one might be able to acheive a similar savings, yet have full representation throughout the entire process.

In some cases, there might even be alternative arrangements enabling a greater savings utilizing full representation.

In some cases, By Owner may in the end provide a savings, in some ways it may not. Each situation is unique. (Few also realize basic negotiation, and inspection issues may also cost them thousands which if proper representation could have been avoided.)

The list of areas which one can fail in a transaction can range from emotional, to negotiation, to basic procedure (inspection and credits) and costs associated (attorney for handling matters agent or broker typically does), to proper market exposure, as above, and the list goes on and on.

There are many facets to a transaction from start to finish, and even with full representation for all parties involved a transaction sometimes does not come to fruition.

Our suggestion is always to speak to someone, anyone more knowledgeable to understand the process.