In the day and age where DIY is rampant, it may not always prove smart (or financially ideal) to do it yourself (aka“DIY”). Especially in the real estate industry, selling your house on your own can prove to be tricky, and not as profitable.

Although “for sale by owner” seems to promise a great deal of savings, there are some costs you might accrue that you wouldn’t using your local real estate agent.

1. Your property may not be all-accessible.
Let’s face it. You’re not a professional. And your buyers know it. Specifically, buyer’s agents may phase your home out of their client’s mix because they know that they may be dealing with someone who doesn’t know their stuff like a professional would. Working with a certified real estate agent means less headache for the buyer, and their agent.

“There are only two reasons why I show an FSBO: There is no other inventory available or the price is ridiculously low,” says Bruce Ailion, a realtor with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta. In addition, he says, “FSBO sellers are viewed as unrealistic, unreasonable and difficult sellers whom professional realtors have rejected.”

2. You’re probably biased.
Selling your own home is an emotional experience. You’re typically more likely to be biased about different aspects of the home: how it should be treated, its value, and who “deserves” it. An agent helps remove you from the direct process, and cuts out the emotion.

And don’t forget about the rejection. Without an agent, the rejections for your real estate can seem personal and take its toll. Agents are trained in rejection and can put a positive spin on the feedback given. Don’t let yourself get in your own way when trying to sell your property.

3. Your time is not unlimited.
Selling your house may seem like a first priority, but what about your job? Your family? Your friends? This is not your full time job, and as such, you won’t be able to focus all of your attention on it. An agent is there to cover every aspect of selling real estate, 24/7.

4. Your connections pale in comparison.
An agent will, by and far, have a better network of connections than you will. They’ve been in the game longer and have probably filled up their little black book with helpful contacts. They also have established relationships with these contacts. Talk about having your foot in the door!

5. Showings are endless for a do-it-yourselfer.
Agents can filter and categorize people interested in seeing your home. If you’re selling on your own, you won’t really be able to distinguish who is a legitimate, and qualified, buyer, versus who is just curious. Agents will also have you designate a showing time that works with your schedule so that you do not have to drop everything at once when a potential client comes calling.

It can also be detrimental for your buyers if you are present when they’re looking at the home. They may feel awkward or feel pressure that they normally wouldn’t with a realtor.

6. Negotiation should really be left up to the professionals.
Home sales are tricky and require a certain finesse. And, most likely, an agent can talk your buyer into a higher price.

“An experienced selling agent may have negotiated hundreds of home purchases,” David Kean, a realtor with Teles Properties in Beverly Hills, California, says. “We know all the games, the warning signs of a nervous or disingenuous buyer.”

Using an agent means that you have someone on board who knows the local financial customs for selling a home that acts as an added benefit for you.

7. Remember that point about you being biased? Beware of those rose-colored glasses.
It’s hard to see the imperfections in your home. An agent will see them right away and will be able to tell you what you need to change or update before a buyer will consider purchasing.

“Anyone who’s determined to sell their own home should hire an interior designer or property stager to assess the current condition and market appeal of the home,” Kean says. “All sellers need to hire a professional cleaning service to give a home a deep cleaning before putting it on the market. A good cleaning will help remove any distinct odors such as pets that the inhabitants can’t smell since they live with it every day.”

8. Did we mention that you could be sued?
There’s a lot of paperwork involved in selling a home. A local agent knows the inside and out of the legal aspects of real estate and can help you dodge some mine fields. Selling your home without an experienced professional, at least for the paperwork-side of your process, can be like trying to do your taxes without any help. We really suggest you call up your local realtor.

Sound like a lot to handle? Wait until you see the summary.
So while it may seem profitable to sell your house on your own, you may want to think again and call your local real estate agent because some of the industry may avoid your property, your emotions may hold you back, you probably don’t have the time to dedicate to such a project, you’re not as connected as a professional, the showing process can be a lot to juggle, negotiations may not be your forte, and the legal work can be extremely intense.

Article Citation: Fontinelle, Amy. 8 Reasons not to sell your home without an agent. Invetopedia. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/071514/8-reasons-not-sell-your-home-without-agent.asp?partner=YahooSA.
Picture Citation: http://www.themarkruffnetwork.com/Blog/Top-10-mistakes-when-selling-as-For-Sale-By-Owner