With improvements in the housing market, now may be a good time to consider selling your home. Your reasons for selling may include the need to relocate to a different area, the desire to upgrade from a starter home, or to save yourself time and maintenance costs by downgrading to a smaller home that better suits your needs. While many people consider selling their homes themselves to save money, having an experienced real estate agent handle the transaction can not only save you time and money, but could also protect you against legal liability that can arise during and after the sale.
The Advantages of Using A Real Estate Agent
While some homeowners today think they can save money by selling their home themselves, choosing to list your house as ‘for sale by owner’ or FSBO can actually cost you money in the long run. According to Realty Today, the advantages of using a real estate agent to list, show, and sell your home include the following:
- When it comes to setting a price for your home, your real estate agent can provide expert advice on getting the maximum amount for your property that the market will bear.
- A real estate agent understands the market, and can provide realistic advice on the features most sought after by buyers, as well as instruct you on upgrades that could increase your home’s value or help it sell faster.
- Marketing a home to buyers is not as easy as it looks, and a real estate agent knows the most successful methods for appealing to buyers.
- One of the keys to selling a home for the most money is creating lots of showings, something most homeowners do not have the time or energy to do.
- A professional real estate agent is much more experienced in negotiating the sales contracts of homes because they do it all the time. That fact, coupled with the ability to generate more offers, means you will most likely get a higher net amount of funds after the sale. And the sellers’ net proceeds are what matter most.
- Having a real estate agent list your home for sale means that all showings will be initiated by other real estate agents representing the buyer, thus helping to ensure that any interested buyers touring your home have both the intention and financial ability to actually go through with the sale.
Legal Liability When Selling Your Home
In addition to the benefits offered by a real estate agent in listing, showing, and helping to sell your home, having an experienced agent on your side can protect you against any potential legal liability that could arise. A US News and World Report article on the dangers of selling your home yourself states that there are numerous liability issues that can arise for a home owner who chooses to forego having a real estate agent handle their sale. Examples of these types of issues include the following:
- Improperly worded contracts that leave sellers open to liability for repairs to the home.
- Non-disclosure issues pertaining to problems that exist within the home, such as mold or pests.
- Claims of discriminatory practices from prospective homebuyers.
- Liability for personal injuries suffered by those viewing the property.
All of the above situations can be prevented by having an experienced real estate agent handle your sale. Your agent understands the liability you face when opening your property to the general public, and can advise you in ways to limit injuries or claims of unfair practices. In the event of a sale, they can ensure that all legal documents and contracts are properly worded to protect you against any future liability that could arise from structural or repair issues the buyer ends up facing. Before taking on the risks of selling your home yourself, contact an experienced Denver real estate lawyer first to ensure your interests are protected, and who can also help you with any questions you may have.
These are just few of the reasons why you should use a Real Estate agent to sell your Denver home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local Denver area real estate professionals, the Bandy Team! Let us guide you through all phases of the home buying and home selling process in Denver. Whether you’re searching for Parker Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Aurora or any of the other fine communities surrounding Denver. We are here to help you find your dream home. We will be there to help you every step of the way!
Until next time,
Marianne Bandy, Team Leader
The Bandy Team
Keller Williams Park Meadows
720-466-3790
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