An article, by Chip Morrison, published in The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Real Estate Today entitled, "14 Reasons FSBO's Should List with You--But Quick", explains the advantages of using a REALTOR® versus selling your house on your own. As someone who has seen both REALTOR® assisted transactions and For Sale By Owner transactions, I was struck by the validity of these fourteen reasons.

Home sellers who choose to go it alone may not have the knowledge to price their homes competitively. They may overprice their homes and have a very long wait, or they may underprice their homes and not get what their house is worth. Also, FSBO's may not be objective about their homes and may not see some of the physical characteristics that may turn buyers off. A REALTOR® has the experience and reference tools to price a home competitively and he or she will show a home stressing the best selling points.

Another astute point is that a person selling his/her own home may lack advertising experience. A REALTOR® has significant experience writing newspaper ads that produce buyers and that meet fair housing guidelines. Also, a REALTOR® can offer many different advertising options, such as television, on-line services, and a variety of home buyer's magazines.

Also, home sellers may have to change their schedules and rearrange their lifestyles to sell a home on their own. A REALTOR® is available on weekends, vacations, and evenings to show a home. That way, a potential buyer will not slip through the cracks while the sellers are unavailable.

And lastly, a REALTOR® has the means and experience to "weed out" curiosity seekers, thieves, and people who are not serious about seeing a home. A REALTOR® has a pre-qualifying process to determine which prospects are legitimate and have the financial means to purchase a home.

If you are thinking of selling your home on your own, good luck! But please consider contacting a REALTOR® to see what services can be provided to you to make home selling a positive experience. A REALTOR® is a real estate agent that belongs to a REALTOR® Association or Board and that has the services and tools available to more efficiently and professionally serve your real estate needs.