Guest article by House Hub Real Estate Solutions
When thinking about selling your house in South Carolina without a real estate agent, you need to know that you have options! Listing your home on the MLS or other real estate websites is not the only way to sell your house. More and more people are learning how to sell their homes without an agent, which in turn, saves time and money on real estate agent commissions and fees!
What are the benefits to listing without a Realtor in South Carolina?
There are multiple benefits to eliminating the middleman and when trying to sell your house without an agent. One of the biggest benefits is saving money on South Carolina real estate agent commissions, the Realtor fees, and out of pocket expenses when you go to list the home on the MLS and other real estate websites.
To be able to offer a competitive property in South Carolina, you will most likely need to make some repairs and upgrades to increase the value of your home. If you have ever done a home repair project yourself, you will know that there are typically surprise costs and several trips to Home Depot or Lowes. If you hire a licensed professional, your costs can be significantly higher. Only take on projects you know you are capable of. This isn’t the time to start practicing your new wall texturing methods.
When you don’t use a South Carolina Realtor, you don’t have to pay any real estate agent commissions. A direct sale between two private parties will allow you to keep money in your pocket! You should expect to pay about 6% of your final sale price in Realtor commissions to the real estate agents. This can be several thousand dollars! Also, when you work with a real estate agent, you will typically be bound by the South Carolina Realtor’s listing agreement, giving them the exclusive right to sell. This means, no matter how you sell the home (even if you find the buyer yourself) you will still owe a commission to your real estate agent.
Here Is How To Get Started When Selling Your Own Home
Set your price, but do your homework first. People often think their homes are worth more than they actually are. Don’t count on Trulia, Zillow or other sites to give you your home value. Most realtors never go by these numbers as they often become skewed by false data. Research is key when determining the value of your home. Look at what houses in your area are selling for. Not what they are listed at, but what the final sales prices are. You can ask a realtor to provide that information without signing a listing agreement. If you try to set your price high and aren’t seeing any interest, you can always lower it. However, prospective buyers will be able to see your pricing history on the MLS and sites like Zillow and Trulia. Repeated, small drops can make you look desperate as a seller, or it could signal that something is wrong with the home. Try to set a fair and well-thought out price from the get-go, and you won’t have to deal with lowering it or not having interest. You can always seek the opinion of a professional appraiser. This will typically cost a few hundred dollars.
Market Your Property Properly By Utilizing Real Estate Websites
Pictures say a thousand words! Time and time again, you see real estate listings with poor imagery. If you want to sell your house quickly using online advertising, you need to have great pictures! If your pictures don’t look professional, hire a pro! This might be one of the best things you do when trying to sell your home quickly in South Carolina without a real estate agent. In addition to great pictures, you need to make sure the text gives as much detail about the property as possible. Let people know exactly what they are getting, and make sure to touch on every amenity the house offers. Be sure to be mindful of Protected Classes in all of your advertising.
Make It Happen By Showcasing Your Home’s Value
You will want to prepare your house for listing. Clean like you have never cleaned before and make any noticeable repairs. Get a head start on packing by removing all clutter and personal items. People don’t like to feel as if they are intruding when they enter your home. Clearing out your clutter and personal items allows the buyers to visualize themselves living in the house.
Make a list of selling points/upgrades to show prospective buyers. If the AC was replaced last year, and the roof the year before that, be sure to let them know. Hand out a flyer or brochure with this information, as well as your contact info. You will also want to be a “concierge” to prospective buyers. A South Carolina real estate agent can usually answer questions about the area, and you should be able to too. Make a map with important places marked. Know where schools are and how long commutes take. This will increase the perceived market value of your property in the eyes of the buyers.
You’ve Found A Buyer Then Closing Without A Real Estate Agent
Create a contract and accept only WRITTEN offers that include an earnest money deposit. You should consult with an attorney and accept the offer only on their approval. Without a local real estate agent, you will need to handle all legal and financial paperwork. It is best to work with a real estate lawyer, and a title company you know and trust!
Are you interested in selling your South Carolina home without using an agent? We can help! If you have any questions or are interested in a no-obligation fair cash offer, send us a message now! If you would prefer to speak on the phone, give us a call anytime! (864) 272–5400