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Is It Better to Sell Your House Yourself or Use a Realtor?

Updated: May 13


If you're thinking about selling your home in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez, you might be wondering: Is it better to sell my house myself or use a realtor? While it can be tempting to try and save money by going the "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) route, working with a professional real estate agent often leads to better results, smoother transactions, and even higher profits. Let's dive into why partnering with an experienced realtor is usually the smarter choice.


Benefits of Using a Realtor When Selling a Home

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most crucial factors in getting it sold quickly and for top dollar. Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), recent sales data, and market trends in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez. They perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to set a competitive and realistic price that attracts buyers without leaving money on the table.


When you list with a realtor, your home benefits from professional photography, virtual tours, staging advice, and wide exposure through MLS, social media, email campaigns, and real estate websites. An agent knows how to create a marketing plan that highlights your home's best features and reaches serious buyers.


Negotiating the best price and terms takes skill and experience. Realtors act as a buffer between you and buyers, working to maximize your profit while avoiding common pitfalls. Whether it's navigating inspection requests or handling counteroffers, a realtor protects your best interests.


Selling a home involves complex paperwork and legal disclosures. One mistake could lead to costly lawsuits. A licensed realtor ensures that all contracts, disclosures, and required documents are completed accurately and in compliance with California law.


Selling a house yourself means juggling showings, marketing, paperwork, negotiations, and more—on top of your regular life. A realtor handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on your next move.



Learn more: Selling Your Home


1. Limited Exposure

Homes listed FSBO typically reach far fewer buyers. Without MLS access and professional marketing, your home may sit on the market longer, ultimately selling for less.


2. Incorrect Pricing

Many FSBO sellers either overprice (scaring off buyers) or underprice (leaving money behind). Without a CMA and market expertise, it's hard to hit the pricing sweet spot.


3. Lack of Negotiation Expertise

Negotiating real estate deals isn't just about getting a high price; it's also about contingencies, repairs, timelines, and staying compliant with contracts. FSBO sellers often accept unfavorable terms or miss opportunities to negotiate better deals.


4. Increased Legal Risk

Selling a home requires compliance with disclosure laws, fair housing regulations, and contractual obligations. FSBO sellers risk lawsuits due to improper paperwork or unintentional omissions.


5. Emotional Involvement

Selling your own home can get emotional. It's easy to get offended by lowball offers or negative feedback. Realtors provide objective advice and keep emotions from derailing a deal.




  • Higher Sales Prices: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO homes sold for a median price of $310,000 in 2023, while agent-assisted homes sold for a median of $405,000—a difference of nearly $95,000.

  • Faster Sales: NAR data shows that homes sold with a realtor typically spend fewer days on the market compared to FSBO listings, especially in competitive markets like Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez.

  • Increased Buyer Exposure: Homes listed on MLS and promoted by a realtor reach exponentially more potential buyers than homes marketed only on FSBO websites or yard signs.

  • Risk Mitigation: Studies show that homeowners who use a licensed agent are significantly less likely to face post-sale legal disputes compared to those who sell their home themselves.

  • Professional Expertise: 89% of sellers who used a real estate agent said they would use the same agent again or recommend them to others (NAR 2023 Report).


Learn more: Real Estate Agent


Conclusion: Work with a Trusted Realtor for a Smoother, More Profitable Sale

While selling your house yourself might seem appealing at first, the advantages of working with a realtor are clear. From accurate pricing and professional marketing to expert negotiation and legal protection, an experienced real estate agent adds tremendous value to the process.





 


If you're thinking about selling your home in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez, let's connect. As a local real estate expert, I can help you navigate the market, maximize your profit, and make your move as smooth as possible.


Ready to talk about selling your home? Contact me today!


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